Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/activity-design-with-phet-simulations-for-stem-education
Introduction
If you’re an educator looking to enhance your STEM teaching methods, I highly recommend the Coursera course Activity Design with PhET Simulations for STEM Education. Developed by the University of Colorado Boulder, this course utilizes PhET Interactive Simulations, a treasure trove of interactive and research-based tools designed to make science and mathematics engaging for students.
Course Overview
PhET has meticulously designed a variety of simulations that cater to all education levels, ensuring they are not only educationally effective but also fun. The course offers an in-depth look at how to leverage these simulations to create impactful learning experiences. Over the span of five modules, participants will learn effective strategies for designing educational activities that integrate these dynamic tools.
Module Breakdown
- Module 1: Students Interacting With Simulations – This module sets the stage, focusing on when to use simulation-anchored Activity Sheets and how students can independently or collaboratively engage with these simulations on their devices.
- Module 2: Revisiting PhET Activities – Here, you will examine the differences between Activities and Activity Sheets, and analyze a pre-existing Activity Sheet to align it with the PhET Equity Framework.
- Module 3: Challenge Prompts – This module introduces the concept of Challenge Prompts, guiding you to transform teacher-directed instructions into open-ended challenges that foster Active Learning.
- Module 4: Activity Sheets and Lessons – Learn to construct your own Activity Sheet, paying attention to the various components that make up a well-rounded lesson.
- Module 5: Assignment Submissions and Conclusions – Finally, you’ll have the opportunity to submit your personalized Activity Sheet, showing off what you’ve learned throughout the course.
Why You Should Take This Course
The hands-on approach and collaborative design philosophy make this course invaluable for educators aiming to elevate their teaching strategies. The integration of research-backed practices ensures that every educator walks away with methods that genuinely promote engagement and learning in their classrooms. Moreover, the fact that all PhET simulations are open source and free expands the accessibility of these powerful educational tools to all students and teachers.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned educator, this course is an excellent investment in your professional development. It’s time to embrace interactive learning and make STEM education more enjoyable and effective for your students. I can’t recommend this course enough!
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/activity-design-with-phet-simulations-for-stem-education