ELECTRONIC TEXTBOOKS (Phase I)

In the Classroom and in the Field (1996-1999)

Between 1996-1999, the Math/Science Nucleus in conjunction with SciWorks (Winston-Salem, NC), St. Joseph School (Fremont, CA), and Maloney School (Fremont, CA) explored the use of Pen Computing into the classroom. We were  trying to use computer technology to increase productivity and learning by both teachers and students.  Throughout the years we have piloted different strategies in search of methodology that works.  All locations were provided with a LiveBoard (big screen computer with pen computing).

We have learned that textbooks can become "electronic."   Technology had not yet matured to be a true electronic component of a child's need.  Laptops and notebooks were still too heavy and unreliable in our study.  Desktops could only be used in a computer lab.  Desktops were too large to be an integral part of a classroom that taught content.

We concluded that technology could better serve the teacher by providing electronic presentations.  Technology needed to mature to another phase (Electronic Textbooks, Phase II started in 2000).  Electronic clients can assist students in recording information in the classroom or in the field, but a hard copy on paper still seems to imprint the most learning in our observation.  The Internet will become a valuable tool, if the commercial market creates useful products.

The teacher however, can greatly benefit from projection technology to present material.  Digital technology and ability to transfer to high speed printer will also enhance a teacher's productivity.   Below are the sites that were used in the pilot and their status up to 2001.
 

MATH/SCIENCE NUCLEUS, Fremont, California CONCLUSION: The training center at MS Nucleus developed and tested computer generated templates (slideshows) and electronic textbooks with ILS Corp.  using thin clients.  Most our material develop is  presently available free on our website.

Math/Science Nucleus is a non-profit (501(3)c), educational and research organization composed of scientists, educators and community members. It serves as a science resource center to assist school districts, teachers, and administrators. A major goal Math/Science Nucleus is to increase the science literacy of students in our school systems by enhancing the skills of teachers and administrators. Improving their literacy will effectively teach generations of children. Math/Science Nucleus was founded in Fremont, California in 1982.

SCIWORKS, Winston-Salem, North Carolina  CONCLUSION:  Technology was used to help teachers learn science content.  Schools had access to hands on materials through the Museum.  This was a National Science Foundation grant that continued the program for 3 years.  Now the hands-on materials are available for a fee and templates on materials is still available free of charge on the Math/Science Nucleus site.

The mission of SciWorks is to promote literacy, lifelong learning and an appreciation of the sciences by providing innovative educational and recreational experiences for all people through interactive programs and exhibits, collections, an environmental park, and unique facilities.

ST. JOSEPH'S SCHOOL, Fremont, California CONCLUSION: The LiveBoard was used by the science teacher to use templates created by the Math/Science Nucleus.  They use booklets that were electronically created and updated.  Program still continues.
St. Joseph is a First grade to Eighth Grade Catholic School. It is located on the historic Mission San Jose area of Fremont. The school has 250 children. In 1997-1998 they received A Blue Ribbon, Distinguished School award, which they received in Washington D.C. from former President Clinton.

	MALONEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, Fremont, California CONCLUSION:  The presentation screen of the LiveBoard is still being used in the computer lab.  Although we (Math/Science Nucleus)  inserviced teachers several times, we could not get them to use with their classroom preparation.  So successful as a computer demonstration of software, but not as a solution to help teachers with science content.
Maloney Elementary School has 525 kindergarten to sixth graders. The school has 19 Pentiums in their computer lab in which the LiveBoard has been placed. This site will be used as a dual teaching tool for the students of Maloney and as a training center for teachers in the district.