A New Web-based Physical Science Resource for South African Schools
G R Delpierre and B T Sewell
Learners are frequently allowed to explore the web for resources that may
support their traditional lesson material. This process of discovery is an
excellent way of preparing the learner for the type of activity which they will
engage in their working lives.
While the Web provides almost unlimited opportunities for learners to get
information on physical science subjects, much of this information is irrelevant
to the present South African science syllabus, or is at a level which can either
frustrate and confuse the learner. In particular, the learners must pass an
examination set on a well defined predetermined syllabus.
Computer-assisted learning has one great advantage, recognized since its
beginnings about one generation ago - learners can learn at their own pace. Is
this really true in the South African educational environment? We do not think
so. For one thing, on-line time provided by schools is not unlimited, even if
the school is well endowed with computers and on-line access. Further, as many
parents have discovered, private access to the Web can be very expensive as
telephone bills escalate. Overriding all this, the school year is punctuated by
deadlines, the end of the year examinations being of course the most important
one.
To this end, we have felt that a South African Web site offering all the
material of the Grades 10-12 Physical Science syllabus would be a useful
addition to on-line resources for both educators and learners. Material for
Grades 11 and 12 is finished, and work is proceeding on Grade 10 material. This
should be completed by the end of 2003.
Features of the site, found at www.physchem.co.za
include:
- Clearly set out learning objectives for each learning topic
- Ease of navigation
- Relevance to the syllabus
- Worked examples
- Question episodes, with explanatory feedbacks
- Science glossary
- Physical and chemical data
It is hoped that science educators will find this material of value for
preparation of lesson material. Schools which have limited computer resources
can print hard copies and place these on the class notice board. The questions
which are set at the end of each topic can be discussed in class.
More Information:
E-mails can be addressed to G R Delpierre: grd@intekom.co.za
B T Sewell: sewell@uctvms.uct.ac.za
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