Williamsburg, VA
Jul 10 – 12, 2012
Conference Website
Hosted by the Virginia Department of Education, the Institute provides world-class professional development to school division personnel on the latest research and practices related to timely topics in education. The Institute attracts over 500 Virginia educators representing every region of the state.
The theme of this year’s Institute is The Future of Learning – A Shifting Landscape and is designed to help educators find effective approaches for: 1) using 21st century resources and instructional tools to enhance learning experiences both in and out of the classroom; and 2) identifying resources to deliver meaningful instruction to all students in an engaging and relevant fashion. The Institute will encourage educators to consider how three major drivers of change are shifting the “landscape” of learning: 1) next generation learning; 2) adaptable and innovative education networks; and 3) civic awareness and engagement.
Wednesday, July 11
Innovative Technology in Science Inquiry
Carolyn Staudt
9:30-10:30 AM and 10:45 – 11:45 AM
Using a simple Web-based authoring portal, teachers customize elementary, middle, and secondary classroom activities using probes and open source models.
The Innovative Technology in Science Inquiry (ITSI) project prepares diverse students for careers in information technologies by engaging them in exciting, inquiry-based science projects that use computational models and real-time data acquisition. The ITSI project has created almost 200 standards-based activities based on prior National Science Foundation-funded projects. Learn to customize these science inquiry activities using a Web-based authoring system to fit your classroom. Project materials are free and available online.