NASA LangleyCNU Distance Learning Programs Randall Caton Department

NASA Langley/CNU Distance Learning Programs Randall Caton, Department of Physics, Computer Science and Engineering, Christopher Newport University Thomas E. Pinelli, Office of Education, NASA Langley Research Center NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 1

Acknowledgements • We thank Shannon Ricles, Bobbye Bartels, Loren Yee, Bernie Freeman, Heidi Boyette, Jeff Seaton, Cory Gilbert, William Bensen, Chris Giersch, Jennifer Pulley, Cheryl Keeton, Katrina Townes, Kevin Krigsvold, Michael Bibbo, Clyde Lewis, Robert Starr, and Williams for their contributions to various programs discussed in this presentation. • NASA Grant NAG-1 -2219 and NASA Grant NCC 435 provide funding support for these programs. NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 2

A Unique Collaboration: NASA and Learners June 19, 2002 NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 3

I. Introduction The NASA Langley Distance Learning Center programs employ both advances in information technology and in effective pedagogy to produce a broad range of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) materials to complement and enhance other educational efforts. The ultimate goal is learning. We integrate a variety of modalities to achieve this goal. NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 4

I. Introduction The NASA Langley Distance Learning programs • focus on math, science, engineering, and/or technology • cover a spectrum of education levels from Kadult • are free to the public • have 450, 000 registered educators • have 12. 5 million registered students • are used in 60 countries • appear on many television networks • have many partners and affiliates include NWF NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 5

II. Major Goals of Distance Learning Programs • to increase educational excellence • to enhance and enrich the teaching of mathematics, science, and technology • to increase scientific and technological literacy • to communicate the results of NASA discovery, exploration, innovation and research NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 6

III. History of Distance Learning Programs • NASA CONNECT 1997 • NASA Science Files (formerly NASA Why? Files) and NASA's Destination Tomorrow 2000 • NASA's Kids Science News Network (KSNN) and NASA LIVE 2001 • The programs have won numerous (~60) awards for distance learning, videography, and web design, including 8 Emmys. NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 7

IV. Description and Methodology for Distance Learning Programs We define distance learning as “getting people--and often video images of people --into the same electronic space so they can help one another learn, ” and we provide “a system and process that connects learners with distributed sources” Putting the Learning into Distance Learning, B. Filipczak, TRAINING 32, no. 10, pp. 111 -118 (October 1995), EJ 511 253. NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 8

IV. Description and Methodology for Distance Learning Programs All pre-college distance learning programs • support the national mathematics, science, and technology standards • support K-12 systemic change • involve educators in their development, implementation, and evaluation • are based on alliances and partnerships • seek to invoke a sense of geographic, ethnic and cultural diversity NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 9

IV. Description and Methodology for Distance Learning Programs Integrated Modalities • Video broadcast - narrative üopen, closed, descriptive captioning üEnglish, Spanish • Text – lesson guides downloadable in PDF • Activities with inexpensive materials • Web activities – simulations • Audio – plans for public radio in future NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 10

IV. Description and Methodology for Distance Learning Programs • NASA CONNECT • NASA Science Files (formerly NASA Why? Files) • NASA's Destination Tomorrow • NASA KSNN • NASA LIVE NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 11

NASA CONNECT Goal: Support the integration of mathematics, science, and technology in grades 6 -8. NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 12

NASA CONNECT Description: • connection between the mathematics, science, and technology concepts taught in the classroom and NASA research • 30 minute broadcast • classroom activities – low cost materials • web activities - simulations • resource-rich teacher guide (PDF on web) NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 13

NASA CONNECT NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs connect. larc. nasa. gov EDMEDIA 2002 14

NASA CONNECT Methodology (1 of 2): • components complement one another and produce a cohesive, flexible unit for classroom use • the broadcast intersperses classes of students from diverse backgrounds and geographical locations doing the activities • experts from diverse backgrounds • dynamic hosts weave the story together and take the students on an adventure in learning • mentors from partner organizations NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 15

NASA CONNECT Methodology (2 of 2): • the cartoon character Norbert invites viewers to reflect on what they are learning • short animated mathematics activities are featured during the video as reinforcement • script produced in conjunction with educators and the scientists featured in the video • activities are developed and tested by educators • lesson plan contains connections to national standards, resources, a glossary, a complete description of the activity, and extensions and questions (PDF on web) NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 16

