Overview

The Cyberbridge Program funded by the National Science Foundation is a collaborative among SUHSD, UCSD and SDSU to expand the use of media and cyber-infrastructure (CI) in science classrooms; to improve science instruction and student experience with IT technologies within an interdisciplinary construct; to increase teacher and student understand concerning the relevance of science and role(s) of technology in future careers; and, to strengthen the relationships between K-12 schools/students and the science community.

Multi-disciplinary teacher teams will participate in a three-week summer institute with other teams to master basic strategies for best implementing IT and integrated interdisciplinary learning in their classrooms, and coordinating their project. During the first two weeks, teachers will acquire necessary IT and media skills, collaboratively develop project ideas, build connections with SDSU scientists, and develop the intra-team rapport necessary to implement academic year curricular project plan. During the final week, individual school site teams will pilot their projects with summer program students.

During the Academic Year teacher teams with work with multi-disciplinary classes to develop video clips reflecting science research. Project implementation takes place periodically (e.g., once a week, three days a month, or 2 solid weeks) during a designated period where they collectively they share ~120 students. Students are teamed in interdisciplinary groups of 5-6 students that will each produce a science-related multimedia product. Students often interface with SDSU and UCSD scientists on project days and occasionally visit local IT or research firms. Completed projects are posted on Internet-based SciVee where peers, parents, teachers, administration, and the science community can post feedback and potentially vote to identify the most effective projects.

Each teacher team will be expected to:

• Complete a 3 week Cyberbridge summer institute at San Diego State, select SUHSD schools and UCSD - June 16th - July 3rd

• Consistently meet with site team and Cyberbridge staff during academic year (note: principals will set master schedule for common team prep period)

• Participate in group career exploration and reflection sessions - 1-2 release days/semester.

• Implement team media projects with students during academic year.

• Elect a site leader that will function as the team’s liaison, coordinator, etc.

Stipend & Credits

The summer stipend of $1500 will be paid upon completion of summer institute. Teachers will receive 15 UCSD semester extension units and certificate upon program completion.

Eligibility

High school science teachers from Castle Park High School, Southwest High School, and San Ysidro High School.

Responsibilities

• Complete the 3 week Cyberbridge summer institute at San Diego State, select SUHSD schools and UCSD from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, June 16th - July 3rd.

• Meet weekly* with team to discuss technological techniques and strategies, team implementation plans, etc. (at least 1 hr/wk). *These meetings must be face-to-face, principals will set schedule for teams to share common prep period. Meetings will occasionally involve a Cyberbridge staff member, evaluator or scientist.

• Spend at least 1 hr/wk for independent work each, including activity preparation, completion of evaluation instruments, and monthly reflections.

• Submit Monthly Progress Reports (2-page forms outlining work accomplished and reflecting on experiences) headed by lead teacher.

• Participate in 3-4 career exploration and reflection days* during the academic year. *Teachers obtain substitute for these days paid by Cyberbridge.

• Site teams will implement media projects with at least 1 joint class period for a minimum of 10 class hours.

• Teacher teams may elect to run after school science and media interest groups. 21st century funds might be available for teacher compensation.

Each Site Leader will (in addition to the above):

• Be released one period to perform required duties (paid by Cyberbridge)

• Coordinate weekly meetings and document agendas and notes with site team during common prep.

• Act as site's liaison by coordinating interactions with principal, Cyberbridge staff, CSRC scientists.

• Co-plan career exploration and reflection days with Cyberbridge team.

Important Dates