Abstract
In this manuscript we describe an introductory astronomy course for undergraduate students in which we moved from the large-lecture format to one in which students were immersed in a technologically-rich, inquiry-based, participatory learning environment. Specifically, undergraduate students used 3-D modeling tools to construct virtual reality models of the solar system, and in the process, build rich understandings of various astronomical phenomena. For this study, primarily naturalistic inquiry was used to gain a holistic view of this semester-long course. These data are presented as two case studies focusing on: (1) the role of the teacher in this participatory learning environment; (2) the particular dynamics that formed in each group; (3) the modeling process; (4) the resources used, specifically student-developed inscriptions; and (5) the role of technology and whether learning the technology interfered with learning astronomy. Results indicated that VR can be used effectively in regular undergraduate university courses as a tool through which students can develop rich understandings of various astronomical phenomena.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 7-25 |
| Number of pages | 19 |
| Journal | Journal of Science Education and Technology |
| Volume | 9 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| State | Published - 2000 |
| Externally published | Yes |
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Keywords
- Astronomy
- Constructionism
- Modeling
- Virtual reality
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Education
Cite this
Virtual solar system project : Learning through a technology-rich, inquiry-based, participatory learning environment. / Barab, Sasha; Hay, Kenneth E.; Squire, Kurt; Barnett, Michael; Schmidt, Rae; Karrigan, Kristen; Yamagata-Lynch, Lisa; Johnson, Christine.
In: Journal of Science Education and Technology, Vol. 9, No. 1, 2000, p. 7-25.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Virtual solar system project
T2 - Learning through a technology-rich, inquiry-based, participatory learning environment
AU - Barab, Sasha
AU - Hay, Kenneth E.
AU - Squire, Kurt
AU - Barnett, Michael
AU - Schmidt, Rae
AU - Karrigan, Kristen
AU - Yamagata-Lynch, Lisa
AU - Johnson, Christine
PY - 2000
Y1 - 2000
N2 - In this manuscript we describe an introductory astronomy course for undergraduate students in which we moved from the large-lecture format to one in which students were immersed in a technologically-rich, inquiry-based, participatory learning environment. Specifically, undergraduate students used 3-D modeling tools to construct virtual reality models of the solar system, and in the process, build rich understandings of various astronomical phenomena. For this study, primarily naturalistic inquiry was used to gain a holistic view of this semester-long course. These data are presented as two case studies focusing on: (1) the role of the teacher in this participatory learning environment; (2) the particular dynamics that formed in each group; (3) the modeling process; (4) the resources used, specifically student-developed inscriptions; and (5) the role of technology and whether learning the technology interfered with learning astronomy. Results indicated that VR can be used effectively in regular undergraduate university courses as a tool through which students can develop rich understandings of various astronomical phenomena.
AB - In this manuscript we describe an introductory astronomy course for undergraduate students in which we moved from the large-lecture format to one in which students were immersed in a technologically-rich, inquiry-based, participatory learning environment. Specifically, undergraduate students used 3-D modeling tools to construct virtual reality models of the solar system, and in the process, build rich understandings of various astronomical phenomena. For this study, primarily naturalistic inquiry was used to gain a holistic view of this semester-long course. These data are presented as two case studies focusing on: (1) the role of the teacher in this participatory learning environment; (2) the particular dynamics that formed in each group; (3) the modeling process; (4) the resources used, specifically student-developed inscriptions; and (5) the role of technology and whether learning the technology interfered with learning astronomy. Results indicated that VR can be used effectively in regular undergraduate university courses as a tool through which students can develop rich understandings of various astronomical phenomena.
KW - Astronomy
KW - Constructionism
KW - Modeling
KW - Virtual reality
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M3 - Article
VL - 9
SP - 7
EP - 25
JO - Journal of Science Education and Technology
JF - Journal of Science Education and Technology
SN - 1059-0145
IS - 1
ER -