WEB-BASED OR DIGITAL SUPPLEMENTS, AN UNDERUTILIZED RESOURCE IN GEOSCIENCE EDUCATION

Technology in the form of web-based materials is an underutilized resource with respect to high school science education. During the teaching of environmental science sections during the 2006-2007 school year, patterns of learning and the common stumbling blocks that students experience in the high school lab science classes were observed. Access to instructional materials outside of class was the most prevalent problematic barrier to deeper environmental learning. The completion of assignments and laboratory experiments provides a window into how and why students struggle with certain environmental concepts. A environmental science education research project was conducted at Lima Senior High School's Progressive Academy (a Title 1 school district) to evaluate the impact of web-based course materials on student learning. It examined the perspectives of student's abilities to learn and synthesize environmental science material pertaining to aqueous geochemistry and the water cycle. Performance of Consumer Chemistry sections that were given digital and/or web-based instructional materials in addition to in-class instruction were compared to performances from previous years, who were only given in-class instruction. Electronic-based course materials accessible via the internet included educational documentaries converted to .mp4 files, video podcasts of class lectures, and .jpg images. These materials supplemented hands-on activities involving geochemical analysis of natural waters as part of the GLOBE program working with the Ottawa River Coalition (ORC) in water quality testing as part of the Lake Erie watershed. Qualitative data was collected via observation exercises, interviews, and focus group discussions. Interview and focus group discussions were videotaped, transcribed and analyzed. Quantitative analysis was conducted of the class with web-based course material's assignment completion rate and compared to the previous school year's completion rate.