ABOUT THE OER COURSE
Integrating Virtual Labs in STEM Teaching will introduce you to interactive STEM simulations through PhET and other virtual labs based on open educational resources (OER). With PhET simulations as our primary tool, you will have the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of fundamental principles and practical approaches to technology-supported teaching and learning across various STEM disciplines and at all levels: primary, secondary, and post-secondary.
From physics and chemistry to biology and mathematics, you will learn how simulations and other OER-based virtual labs can bring abstract concepts and complex theories to life to uncover the interconnectedness of scientific phenomena, enhancing your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. You will also learn how to access and evaluate OER, expanding your pedagogical and digital competences. Finally, you will gain strategies to improve the participation of women and girls, as well as men and boys, in STEM learning.
This OER-based course emphasises active learning and collaboration, with opportunities for discussions in communities of practice, peer teaching, eportfolios, and project-based assessments. Over the duration of the course, STEM and pedagogy experts will guide you through the development of learning situations that are culturally and gender sensitive, and can be implemented for a broad diversity of students in the STEM classroom.
By the end of the course, you will not only have a newfound appreciation for the power of simulations and OER-based virtual labs in STEM education but also possess the skills to leverage these resources effectively in your academic and professional pursuits.
This course is open to teachers, student teachers, teacher educators, and instructional designers. You will gain insight into the latest advancements in virtual labs and simulations, and learn how to integrate them into your STEM teaching through enriched and innovative practice.
This course will be relevant for anyone involved in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics Education, as well as any science or technology discipline. Register now and join us in shaping the future of STEM education!
Two levels of certification are available based on your level of participation and completion of tasks/activities:
From physics and chemistry to biology and mathematics, you will learn how simulations and other OER-based virtual labs can bring abstract concepts and complex theories to life to uncover the interconnectedness of scientific phenomena, enhancing your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. You will also learn how to access and evaluate OER, expanding your pedagogical and digital competences. Finally, you will gain strategies to improve the participation of women and girls, as well as men and boys, in STEM learning.
This OER-based course emphasises active learning and collaboration, with opportunities for discussions in communities of practice, peer teaching, eportfolios, and project-based assessments. Over the duration of the course, STEM and pedagogy experts will guide you through the development of learning situations that are culturally and gender sensitive, and can be implemented for a broad diversity of students in the STEM classroom.
By the end of the course, you will not only have a newfound appreciation for the power of simulations and OER-based virtual labs in STEM education but also possess the skills to leverage these resources effectively in your academic and professional pursuits.
WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE
This course is open to teachers, student teachers, teacher educators, and instructional designers. You will gain insight into the latest advancements in virtual labs and simulations, and learn how to integrate them into your STEM teaching through enriched and innovative practice.
This course will be relevant for anyone involved in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics Education, as well as any science or technology discipline. Register now and join us in shaping the future of STEM education!
COURSE OUTLINE
| Module 1 Introduction to STEM teaching with technology | Introduction to inquiry-based learning Principles of online teaching and learning Virtual labs and active learning |
| Module 2 Using PhET simulations and OER | Introduction to simulations and virtual labs Visualisation and exploring concepts with virtual labs Integrating virtual labs and OER Other virtual labs for STEM teaching |
| Module 3 Blended learning with virtual labs | Principles of blended learning in STEM Blended learning structures and strategies Integrating simulations and virtual labs into blended learning |
| Module 4 Lesson planning for virtual lab activities | Designing inclusive lesson plans in STEM education while integrating virtual labs Gender strategies for STEM education Assessment of virtual lab activities |
| Module 5 Evaluation and best practices with virtual labs | Evaluating lesson plans with simulations and virtual labs Reflecting on best practices in teaching with virtual labs Preparing for sustained use of virtual labs and OER |
CERTIFICATION
Two levels of certification are available based on your level of participation and completion of tasks/activities:
- Certificate of Participation: requires 70% or more on each weekly multiple-choice quiz and participation in at least three discussion forums.
- Certificate of Completion: requires 70% or more on each quiz, participation in at least three discussion forums, and successful completion of a lesson plan.
