c. Selecting ICT Resources

The only choices that you might really have here are between the types of data-logging hardware and software you use and between the exact types of spreadsheet package you have access to. However, you might decide that you want to use one thing or the other at different times - use the data-logging IT to do one job and then keep the modelling separate by doing it at a different time or by using different data. This choice will be determined by the way you answered the questions at the end of 1.b. What is important is the decision about the best way of learning. The questions below should help you to focus on this with your mentor.

Questions for Consideration

• Do you believe that pupils learn principles and practices of science more or less effectively when ICT is used to automate experimental processes, and which processes do you think this applies to?
• Is it true that the arithmetic functions of handling data and controlling/predicting/modelling events based on this data:
  • a) Get in the way of an internalisation of the scientific principles?
  • b) Enable the pupil to come to grips with the detail of the principles and processes?

Keep a short record of your responses to these questions for discussion with your mentor.

d. Developing Your Own Knowledge of the Resources