Reviewing the curriculum

The potential use of IT in secondary biology teaching is enormous, although it is a huge undertaking and fairly daunting to newcomers. Computer learning packages and the web can offer a variety of opportunities for learning, ranging from non-interactive content provision to highly interactive student-centred learning experiences. The learning materials in use in New South Wales (NSW) schools include information web sites, computer learning packages as tutorial or revision material, computer learning packages made by the students, virtual field trips, simulations, and virtual laboratories. In addition, students and teachers are using the web for communicating amongst themselves via email, newsgroups and discussion lists, videoconferencing for both local and global communications, and telecollaborative projects. This article will focus on materials used in student learning, and on the forms of electronic communication in use within the school system. A list of resources is provided.