NASA CONNECT Student Outcomes: 1) Make connections between the mathematics, science, and technology taught in their classroom and the real world applications by observing NASA engineers and scientists; 2) increase understanding of mathematics, science, and technology concepts through hands-on and interactive web activities; 3) develop the literacy and technology skills needed to use the Internet for investigation and research; 4) view mathematics, science, and technology as a process requiring creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills; 5) gain awareness of careers requiring problem-solving skills, mathematics and science proficiency, and technology application; 6) gain awareness of NASA: programs, projects, and facilities; 7) and overcome stereotyped beliefs by learning about women and minorities actively involved in challenging engineering and scientific tasks. NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 17

NASA Science Files Goal: The NASA Science Files television broadcast, web site, and educators’ guide use Problem-Based Learning (PBL) to help students in grades 3 -5 explore topics through scientific inquiry. NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 18

NASA Science Files Description: • series of four, standards-based instructional programs for grades 3 -5 that introduce students to science as inquiry, the scientific method, problem-based learning and NASA • each 60 -minute program is divided into four 15 minute “teachable segments” and is supported by a web site and resource-rich teacher guide. NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 19

NASA Science Files Methodology (1 of 3): • tree house detectives are confronted with realworld problems and are provided with the knowledge and tools to attack the problem • four 15 -minute instructional segments • features content experts from NASA and the STEM community • museum resources, experiments, and classroom activities to help the tree house detectives solve the problem. NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 20

NASA Science Files Methodology (2 of 3): • web component nerve center of learning experience – separate sections for students, educators, and parents – content information, experiments and activities, experts to contact, and a variety of other resources to aid student teams in finding possible solutions to the featured online problem – teams take on role of scientist solving the online problem – array of Problem-Based Learning tools (action plan, basic design log, PBL questions, “get up and go”, problem board, problem log, reflection journal, scientific investigation log, scientific method flowchart, scientific process log, and web site evaluation) – resources and guidance for the team’s culminating report and presentation – essential information is one click away and other information a maximum of three clicks away NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 21

NASA Science Files NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs scifiles. larc. nasa. gov EDMEDIA 2002 22

NASA Science Files Methodology (3 of 3): • educators’ guide is designed to augment the television broadcast and can be downloaded from the web site or received in the mail • guide features segment overviews, program objectives, vocabulary, classroom activities, worksheets, literature and Internet resources, and implementation strategies • team of elementary school teachers, NASA researchers, and NASA Distance Learning Center staff develops the programs and guides. NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 23

NASA Science Files Student Outcomes: 1) Increase understanding of Problem-Based Learning and science as inquiry; 2) develop the literacy and technology skills needed to use the Internet for investigation and research; 3) increase scientific and technological literacy; 4) gain awareness of careers requiring problem-solving skills, mathematics and science proficiency, and technology application; 5) view mathematics, science, and technology as a process requiring creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills; 6) gain awareness of NASA: programs, projects, and facilities; 7) and overcome stereotyped beliefs by learning about women and minorities actively involved in challenging engineering and scientific tasks. NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 24

NASA's Destination Tomorrow Goal: Create and heighten the interest of high school students and adult learners in mathematics, science, technology, and NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 25

NASA's Destination Tomorrow Description: • 30 -minute nationally aired video programs designed to increase the scientific literacy of educators, parents and lifelong learners • material is drawn from current research and spin-offs developed at NASA Centers – primarily the NASA Langley Research Center. NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 26

NASA's Destination Tomorrow destination. larc. nasa. gov NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 27

NASA's Destination Tomorrow Methodology: • theory and principles of adult learning guide the developers • topics are chosen to broaden the public’s perception of NASA beyond space and flight by discussing less known spin-offs of NASA researchers • 30 -minute show is divided into five 5 -minute segments: Behind the Scenes, How It Works, On the Runway, Future/Tech Watch, and Retrospective and two 30 -second “Did You Know? ” vignettes • two hosts set the tone of the show and introduce the segments • individual correspondents cover the segments in depth and interview one or two researchers. NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 28

NASA's Destination Tomorrow Outcomes: 1) Stimulate and increase scientific and technological inquiry and literacy; 2) enhance, enrich, and facilitate the learning process; 3) gain awareness of NASA: programs, projects, and facilities; 4) interest NASA and university collaboration; 5) increase outreach to the informal education community; 6) increase interest of under-represented groups in mathematics, science, technology, and NASA; 7) improve literacy of students who do not use English as their primary language. NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 29

