Search

The Science and Mathematics Education Centre (SMEC) at the Western Australian Institute of Technology offers two graduate courses: Graduate Diploma in Science Education and the Master of Applied Science (Science Education). Three distinct groups of students engaged in these SMEC programs can be identified based on their interests/expertise in computing and computer education: science/mathematics teachers with interests/expertise in areas other than computing or computer education, science/mathematics teachers who wish to develop expertise in computer education, and computer specialists who wish to pursue further studies in this area. Three computing components have been developed to meet the needs of students in each of these groups. One component deals with computer science and computer education. Units emphasized in this component include all areas of computer science from programing to computer architecture as well as computer assisted instruction and instructional design. Another component focuses on the computer as a tool in educational research while a third component deals with research and evaluation in computer education. Each of these components and the audiences they serve are discussed. A strategy for teaching computing skills as a tool in educational research is also considered. The strategy includes having teachers work on relevant and realistic tasks. (JN)