Internet-based Tutorial Program (ITP)
Guidelines
Goal
The goal of the Internet-based Tutorial Program (ITP) at ORNL is to
develop web-based instructional materials (modules) for use in the K-12
science education community. This effort will provide rich science and
mathematics materials based on the mission and resources of the laboratory
which will strengthen education in science and mathematics. In the process
of the ITP, we will learn, develop, and share a replicable process that
others can use.
Program Design
The ITP experience will involve three intensive weeks during the summer
followed by an academic year component. During the summer, participants
will take part in a two-week research immersion project and a subset of
these educators (ITP educators) will continue in a third week. This third
week is devoted to the development of an Internet-based learning module
based on the science and technology of the research immersion project.
During the academic year, the ITP educators will pilot the learning module
in their classrooms and report their findings.
The development of Internet-based modules will utilize a team approach:
teachers, research staff, technologists, and science educators with teachers
playing the lead role. Teachers will play a key role in identification
of appropriate topics for the modules, in ensuring age/grade appropriateness
of the modules, designing a system to monitor progress during the academic
year, and developing a method to assess effectiveness. Research staff will
offer access to the research of the laboratory, provide instruction and
guidance during the research immersion, and ensure accuracy of the science
content of the module. The technologist will provide the interface between
the learning module and the Internet while the science educators will ensure
modules are standards-based and make use of best practice, and coordinate
and monitor progress during the academic year.
Characteristics of ITP Modules
Modules will be closely linked to the research mission of the laboratory
Modules will be standards-based
Modules will be developed in collaboration with others (research scientists,
educators, etc.)
Modules will be piloted in classrooms with students
Modules will be modified as a result of piloting
Modules will build communities of learners and contributors
Modules will offer interactive activities and experiences, focused
discussions, and collaborative intellectual work
Module development teams will rely heavily on the Internet and other
technologies (phone conferencing, electronic notebooks, intranets, etc.)
to
