Comments on Section 3: Innovative Technologies for Science Learning and Instruction in Taiwan: A Global Perspective

Abstract

The incredible breakthroughs in science, technology, and engineering over the past 25 years have brought about unprecedented new opportunities to explain complex phenomena, harness natural resources, and improve the quality of life for individuals throughout the globe. Advances in communication technologies have united people across the globe. However, these and other scientific, technology, and engineering developments give rise to a myriad of global issues. Global warming, severe and unpredictable weather patterns, pandemics, uneven distribution of health and dietary attention and supplies, loss of species diversity, and pollution of our waterways and air serve as examples that have arisen from living in a scientific and technological society. Science education can play an important role in preparing citizens to design solutions to these problems. Through science education learners can develop deep understanding of the big ideas of science, learn to collaborate and communicate with one another, and develop capabilities to apply scientific ideas and practices in new situations to find solutions to problems. The use of innovative technologies in the teaching and learning of science can provide unprecedented opportunities to allow students to use ideas to find solutions to problems, explain phenomena, and explore new areas to learn more.