A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

EXEMPLARY & PROMISING EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS (2000)

The following seven programs were designated as exemplary or promising out of a total of 134 educational technology programs submitted to the U.S. Department of Education's Educational Technology Expert Panel. Selections were based on the following criteria: (l) Quality of Program,
(2) Educational Significance, (3) Evidence of Effectiveness, and (4) Usefulness to Others.

Challenge 2000 Multimedia Project (Multimedia Project) infuses K-12 classrooms with a model of project-based learning supported by multimedia. Students learn course content and technology skills by completing curriculum-based projects that culminate in multimedia products. The production process involves reading, writing, interviewing, text-based and Internet-based research, and use of multimedia software applications. Students define problems, brainstorm, debate solutions, collaborate, plan and schedule tasks, make decisions, self-evaluate, and design and produce multimedia products. Activities are student centered, interdisciplinary, and integrate real world issues and practices. This model fosters workplace competencies such as teamwork, communication, planning, and problem solving.
Contact:
Michael Simkins
E-mail: msimkins@jointventure.org
Phone: 408-938-1512
Web site: http://pblmm.k12.ca.us

Generation www.Y (Gen Y) trains elementary and secondary-school students in computing and telecommunication skills with an emphasis on applying these skills to a real-world problem: helping teachers use technology and deliver more effective lessons. Along with educators, students become agents of change. In addition to the Gen Y classes, each student is partnered with a teacher and together they design and complete a curriculum-building project that incorporates technology, which is then used in that teacher's regular classroom. Aside from technology skills, students learn, in an authentic and meaningful context, communication, collaboration, and project management skills, and about state academic standards and learning goals and the need to align classroom activities with these goals.
Contact:
Dennis Harper
E-mail:dharper@genwhy.wednet.edu
Phone: 360-753-8835
Web site:http://genwhy.wednet.edu

Promising

Maryland Virtual High School CoreModels Project (MVHS CoreModels) has two main goals: (1) to use computer modeling to help students achieve state and national standards; and (2) to develop and refine a process of peer leadership and support to help teachers implement modeling activities as part of their regular classroom activities. Modeling packets, available in biology and physics, are built around the content and process of Maryland Science Core Learning goals and incorporate systems thinking and modeling processes. Students practice their mathematics skills and build their own understanding of scientific concepts involving equilibrium processes, feedback, and causal relationships. Within a collaborative environment, teachers reflect on teaching practices, facilitate change in science education, and integrate theory and practice in school settings.
Contact:
Mary Ellen Verona
E-mail:mverona@mvhs.mbhs.edu
Phone: 301-649-2880
Web site:http://mvhs.mbhs.edu

Middle-School Mathematics through Applications Program (MMAP) is a comprehensive mathematics program for Grades 6-8 that engages students with real-world problem solving and software tools while requiring them to grapple with mathematical concepts. The content goals of the technology-integrated, project-based units reflect the NCTM Standards. Units, which are developed around four real-world work themes (architecture, population biology, cryptology, and cartography), emphasize proportional reasoning and algebra/functions while also including statistics, probability, measurement, and geometry. MMAP software components are interactive, mathematical resources for the group-based projects, and are the environments for the design work, generation of math opportunities, and data for analysis.
Contact:
Shelley Goldman
E-mail:sgoldma@wested.org
Phone 415-615-3178 x3178
http://mmap.wested.org

Modeling Instruction in High School Physics uses computer models and modeling as a focal point to develop the content and pedagogical knowledge of physics teachers who then serve as local experts in the use of technology in teaching and learning science. In eight weeks of modeling workshops over two summers, teachers revamp their current high school physics course to incorporate technology and insights of educational research. In the revamped course, instruction is organized into modeling cycles that engage students in all phases of model development, evaluation, and application. Students collaborate in planning and conducting experiments, use software to organize and analyze data, and present to the class a summary of their group's experimental procedure, interpretation, and findings.
Contact:
Jane Jackson
E-mail:jane.jackson@asu.ed
Phone: 480-965-8438,
Web site: http://modeling.la.asu.edu/modeling.html

One Sky, Many Voices (OSMV) is a research-focused learning environment that promotes the study of current issues in atmospheric and environmental science. Although middle-school focused, it has served students in grades four through nine. The curriculum is a flexible shell delivered in four or eight weeks that contains core activities that every site is expected to enact at approximately the same time so that they can share and coordinate work products. Daily scientist updates identify locations of interest for the day's study and provide scientifically correct explanations of the day's science concept. Software tools include an Internet browser for retrieving current weather and environmental science data and imagery, archived imagery and movies, and web-based message boards.
Contact:
Nancy Songer
E-mail: songer@umich.edu
Phone: 734-647-7369
Web site: http://www.onesky.umich.edu

The WEB Project is a consortium of community organizations, small businesses, and educational institutions that engage new technologies to affect systemic reform in school systems throughout Vermont. Housed in the Montpelier School District, the project utilizes multimedia production and telecommunications as an educational environment for student inquiry and expression, a medium for presenting and assessing student work, and a virtual faculty room for professional discussions about work. Program initiatives include art, literature, history, and music composition. The program is designed for students in elementary school through high school, and student standards are specified for each initiative.
Contact:
Fern Tavalin
E-mail: tavalin@sover.net
Phone 802-251-1022
Web site: http://www.webproject.org