NASA Kids Science News Network Goal: Support national efforts to prepare all children to succeed in mathematics, science, and technology. NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 30

NASA KSNN Description: • series of 1 -minute lively, kid-oriented news breaks that explain mathematics, science, technology, geography and computer science concepts • web support • activities • address misconceptions • wide visibility NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 31

NASA KSNN ksnn. larc. nasa. gov NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 32

NASA KSNN Methodology (1 of 2): • pilot program at CNU to develop scripts, activities, and web page content üTeams of 3 -4 preservice teachers develop scripts, activities, background material and web page content üTeams work with content expert for their project üEffective communication with 3 -5 graders through the video medium is presented in class • programs are professionally produced with child actors in English and Spanish NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 33

NASA KSNN Methodology (2 of 2): • activities and introductory material available on the web • considering producing some of the newsbreaks using animation software like Face. Station • content is drawn from common misconceptions and NASA material NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 34

NASA KSNN Student Outcomes: 1) Stimulate interest in and increase understanding of mathematics, science, and technology; 2) correct commonly held mathematics, science, and technology misconceptions; 3) gain awareness of NASA: programs, projects, and facilities; 4) increase scientific and information technology literacy; 5) increase interest of minority and female students in mathematics, science, technology, and NASA; 6) and improve literacy of students who do not use English as their primary language. NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 35

NASA LIVE Goal: Increase the understanding of mathematics, science, technology, and NASA among: K-12 students and educators, 13 -18 students and faculty, and adult (life long) learners in formal and informal settings. NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 36

NASA LIVE Description: • synchronous (two-way), interactive videoconferencing sessions • communicate NASA Langley research, educational programs and career opportunities to educators and students in grades K-12, grades 13 -18, and adult learners • 30 topic series is currently available on the NASA LIVE web site NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 37

NASA LIVE live. larc. nasa. gov NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 38

NASA LIVE Methodology: • connect students to real problems and real world applications of STEM • topics are chosen based on an educational need to complement university courses relating to STEM as well as aeronautics • interactive 60 -minute videoconference live from NASA Langley – 30 -minute presentation – 20 -minute Q&A segment – 10 -minute overview of educational and professional opportunities • on demand conferences NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 39

NASA LIVE Outcomes: 1) Stimulate and increase scientific and technological inquiry and literacy; 2) enhance, enrich, and facilitate the learning process; 3) model the effective use and integration of instructional technology; 4) raise awareness of NASA pre-college, college/university, and distance learning programs; 5) gain awareness of NASA: programs, projects, and facilities; 6) increase NASA and university collaboration; 7) increase outreach to the informal education community; 8) increase interest of under-represented groups in mathematics, science, technology, and NASA; 9) and improve literacy of students who do not use English as their primary language. NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 40

V. Validation and Evaluation of Distance Learning Programs Testing and Evaluation of Activities and Web Site • NASA CONNECT activities are tested by teachers during a special summer program • Focus groups of middle school teachers select three NASA CONNECT programs and the teacher and students are observed by NASA distance learning educators • NASA Science Files web site development, formative evaluation and usability tests are conducted before and during each season with the help of public and home-based educators in grades 3 -5. The results are evaluated and used to improve the usability and structure of the web site NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 41

V. Validation and Evaluation of Distance Learning Programs Survey Data 1998 -1999 NASA CONNECT Program 1999 -2000 NASA CONNECT Program 2000 -2001 NASA Why? Files Program 1000 surveys sent to a randomly selected group of registered educators NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 42

V. Validation and Evaluation of Distance Learning Programs Survey Data About 100 questions on • demographics • attitudes towards technology • use and availability of technology • evaluation of components of program NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 43

V. Validation and Evaluation of Distance Learning Programs NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 44

V. Validation and Evaluation of Distance Learning Programs NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 45

V. Validation and Evaluation of Distance Learning Programs NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 46

V. Validation and Evaluation of Distance Learning Programs NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 47

V. Validation and Evaluation of Distance Learning Programs NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 48

V. Validation and Evaluation of Distance Learning Programs NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 49

V. Validation and Evaluation of Distance Learning Programs NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 50

VI. Future Directions • Spanish versions of NASA's programs and web sites • Evolve NASA Science Files web page into a more useful learning center for kids and parents for home schooling • Streaming some of the video broadcasts from our web sites • Dissemination on DVD • Move to web conferencing • Teacher training in using technology • Science education research - welcome collaborators NASA Langley Distance Learning Center Programs EDMEDIA 2002 51