Tangible ideas for children
Michael Eisenberg · 2004
Traditionally, the notion of "educational technology" has been equated with "educational computing". While computer technology is, and will continue to be, a central focus of educational technology, its importance is likely to be rivaled in the coming generation by developments in materials science. This paper represents an early attempt to discuss the role of novel materials in educational settings, and in children's lives more generally. We discuss a variety of fascinating new materials, all of potential importance in education; outline a number of existing and possible educational projects to make creative use of these materials; and discuss several issues likely to become prominent in educational research as materials science increasingly takes its place at the forefront of educational technology.