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What Is Probeware? |
What is Probeware?
Probeware helps students to learn more effectively in inquiry based hands-on activities. Because of the nature of probeware (i.e. working with a computer or other display in real time) it engages students in visual learning more effectively than simply using data gathering tools like thermometers or pH paper. Because it gives data in real time and can display the data as graphs, tables, meters, or values probeware helps reinforce math skills and lets students easily see how one variable effects another variable in a science experiment. With the proper sensors probeware is capable of measuring any changing quantity in science or technology experiments. From things as simple as temperature and sound, to as complicated as radiation and EKG. The cost of many of these sensors is far less than the cost of buying a stand alone piece of equipment for measuring that same value (for example... EKG). It also leaves educators and students with only one computer interface and set of rules to learn and understand. Probeware in one form or another has been around in some classrooms for more than 20 years. Early systems required much more work and knowledge on the part of the teacher. In fact some of the people who pioneered the use of Probeware in their own classroom have gone on to start their own educational companies in order to make the technology more affordable, easier to use, and more effective for students. Today probeware systems and software such as CoachLab are easy to use, and very cost effective compared to other "analog" equipment. |
What Is
CoachLab?
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Why Choose CoachLab Probeware?CoachLab products are designed to be easy to use by teachers as well as students. Coach products can also save you time and money because they are compatible with inexpensive TI-CBL (tm) and Vernier Probes (tm) that many schools already own. Coach also offers many features and abilities that make it an excellent choice such as:
Coach is the ONLY probeware system that includes:
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What does Authoring mean?CoachLab software is actually a multimedia environment where students conduct experiments while they are guided by on-screen instructions, images, video clips, even web pages. The software coaches students through their experiments while presenting them with opportunities to learn about science, math, and technology. Coach comes with hundreds of activities on the CD-ROM but it also offers you, the teacher, a way to create your own activities that are based upon the text books you use, the products you already own, and the way YOU want to teach science. This authoring is simple and requires no special knowledge or training. Simply pick the interface you use, the sensors your experiment needs, set up the recording time, recording frequency, decide how your students will view their data (tables, graphs, meters, or values) and then add your texts and images for instructions. A simple activity can be set up in a matter of minutes and then saved for all of your students to use year after year. You can also use authoring to modify an existing activity to suit your specific needs. |
I Teach Technology Education...What About Me?Coach has a lot of features for science and math educators, but it is also unique among probeware products in that it is also designed for technology educators. Coach software has a built in programming environment similar to Basic and all Coach hardware has outputs that can be controlled using that programming language. There are also special products such as "The Crossroads" (where students program a traffic intersection), the actuator set, and more. Coach is great to add to design or engineering events because it uses inputs from sensors to control program flow so students can automate robots, test vehicles, learn about feedback, and hundreds of other real world technology examples. Science Teachers might also use the ability to control outputs in order to control variables in an experiment. One example would be the Titration Apparatus that can be controlled with Coach. |
How does Coach address Standards?National, State, and Local science and technology standards all speak about hands-on inquiry-based learning where students collect, analyze, and manipulate data. CoachLab probeware is a tool designed for collecting, analyzing, and manipulating data. Most importantly Coach does not distract students from the subject they are studying or the data they are collecting. Coach's tools for analyzing data are designed for education. Instead of instantly giving students answers to questions they instead provide students the chance to find their own answers by requiring students to have a basic understanding of how to use each tool. For example: When using the "function fit" tool to determine the best fit equation for data that has been collected students must first pick from a list of standard-form equations before Coach will attempt to give them the answer they are seeking. Students must understand the math before they can get an answer, thus eliminating the problem of computers that just spit out answers to students. All of Coach's tools were designed with education in mind. |
I Use TI-CBL or Vernier LabPro... What About Me?CoachLab probeware is designed to be a modular system of hardware, software, sensors, and activities. As a result of CMA's partnerships and cooperation between various companies CMA's Coach software is compatible with TI-CBL, TI-CBL2, and Vernier LabPro interfaces and sensors. The software will give you all of the benefits and features of the Coach system at the same time as the benefits and features of the CBL and LabPro systems. Coach software is also the only software that will work with the original TI-CBL. Coach software will allow you to use CBL or LabPro as data loggers (i.e. portable) or as real time data analysis systems connected to a computer. To learn more about Coach software for CBL and LabPro please click here. |
How can I learn more?Please visit the various pages of the CoachLab webpage to learn more about CoachLab. Don't forget to visit the links that correspond to your discipline or grade level. US dealers are listed on the dealers page. The Links page has links to other individuals and sites that use CoachLab. Or you can contact us to request more information. Don't forget to download a free demonstration version of Coach Software to test drive it for yourself! |
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Probeware is a term used to describe equipment and software used to gather
and analyze data in science, math, and technology classes. Probeware
systems can work with an interface and a computer (such as CoachLab I or
CoachLab II), an interface and a graphing calculator (such as TI-CBL or Vernier
LabPro), or as a completely self contained measuring system (such as ULAB).
