Interactive Computer Models for Science Education. Research Paper: Connecting Technology to Teaching and Learning.

The state government of West Virginia has been motivating a reform of high school science and technology education by actively funding projects that lead to innovative computer-based teaching techniques. Faculties at Marshall University (Huntington, West Virginia) have been active participants in this reform, and have been developing computer-based interactive multimedia models for high school students. These models are designed to promote and enhance high school science education, particularly in remote Appalachian high schools that lack ready access to either extensive laboratory equipment or computer resources, and to help high school teachers utilize computer technology in the classroom. The primary benefit of the models for students is that they learn the scientific processes of making their own hypotheses, and proving or disproving them using inferences, analysis, and critical thinking skills. (AEF)