Dr. Swain Receives Grant to Develop Computational Learning Labs
Dr. Swain and colleagues at North Carolina Central University have received a grant to develop computational learning labs. The grant, entitled "Developing Computational Learning Labs in the Community," has three components:
- to train faculty
- to train students (graduate and undergraduate)
- to establish learning labs in two Durham community centers
Eight workshops will held to train both NCCU faculty and students how to administer a learning lab that supports using computation to solve problems in chemistry, physics, business, and other school subjects. A set of participants will apply the training at two computational science learning labs for middle-school students in the Antioch Builds and the W.D. Hill Community
Centers. Specifically, participants will learn about administering the "pathway" program using the Computational Science Education Reference Desk (CSERD), which is part of the National Science Digital Library (NSDL) and which has been developed by the Shodor Education Foundation, Inc., of Durham.
An orientation to the project was held on February 18, 2006. Saturday workshops will run from February 15, 2006, to April 29, 2006. Finally, a Boot Camp from May 8-12, 2006, will allow attendees to apply the training as they set up the community center labs. Workshop and boot camp attendees will be reimbursed for their time. Afterwards, some participants may also be
able to continue as paid interns and administrators of the labs. A Capstone meeting on May 13, 2006, will celebrate the final results.