Generating and Testing Hypotheses

Through the use of technology, students today are able to generate and test hypotheses easier and faster. Technology allows the student more time to interpret, analyze and present the gathered data. Web 2.0 tools such as spreadsheets, virtual tours and online gaming, allow the student to interact, manipulate data, observe patterns, and test their predictions with various scenarios. Having the ability to create and control different scenarios increases learner motivation, thus perpetuating additional inquiry. Interactive software enables the student to concentrate on the interpretation of the data rather than the actual process of data collection. The student is also easily able to introduce variables to their hypotheses while observing the different outcomes. In this way technology has enabled the student to engage in higherlevel thinking.