Interview with Alice, a middle school teacher (Apr 13)

• How long have you been teaching? What subjects do you teach now?
  Teaching science for 10 years, particularly physics for the last 3 years

• Have you previously used any kinds of software or computers in your teachings?
  Sometimes I shows demos on web sites to kids, but there are not enough computers in the lab for individuals to play with it.

• What is your style of teaching?
  Very much hands-on style. For example, let them play with magnets to experiment in electromagnetics. Another example is to bring a common object and let them observe it, encouraging them to discover the relationship between their knowledge on physics and the object.

• What is most the most challenging aspect in teaching your students? How do you address these challenges?
  Visualization. How to show to kids something not visible or tangible, such as an electron or rotation of the earth, is the most difficult challenge.

• How do you motivate students?
  Let them observe objects and find out that things are not always as they look like. Nourish critical thinking in kids.

• What encourages and discourages students?
  If kids cannot understand a concept of physics or things are not working as they should be, they are discouraged. If they find something new by themselves, they are encouraged.

• Does your required curriculum ever restrict the use of other tools like computers?
  Not really, it is just a matter of funding. Curriculum specifies what should be taught, but how to teach them is up to teachers.

• Do you see any use for creating simulations in your teachings?
  Yes, it will give us more way to show physical phenomenon. There are a couple of interesting demo applications, How does TV work?, Bridge Builder are among them.

• What would use Agent Sheets for?
  I would like to show the latest development of physics, such as atomic phonomenon. Other interestig themes are mechanism of the computer and greenhouse effect.

• What do you think students reactions would be to this application?
  They should be positive. Kids are technology-savvy.

• What considerations need to be made in the design of an application that would most attract students attention?
  Coloful, moving, and explosion. Kids love interaction.

• The reality is that 35% of kids do not have a computer in their house.
• Hands-on experience is still necessary and AgentSheets cannot replace classroom lectures.