Technology taking over?

[Xenon]

Since all the labs here have been fitted with Smart Boards (beginning this term), none of the teachers have requested a TV/VCR/DVD player, ditto for the OHP. One less thing, as Forrest Gump might say. Next thing was a demonstration by a datalogger company rep, who also showed us software that would replace the oscilliscope and ripple-tank, with the images projected on to the Smart Board. Impressive stuff, but I'm wondering what next? If it hasn't already be done, they could easily make software to mix virtual chemical solutions in virtual test-tubes to detect colour change etc, even do virtual titrations. There goes the need for making up real chemical solutions, (knowledge of) CSIS and washing-up. They won't need us in the future if they all go down this track. It may not suit many students, of course, especially if most prac lessons were not much more than a teacher demo. Science was interesting to me because it was hands-on/practical. If my teachers of yore showed us a movie (yes, on a reel-to-reel projector), I nearly always fell asleep.

[smiley]

Well yes, it has been done. I have seen excerpts from an Open University course where students can do a virtual titration on their laptops, far away from the Uni, let alone the lab. I refuse to remember the sites where these things are available.

Making everything "Virtual" fails to meet the needs of those kids who need to touch and do to learn.

[Ian]

Yes. My Chem teacher showed me a "Virtual titration" just last week. It sure beats washing up all that glassware and NO RISK ASSESSMENTS to fill out!!!!

Ian

[Lyn]

Trust someone to see the bright side of things.
Lyn.

[noona]

I think it will happen one day but not for a long time to come.
I remember a song that started in the year 2525 if man is still alive well maybe in the year 2121 if lab assestants are still alive???? hahaha
Thank God it's FRIDAY

[Labbie]

Yes I think you are all correct. It will happen, but not for a few years yet I hope.

[Ocean Breeze]

I remember discussing this with a few teachers over 10 yrs ago, when the simulated software became available.. for radiactive expts, bio pracs, titrations etc. The internet wasnt even up and running in schools in a big way like it is now, but I knew that eventually , one day, it would happen.

lets hope that it takes longer to catch on than we think!

Having said that, we have smartboards etc, but it seems that I am always called upon to trouble shoot, find resources, missing leads..."its not working!"

maybe a step sideways for us, helpin g with the comp simulations etc.. and them... its out the door Jack!

[Dee]

But don't forget they will still need us to set up the technology ..lol...

[Ian]

As long as we are the first person they come to when the computer won't talk to the Data Projector, or the DVD machine won't work (or they can't work out how to access the Chemical register, etc, I believe we will still have a job! (I hope???) There is more that makes us indispensable than just our ability to wash test tubes!

Ian

[Ocean Breeze]

yes Ian..
oh.... name the ways that we cannot be dispensed with!

Ok I will begin.. feel free to add to the list

Minding the class while the teachers leave the room
Informal detentions
Multimedia trouble shooting
Photocopying
Rearranging classrooms
Feeding the animals
First Aid
Chemical Management
Resourser

[vlclabbie]

Psychiatrist.... take a seat on my... ah... chair... & spill your guts out.....!
Personal Assistant .... forgot something?.... yes I can go get it....
Joker.... lighten the mood...
Movie watcher ......... Love that view of the cherubs through the fume cabinet
Pigeon hole checker.... for everyone...

All which I happily do though!! Because the teachers do it all for me too!