Research for the future of science education: New ways of learning, new ways of living

Abstract

New information and communication technologies make it possible for students to learn about science and about the natural world through multiple media and multiple environments of learning. Research needs to help us understand how students integrate learning through text, spoken language, graphical images, animations, audio, video, simulations, and three-dimension models and virtual worlds. We must also learn how to effectively link learning in schools and other educational institutions with learning online, in nature, at technological sites and through practice. With these many new possibilities, we need to re-examine the goals and curriculum of science education. Should they be the same for all? Should we focus science education more on social issues and students’ concerns? Can we make science education more democratic and more politically progressive?