Students leading learning in science and mathematics at home or school: New uses for multimeters.

Abstract

Two main criticisms from primary and secondary students against the use of ICT in the classroom or at home are: - Games and simulations are not 'real' and are poor substitutes for practical activities and authentic learning. - There is too much sitting inside in front of a screen. Inactivity for long periods of time is unhealthy.

In contrast, using an appropriate mobile device can enable students to gather authentic data 'in the field' or from home. An appropriate mobile device for use in science and mathematics must be simple to set up by students and teachers, inexpensive, robust, and versatile. Digital multimeters meet these requirements.

Participants will assemble and use a digital multimeter as a simple data logger. They will experience first-hand the three-step 'build it, test it, use it' training strategy for teachers and students and then share ideas for implementing this approach with primary and secondary students in maths and science.