Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/specializations/active-learning-in-stem-with-phet-interactive-simulations
Are you an educator looking to bring more dynamism and interactivity into your STEM classrooms? The University of Colorado Boulder’s “Active Learning in STEM with PhET Interactive Simulations” course on Coursera is an absolute game-changer. This comprehensive program isn’t just about learning *about* PhET simulations; it’s about mastering how to effectively integrate them into your teaching to foster deeper student understanding and engagement.
The course is structured into four key modules, each building upon the last to provide a holistic approach to using these powerful tools. It begins with an ‘Introduction to PhET Simulations for STEM Education,’ where you’ll get acquainted with the vast library of free, research-based simulations covering physics, chemistry, biology, earth science, and math. These aren’t just digital flashcards; they are robust, inquiry-driven environments that allow students to experiment, explore cause-and-effect relationships, and build intuitive understanding of complex concepts.
The second module, ‘Whole Class with PhET for STEM Education,’ dives into strategies for leveraging PhET simulations during direct instruction. You’ll learn techniques to guide whole-class discussions, pose probing questions, and facilitate collaborative learning experiences using the simulations as a central focal point. This is crucial for making abstract concepts tangible and accessible to all students.
Following this, ‘Activity Design with PhET Simulations for STEM Education’ empowers you to move beyond simply using the simulations as-is. You’ll learn the principles of effective instructional design, focusing on how to create targeted activities and worksheets that align with learning objectives and encourage critical thinking. This module equips you with the skills to transform PhET simulations into powerful learning experiences tailored to your specific curriculum needs.
Finally, ‘Implementation of PhET Activities for STEM Education’ addresses the practicalities of bringing these designed activities into your classroom. You’ll explore best practices for classroom management, differentiation, assessment, and troubleshooting, ensuring a smooth and impactful integration of PhET-based learning.
What makes this course particularly valuable is its focus on active learning principles. PhET simulations are inherently designed to support inquiry-based learning, and this course teaches you how to harness that power effectively. The University of Colorado Boulder, the creators of PhET, bring their extensive research and experience directly to you, providing evidence-based strategies that are proven to enhance student learning outcomes.
Whether you’re new to PhET or looking to refine your existing practices, this Coursera course offers practical, actionable insights. It’s an investment in your professional development that will undoubtedly pay dividends in your students’ understanding and enthusiasm for STEM subjects. I highly recommend it to any educator seeking to make their science and math lessons more interactive, engaging, and effective.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/specializations/active-learning-in-stem-with-phet-interactive-simulations