Earth2class: a unique workshop/on-line/distance-learning teacher-training project

"Earth2class" is a unique science/math/technology learning resource that combines workshops by research scientists with distance-learning staff development programs and on-line resources available at www.earth2class.org. "Earth2class" has the potential to become a major resource for educators in the atmospheric and related sciences. This poster presentation provides a general description of the "Earth2class" project. Two accompanying poster presentations describe more about the workshops featuring research scientists, and the educational technologies used to support the teacher enhancement programs.

"Earth2class" developed out of a series of workshops held at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in Palisades NY organized by AMS Maury Project Peer Trainer Michael J. Passow. (Earlier series were described in a presentation at the 9th Symposium on Education.) In each session, participants received background information about atmospheric, climatic, and other topics related to the session theme, then interacted with scientists conducting cutting-edge research in the area. In the last part of the program, they worked through pertinent AMS Education Program modules and other materials for classroom-ready activities.

This year, Dr. Passow and colleagues from the Institute for Learning Technologies of Teachers College, Columbia University, were able to expand opportunities to participate in these workshops by providing them to teachers more than 200 miles away from LDEO through teleconferencing links. Large-screen projections, computer connections, individual CDs, and other methods tested use of technology for staff development.

Through the www.earth2class.org web site, educators anywhere are able to view powerpoint presentations from the workshops and utilize other resources for their own enhancement and with their students. Links are provided to many useful government, science education, and other Internet sites. Examples of appropriate curriculum and assessment are also available.

Despite occasional glitches from pushing the limits of bandwidth and other aspects of currently-available technology, this approach received excellent responses from participants. We will continue to expand "Earth2class."