Effect of Technology on Enthusiasm for Learning Science

The effect of technology on students ’ enthusiasm for learning science (both at school and away from school) was investigated. Pre- and post-student and parent surveys, student and parent written comments, and teacher observations were used to record changes in enthusi-asm for learning science during a six-week study period. In this study, I investigated how the integration of technology into my middle school science curriculum would impact my students ’ enthusiasm for learning science. Enthusiasm for learning science can be defined as the students ’ eagerness to participate in science activi-ties in the classroom, as well as away from school. My motivation for focusing on technol-ogy was twofold. First, I have had an interest in integrating technology into my students’ studies of science for some time. Secondly, the funding for technological equipment and software recently became available. During the 1993–1994 school year, my school was awarded a $115,000 incentive grant to purchase equipment and software and to train teachers in the use of this software and technological equipment. One of the stipulations of the grant was that the equipment and software must be for student use