I participated in this program a few years ago- it was interesting
and not excessively time consuming. So I thought I'd pass this along
to those who are interested.
WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO SHARE WHAT YOU KNOW WITH
K-12 STUDENTS AND TEACHERS BY ELECTRONIC MAIL?
Recent estimates indicate that more than 95% of all primary, middle, and
secondary schools in North America have access to the Internet. This
makes a very special kind of learning available to many K-12 students
and teachers: one which directly involves subject matter experts
communicating about their specialties, via electronic mail.
Since early 1993, the University of Texas at Austin has been offering
a free Internet-based service called the "Electronic Emissary." The
Emissary brings together K-12 students, their teachers, and subject
matter experts ("SMEs") electronically, helping all to create
telecomputing exchanges centered around the students' active learning
in the SMEs' disciplines.
Increasing numbers of SMEs or SME groups are needed to correspond
regularly (approximately 2 - 4 times per week) with primary, middle
school, or secondary students and their teachers (usually 1 SME or expert
group per class, study group, or individual student). Each electronic
exchange begins with project planning via electronic mail between the
SMEs and the teachers. Communications with students then continue for
the duration of the project planned, usually lasting between 6 and
16 weeks. An "online facilitator" (one of the Emissary's staff; an
experienced elementary, middle-level, or secondary educator)
monitors the communication for each electronic team and is available
throughout the exchange to actively assist with project organization,
effective communication strategies, and technical help, as needed.
Volunteer subject matter experts are currently sought in ALL academic
disciplines and areas of practical expertise. Please note that we
have particular needs for experts with specialties in METEOROLOGY,
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE, and TEXAS HISTORY, but that all specializations
are welcomed. Communications with classes will occur from now through
mid-May or mid-June. More projects will be set up starting in August.
***********************************************************************
*If you would like to find out more about participating in this project,
*please explore our Web pages at:
*
* http://emissary.ots.utexas.edu/emissary/,
* especially our resources for online mentors at:
* http://emissary.ots.utexas.edu/emissary/mentors.html
*
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kyle forinash 812-941-2390
kforinas@ius.edu
Natural Science Division
Indiana University Southeast
New Albany, IN 47150 http://Physics.ius.edu/
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