Apprenticeships in Cyberspace: Professional Development Model for the Emergent Technologies of 3-D Modeling

University Of Georgia Research Foundation Inc, Athens GA

Investigators

Abstract

This project is a teacher development program that builds on three projects, the "Virtual Solar System Project", the "Virtual Exploratorium," and the "Virtual Gorilla Modeling Project." While featuring modeling enriched inquiry-based learning environments, the project develops and evaluates a model for changing teaching practice as teachers incorporate the extensive use of these technologies. The PIs use a four-phase process to help 90 middle school teachers make the transition. In the first two years of the project, teachers begin their apprenticeship with a one-week intensive workshop on science, pedagogy and technology. This is followed by one or two weeks working in one of three summer camps (at the Georgia Outreach Program or the Zoo). The third phase involves digital video and reflections with a follow up one-day seminar. In the final phase, teachers build their own communities, hold local workshops (1-2 hours) and do outreach presentations. Subcontracts are to the Atlanta Zoo and to EDC (Honey et al) for evaluation, which is quite thorough and consistent with PDET. Included are three doctoral students.