Dr. Lenore Blum and associates at Mills College plan to explore the use of an interactive videodisc environment for elementary education in mathematics using existing materials from SQUARE ONE TV. The project will use a prototype interactive computer learning system that uses icons embedded within an exploratory environment to allow learners to select their own activities. The system allows videodisc materials to be easily combined within an interactive computer environment and includes browsing, lesson selection, open exploration, practice problems, and extended activities keyed to the SQUARE ONE TV material. They will produce a videodisc with source materials provided by Children's Television Workshop, design the interactive environment, and evaluate its effectiveness with trial groups of teachers, students, and others in formal and informal settings. This modest proposal will extend the range of utilization of SQUARE ONE TV and provide valuable information on its potential use in non-broadcast settings.
Cognitive research indicates that science experts commonly use diagrams as mediational tools for reasoning visually. But in science education materials and practices, visuals are typically "aids" rather than fundamental representations. This research will examine how students learn to comprehend, use, and construct diagrams as thinking tools. It will focus on the diagram-dense field of beginning optics. The project has two interacting phases: research on how students understand static optics diagrams, and development and refinement of prototype computer- based dynamic diagrams and diagramming tools. Specific tasks are: (1) Pilot research, and analysis of diagrams in optics texts, (2) research on instructional practices with these diagrams, (3) research on student understanding and use of diagrams, (4) design and develop interactive diagrams and a dynamic diagram-construction kit, (5) carry out research with prototypes, and (6) formulate and disseminate implications for creation and use of interactive diagrams in science education. Such research on visual education in science will help guide development of new curricula and software for science education. The project team of cognitive scientists, science educators, graphics specialists, and systems developers is devoted to promoting learning and reasoning in science with new data, theory, and innovative prototypes of dynamic diagrams. These interdisciplinary activities more directly link science education research, materials development, and classroom activities. Cost sharing is provided by the Institute for Research on Learning which is contributing indirect costs and APPEL which is contributing four MacIntosh II systems.
This project, WALKING ON WATER, chronicals the success of Jaime Escalante's nationally acclaimed mathematics program at Garfield High School in Los Angeles. Overcoming crime, poverty and a 50% drop-out rate, Mr. Escalante transformed Hispanic students with deficient scholastic backgrounds into the top calculus students in the country. As a result of this success, Garfield High School is now a magnet school for math and science in the Los Angeles School District. Mr. Escalante's story will be told in a 90 minute film docudrama which will air nationally on public television's American Playhouse series, the 14th most popular program on PBS reaching 1.2 million homes. The film is designed for general theatrical release, for educational distribution on cable, for videocassette release and will be dubbed into Spanish for airing in Spanish theaters. In addition, Eddie Olmas, the Emmy award winning star of Miami Vice who portrays Mr. Escalanate in the film, will use the film in personal appearances. Reviewers all agree that this story will inspire and motivate students and teachers alike. They also agreed that it is equally important to reach other significant audiences such as parents, school administrators and opinion leaders so that they will understand and support these types of education efforts.