Practical Work in Science Education in the Digital Era: Challenges and Opportunities (Advances in Technology-Rich Science Education, 2)

This Open Access volume presents a comprehensive and updated vision of practical work, aligned with 21st-century digital challenges and competency demands. It explores a wide range of issues related to both physical and digital practical work, highlighting the strengths and limitations of various approaches. The book emphasizes that digital practical work should complement, not replace, physical practical work to maximize student learning. It also addresses emerging issues related to artificial intelligence, safety, ethics, and inclusivity in practical work, and discusses the implications for teacher education and student assessment.

By offering an in-depth view of practical work, this book serves as a valuable resource for those involved in science education research, educational policy, STEM education, and science teacher education. It provides an overview of key issues in using and assessing physical and digital practical work, ensuring adherence to best ethical practices.

Laurinda Leite has a background in Physics and Chemistry, holds a MA in Science Education, University of London, UK and a PhD in Science Education, University of Minho, Portugal. Her research concentrates in science teacher education, using the laboratory for teaching, and context-based and problem-based learning. She directed the Research Center on Education, was Vice-Rector for Education and has been engaged in national and international funded research projects.
 
Luís Dourado has a background in Biology and Geology, holds a MEd and a PhD in Science Education University of Minho, Portugal. His research concentrates in science teacher education, using the laboratory and the field for teaching, problem-based learning and Ecoethics. He coordinated the research group on Science Education for Sustainability and participated in national and international funded research projects.
 
Ana S. Afonso has a background in Physics, holds an MSc in Physics for Teaching, University of Minho, Portugal and a PhD in Science Education, University Reading, UK. Her research interest and publication concentrate mainly in the area of informal science education, namely in science centers. She has been participating in national and international funded research projects.
 
Sofia Morgado has a background in Physics and Chemistry, holds a MEd and a PhD in Science Education, University of Minho, Portugal. Her research interests and publication concentrate in the area of problem-based learning of science and teaching for context-based learning of science. She participated in a national and international funded research project.
 
Luísa Carvalho has a background in Biology and Geology and holds a master’s in Teaching of Biology and Geology, University of Minho, Portugal. Her research interests and publication concentrate in the area of Ecoethics, which was the topic of her recently awarded PhD in science education.