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I am a fifth grade science teacher at an elementary school in Baltimore County,  and this year I have been provided with laptop computers and a variety of different scientific probes for use in the classroom.  The students have been really motivated by using temperature probes, light sensors, and motion detectors in order to apply scientific concepts to real world problems.
 
I was completely psyched about how the technology was impacting my instructional program, but I've recently read an article in which the author perceived technology in a negative light.  She saw that using technology that is enjoyable promotes the perception that education should always be entertaining, although learning is sometimes a difficult and taxing process.  She also thought that sometimes technology is used before students really have a grasp on the foundational concepts that are necessary in order to apply it.  What are your thoughts on the positive and negative impacts of technology use in science?
 
 

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