Journal 6

Owen, A. (2002). Mapping student minds. Learning & Leading with Technology, 29(7), 6-9 & 26.

This article presents an excellent example of getting all kids in a class engaged in a topic through the use of technology. It's about how using web-based "causal mapping" and database software in a middle school science project enhances learning and understanding. A causal map is a diagram representing causal (cause-and-effect) relationships in a system. The students used the Web-based Inquiry Science Environment (WISE), a free online science learning environment hosted at UC Berkeley and supported by the National Science Foundation, to input data and define causal relationships. The project topic was the ecosystem in a creek near the school Pine Creek. The students collected various data to assess water quality (pH, dissolved oxygen, phosphate, etc) from various sites along the creek's length, and observed the flora and fauna in and around the creek. In the field, data were inputted into a Palm Pilot, and then uploaded into the WISE system in the classroom. This system replaced an earlier less 'technological' system where data was collected using pencil and paper then inputted into Excel manually. Causal maps were created by the students, and the validity of the maps tested by examining the data to check for consistency with the maps. Maps were redrawn to be consistent with the collected data. Using the maps enabled students to see relationships clearly, having the data available to test these relationships led the students into reasoning and debates in explaining causes and effects.
The author notes that the gifted kids had a really great time using this tool, but it is also of great benefit to all the students. The approach can be used to tackle any topic where there is measurable data and cause/effect relationships.

1. Why is this data collection method (Palm Pilot in the field, later upload to database) better than the old method (pencil and paper/manual entry)? Obviously, fewer mistakes are made. Also, the data is less likely to get lost or misinterpreted. The kids would like the idea of having a technology tool with them to collect the data.

2. What NETS-S does this approach satisfy? 2 - communication and collaboration, 3 - research and information fluency, and 4 - critical thinking, problem solving and decision making.