Wednesday, June 29, 2011
FROGUTS!
I just finished the demo for an interactive frog dissection. I have to say, it was pretty cool. Not was it interesting to me, I can see its definite implications for the classroom. Just think how much easier it would be, and how many more kids could have the experience with this kind of resource.
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Although I agree that FROGUTS was interesting, and share the same idea about the many implications it can offer in the classroom, I think that strictly using the virtual dissection can diminish student learning.
ReplyDeleteI remember dissecting the frog myself. Touching it, smelling it, and then examining even smaller components that were not included in the virtual dissection allowed me to have a better appreciation for what I was learning, and has found a permanent home in my brain.
However, I think that the virtual dissection and physical dissection can allow students to compare/contrast their experience with the two, what they learn, and what is different/similar about the actual dissection...
I can remember dissecting a frog in 9th grade and feeling really bad about it. When I was a mere tyke, I can remember bringing home various small critters that met an unfortunate end. After a small memorial service, my mom and I would bury them complete with a popsicle grave marker. Unfortunately, FROGUTS was not available in 1984. Brittany's comments made me think of a conference topic from an earlier class where it was proposed that, given Kindles, the internet and other technologies, that libraries were becoming obsolete. The thrill of going to a library, researching the book using the Dewey Decimal system, checking it out and then taking it home to read. The feel of the books pages, its smell and content all enhanced the experience in a way that can't be captured through the internet or a electronic reader. As with anything finding the right balance is key.
ReplyDeleteI think that in some cases the virtual dissection is better than no dissection at all. If there are budget issues or for other reasons students do not get any opportunity to dissect anything, the digital method is at least a start.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the other comments that the multiple sensory aspect of physically dissecting a frog is going to bring in more dimensions to the experience, which might make it more memorable for some people than the digital version.
I am not a proponent for doing away with one for the other, but I think PJ put it best with his comment regarding balance being key.