Abstract:

Lately, there have been numerous efforts that seek to increase awareness, interest, and participation in science, math, and technology at the precollege level. Studies have shown that early exposure to science, mathematics, and technology greatly impact a students’ education and career aspirations. As a result, more and more high schools are increasing precollege opportunities for students in programs such as Advanced Placement (AP) and dual enrollment (DE) to promote student interest in science, math, and technology related fields (Hoffman, Vargas, & Santos, 2009). In this area, several advanced learning technologies have emerged to enhance learning, promote hands-on experiences, and increase student interest in these fields, but the results have been mixed, particularly for Hispanic and Latino students. While a broad array of educational technology products exist, schools and school districts are challenged with limited funds to choose the best products for their students. Thus, the purpose of this presentation is two-fold: First, to review the literature regarding Hispanic and Latino student participation in science, math, and technology precollege programs such as the AP and DE. Second, to examine the gaps between the applicability of educational software and teaching methods for science, math, and technology. An overview will be presented of available software-based educational technologies and characterize these technologies based on criteria such as program design, median price, academic alignment, learning activities, users’ expertise levels, and cultural relevancy. An outline will then be presented to show the potential gaps for new marketable educational software.

References:
[1] Hoffman, N., Vargas, J., & Santos, J. (2009). New directions for dual enrollment: Creating stronger pathways from high school through college. New Directions for Community Colleges, 2009(145), 43-58. Retrieved from http:// http://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ834634

Keywords:

Computer software, educational equipment, educational technology, science, math, and technology education, high schools, learning experience, learning strategieComputer software, educational equipment, educational technology, science, math, technology, high schools, learning experience, cultural relevancy, Hispanic, Latinos, learning strategies, teaching methods, technology uses in education.