The Friday Institute was pleased to be the host location for a Conference on National Math Standards. The conference was hosted by the Diagnostic E-Learning Trajectories Approach (DELTA) research group led by Dr. Jere Confrey and Dr. Alan Maloney, in collaboration with the Center on Continuous Instructional Improvement of the Center for Policy, Research and Evaluation at Teacher’s College.
For two weeks in August, teachers from across North Carolina and Michigan converged on the Friday Institute for an intensive workshop as part of the MINDSET Project. MINDSET stands for Mathematics INstruction using Decision Science and Engineering Tools and focuses on designing, implementing and evaluating a 4th year mathematics curriculum based upon operations research and industrial engineering. The idea is to teach math with a focus on decision making in business that will improve a student’s attitude toward math, especially in underserved populations.
The curriculum that has been created is being showcased to the teachers who will then pilot chapters of it in their classroom. The feedback received from teachers and students helps to revise and improve the curriculum being developed. The goal is to have an alternative math option for students after Algebra II. In both North Carolina and Michigan, as well as other states, a fourth year mathematics course is now required for graduation and not all students are inclined to take Pre-Calculus/Calculus.
Feedback from the teachers has been very positive and most are returning to the project for the second year. Participants from the previous year have said that the skills they learned at this workshop helped them teach all of their classes not just the ones associated with the project.
For more information about the MINDSET Project, visit their website.
This post is part of the series Project NewsThe Friday Institute for Educational Innovation has recently updated a list of the schools and districts that are part of the North Carolina Learning Technology Initiative (NCLTI). These schools and districts are recognized as leaders in the use of technology for teaching and learning.
The list includes schools that are part of the 1:1 Pilot and its expansion, Golden LEAF Coaching Initiative schools, locally supported 1:1 schools, and IMPACT III and IV schools.
NCLTI is a public-private partnership designed to address:
Equity, providing all students access to 21st century teaching, learning, and technology;
Engagement, involving students in active learning and thereby improving student achievement and reducing dropout rates;
Economic development, providing all students with workplace skills such as communication, problem solving, and collaboration, along with content expertise, to make each region of the state more attractive to businesses.
The NCLTI builds upon the successful planning and implementation of the School Connectivity Initiative (SCI), the North Carolina Virtual Public School (NCVPS), Learn & Earn Online (LEO), NCDPI IMPACT Model Schools, and the NC New Schools Project (NCNSP).
Go here, to review the list of future-ready schools.
What are the most important questions to ask when planning a 1:1 learning technology initiative? Three members of the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation team addressed that question in the August 2009 edition of ISTE’s Learning & Leading with Technology magazine. Authors Brian Bouterse, Jenifer O. Corn and Elizabeth O. Halstead’s article titled “Choosing the Perfect Tools for One-to-One” focuses on selecting the appropriate device to ensure a successful learning technology initiative.
According to the article there are six critical questions that must be asked and answered to ensure success. The questions surround issues of purpose, operating system, applications, content, peripheral equipment and robustness. Read the article and view a matrix comparing seven devices using the criteria outlined in the article.
Download the article here.
Dr. Bernice Campbell, CRMSE Program coordinator, was elected to the NC State University Staff Senate as an alternate for Districts 12 & 13. In this capacity, she will represent the Colleges of Education and Design on committee assignments and fill in for Staff Senator Patty Field whenever she is unable to attend regular meetings.
The Staff Senate is an advisory body to the University Chancellor on issues related to policies and procedures and in areas affecting the University community.
The Friday Institute for Educational Innovation would like to announce the launch of its white paper series. The series is designed to further the mission of the Friday Institute by presenting expert opinions that begin conversations on topics related to transforming education.
As part of the School Connectivity Initiative (SCI), led by North Carolina State University’s Friday Institute for Educational Innovation, all 115 North Carolina school districts are now linked with high-speed access to online content and services through the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN).
The GISMO research team (Generating Increased Science and Math Learning) at the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation is pleased to announce the launch of a new tool that compiles and reviews research findings related to rational number reasoning. The searchable database was designed to assist researchers, math practitioners, professional development specialists and anyone interested in the field of rational number reasoning.
This post is part of the series Staff NewsDr. Glenn Kleiman, Executive Director of the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation presented the latest update on the North Carolina Learning Technology Initiative to business leaders on March 25, 2009. The presentation included topics such as "What is NCLTI?," the current status of the project and future directions.
Dr. Hiller Spires, Senior Research Fellow at the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation has been awarded a 2008-2009 Gertrude M. Cox Award for Innovative Excellence in Teaching and Learning with Technology. The honorable mention award in the category of Transformative Large Scale Projects was for work done on the project New Literacies and Design Studio: Teachers Experiencing the Power of Learning Through Technology (ECI 546, Literacy, Technology, and Media).
This post is part of the series Staff News
