NASA Gives Boost to Virtual Learning Magnet Project

  • By Dian Schaffhauser
  • 02/18/09
##AUTHORSPLIT##<--->

The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) is engaged in a proof of concept for a virtual learning magnet (VLM) for space science and mathematics with support from space agency NASA. The project will bring together teachers and subject matter experts with students to support learning in targeted interests.

The first effort, which will run through the end of May 2009, will engage about 40 students nationwide on the study of introductory physics through the lens of space science and aeronautics research. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in an interdisciplinary independent study in cooperation with actual NASA missions. The course will focus on physics concepts normally taught in school; however, the lessons will be taught through aviation, rockets, and space science. Participants will earn one high school elective credit for successfully completing the course.

"Learning online is part of the world of today's students. Students communicate with each other electronically and they can also learn electronically, as long as they are afforded time for collaboration," said James Scanlon, superintendent of the Brandywine School District in Delaware, one of the participating districts. "With the technology that exists today along with collaboration across state lines, we can reach out and find an expert to deliver a course such as this to benefit our students."

"This is a very unique pilot program in which the student's performance will help provide valuable feedback on the course," said Michael Stetter, director of curriculum development at the Department of Education. "Their participation will help us determine strengths or weaknesses in this virtual course and help determine the future of online science courses."

Based on what is learned during the proof of concept and the response of the states, CCSSO plans to expand the VLM for space science and mathematics, enabling students to earn several credits toward a high school diploma.

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • toolbox featuring a circuit-like AI symbol and containing a screwdriver, wrench, and hammer

    Microsoft Launches AI Tools for Educators

    Microsoft has introduced a variety of AI tools aimed at helping educators develop personalized learning experiences for their students, create content more efficiently, and increase student engagement.

  • stack of gold coins disintegrates into digital particles against a dark circuit-board background with glowing AI imagery

    Report: Most Organizations See No Business Return on Gen AI Investments

    Despite $30-40 billion in enterprise spending on generative AI, 95% of organizations are seeing no business return, according to a recent report out of the MIT Media Lab.

  • brass balance scale with a black rotary telephone on one side and a stack of gold coins on the other

    Supreme Court Upholds Universal Service Fund

    In a 6-3 decision, the United States Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of the Universal Service Fund, the primary funding source behind the E-Rate program.

  • stylized illustration of a desktop, laptop, tablet, and smartphone all displaying an orange AI icon

    Survey: AI Shifting from Cloud to PCs

    A recent Intel-commissioned report identifies a significant shift in AI adoption, moving away from the cloud and closer to the user. Businesses are increasingly turning to the specialized hardware of AI PCs, the survey found, recognizing their potential not just for productivity gains, but for revolutionizing IT efficiency, fortifying data security, and delivering a compelling return on investment by bringing AI capabilities directly to the edge.