Chapter 8: A Framework for the Integration of Technology into Science Instruction

Today, technology integration has become an important aspect of many professional development programs. If integrated properly, the technological artifacts such as animations, simulations, video clips, or models provide kids with an important visual context for the development of scientific concepts. However, the current studies have indicated that teachers are mostly unwilling to use technology and deficient in the insight into how to teach with technology. The studies also pointed to the fact that in order for an effective integration of technology, teachers need to possess technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPCK). That is, they require knowing what technological artifacts are available for use, which of them are appropriate for the particular purpose, and what sort(s) of instructional strategies and methods could be used for the incorporation of those artifacts into their instruction. The present chapter therefore aims to provide science teachers with a framework for a successful integration of technology into their instruction. Furthermore, the information presented in this chapter resulted from a project sponsored by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) grant No. 108K330.