Virtual Learning Magnet for Space Science and Mathematics - Help Needed!
Want to be a part of the start of the Connected 2.0 environment for learning? With funding from NASA, The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) will launch a limited Proof of Concept for a "Virtual Learning Magnet" for Space Science and Mathematics.
This project is based on the notion that in the 21st Century, geography must no longer be the major factor defining a learner's opportunity to achieve. Students stay enrolled in their school of origin but will take specialized courses in a variety of fields, in this case Space Science. We can mass-customize learning for every individual learner, 24/7/7.
Two Specific and Immediate Needs -- The first course, a precollege Physics course, is designed around 8 "Big Ideas". We need help on two fronts -- First-- the course will use an ever-expanding "content repository". We need volunteers with a Physics background who can help "tag" content from NASA, the Smithsonian, and a growing number of industry partners.
Second -- The limited Proof of Concept will be offered beginning January 2009 for up to 50 students from 12 states, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense schools. We need teachers who will help cause learning to occur in Physics for students who are "rocket kids"! This is VERY non-traditional course (non-linear, expanding content, alternative assessment, performance-based). Teachers will not necessarily "teach" the entire course, but could focus on the areas of their personal passion (e.g. Kinematics, or Thermodynamics). We are looking for innovative, courageous individuals who are comfortable with change and passionate about seeing kids learn in new ways!
While this is "voluntary" only for the POC, the program is set to expand with additional funding.
If you want to be part of the transition from "The Age of Schooling" to the "Age of Learning", come be a part.
This project is based on the notion that in the 21st Century, geography must no longer be the major factor defining a learner's opportunity to achieve. Students stay enrolled in their school of origin but will take specialized courses in a variety of fields, in this case Space Science. We can mass-customize learning for every individual learner, 24/7/7.
Two Specific and Immediate Needs -- The first course, a precollege Physics course, is designed around 8 "Big Ideas". We need help on two fronts -- First-- the course will use an ever-expanding "content repository". We need volunteers with a Physics background who can help "tag" content from NASA, the Smithsonian, and a growing number of industry partners.
Second -- The limited Proof of Concept will be offered beginning January 2009 for up to 50 students from 12 states, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense schools. We need teachers who will help cause learning to occur in Physics for students who are "rocket kids"! This is VERY non-traditional course (non-linear, expanding content, alternative assessment, performance-based). Teachers will not necessarily "teach" the entire course, but could focus on the areas of their personal passion (e.g. Kinematics, or Thermodynamics). We are looking for innovative, courageous individuals who are comfortable with change and passionate about seeing kids learn in new ways!
While this is "voluntary" only for the POC, the program is set to expand with additional funding.
If you want to be part of the transition from "The Age of Schooling" to the "Age of Learning", come be a part.
Tags: Connectivism, Physics, Science, Space
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by dave garland on
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I'm a Physics teacher in the UK. Any chance of getting involved ??
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Permalink Reply by Tom Welch on
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Hey Dave! Sure. Why should learning have any geographic or political boundaries? At this point we are working with approximately 50 students from 8 states, DC and actually 2 students from France. Let me send you a copy of the outline for the course and I'd be happy to discuss the approach, etc. We can also talk about involvement now and in the future. Now would be pretty limited (though certainly possible) but we have lots of ideas about moving ahead.
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Permalink Reply by FPrioleau on
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I look forward to hearing more about this project, especially the integration of math into the activities
Fatima
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Thanks for your interest. It's a course with Algebra II as a prerequisite and as a physics course there is obviously a good deal of math involved. In addition, because we can basically personalize the course for each individual learner and support them through a diverse group of teacher/mentors, if some of the students are particularly interested in the mathematics involved in an idea and want to go beyond what is on the surface, they are encouraged to do so. We are trying to get over the false dichotomy of the fight over deep vs wide curriculum. We are confident in the "width" of the course, and the students can go as "deep" as they want in any part, and in fact, with the design of this course, could return to the learning at any time they are in the VLM.
For instance, if a student later takes a calculus course and thinks "Wow, if I use calculus on this concept "x" of physics it takes me to a whole level of new understanding" then they are encouraged to do that because they can pull that evidence of new learning out later -- for instance in an astrophysics course -- and it will have value to them at that point, allowing them to compact the amount of time necessary to move through that course.
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