Liveware: The next challenge in computer education

摘要

As the educational applications of computing have continued to evolve, more complex and interactive computer learning environments have emerged. Generally, these environments focus on providing students with experiences testing hypothesis, organizing and interpreting data, and performing other problem-solving activities within a particular content area. In this article, the complexity of educating teachers so that they can effectively utilize this software and integrate it into the curriculum is discussed. It is suggested that teachers are accustomed to delivering and evaluating curriculum in the framework of behavioral psychology and that the more cognitive orientation of computer learning environments will be difficult for teachers to implement. The article suggests that experiences for teachers must include (a) the opportunity to experience learning and problem-solving with tool software and simulations and (b) examination of these approaches with respect to views of the learner, goals, roles of the teacher, and evaluation of outcomes. A sample experience for teachers using the Logo language is described.