Environmental science includes subjects such as chemistry, geography and biology in the study of the environment. It is an important part of many education programmes, and developments in technology have greatly benefited the way the subject is taught and learnt.
One particularly successful use of technology is with special apps on smartphones. These use scientific facts to show students predictions about the future. For example, students might be studying the ecology of a nearby lake, and possible environmental damage. The app uses information collected by the student to explain how different pollution levels will affect that particular lake. Of course, many people agree that doing experiments outside the classroom is a great learning opportunity. However, not everyone is convinced that it is necessary to use the latest technology to do so, and some teachers worry that too much time is spent on electronic devices during science lessons. Most schools try to take a balanced approach, and limit how often electronic devices are used.
When students use the internet in their science lessons, they also benefit from being able to access the latest information about international environmental research that is relevant to their studies. However, not all students own smartphones, or have access to tablets at school. To address this issue, some mobile phone companies are offering schools special deals. They give free phones to schools for the students to use, with cheaper internet connection which the schools can afford more easily.
We all know how important it is to protect the environment, but the results of the damage that is caused by pollution often take time to appear. To help students see the long-term effects of different solutions to the problem, a virtual reality computer game called TimeSpeed has been created. It is set in a beautiful ocean, and students wear special glasses, which make the game look so real that people feel as if they are actually in the water. The game begins with a sea filled with creatures, then as pollution levels rise, the sea-life starts to vanish. Although some people have commented that educational games like TimeSpeed do not include enough detailed information for students, teachers have been pleased by how well students have responded to its message. Developers have released a new improved version of the game, which is even more relevant to study programmes.
Most students today learn through working together and sharing information. As well as work in the classroom, the same approach can now extend to the wider world. It is easier than ever to compare results of scientific investigations with students in other countries.
Teachers of other subjects are also exploring interesting ways of using technology to improve their students’ learning experience.
Your teacher has asked you to read the article 'Technology and Environmental Science' and write a summary about it to present it in the classroom. Write between 90-110 words.