Here is an announcement from our lab about a workshop that we're
running this summer for Boston Metro area teachers.
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Imagination Toolbox - Creating Computer Simulations for the Classroom
an MIT Summer Workshop for Boston Metro Area Teachers
* Do you want to use cutting edge technology tools to enrich your
curriculum and enhance student learning?
* Do you want to augment your curriculum with compelling real
world applications and problems relevant to all of us?
* Do you want to learn about transforming your curriculum into
exciting and engaging games for your students?
The Scheller Teacher Education Program (STEP) is conducting an
exciting 5-day (August 18 - 22) workshop at MIT for middle and high
school science, technology, and math teachers to learn about
integrating computer modeling and games into the classroom using
tested and ready-to-implement curriculum units and activities that
complement existing math and science curricula and introduce
techniques that enhance student learning.
In this workshop, teachers will learn and explore these computer
modeling and games units using an educational software tool called
StarLogo TNG, developed by STEP. StarLogo TNG is a graphical
programming environment designed for Boston metro area middle and
high school teachers and students to study and create 3D games and
simulations. This software is already being used in a variety of
classrooms and after school programs. "Watching students collaborate
as they use StarLogo TNG to create games that accurately reflect
laws of physics reminds me why I feel so passionate about technology
as a learning tool," says Aaron Mandel, a school technology
coordinator at the Governor's Academy in Byfield, Massachusetts.
"The students are fully engaged with material that is relevant to
them, have creative control and are ferociously motivated to find
creative solutions to complex problems."
StarLogo TNG interface
What you'll gain from this workshop
* Techniques to teach your students how to design, implement, and
analyze their own computer simulations
* How to understand and examine complex systems
* Expert knowledge of the simulation, game development, and
programming capabilities of a cutting edge educational software
tool, StarLogo TNG
* Network of regional educators, researchers, scientists, and mentors.
For more information and to apply visit
http://education.mit.edu/drupal/starlogo/summer2008
