The Institute for Teaching through Technology and Innovative Practices (ITTIP) is proud to announce the awarding of two grants from the National Science Foundation's Math and Science Partnership (MSP). These two grants will help to ensure the continued growth of innovative technology practices in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The first grant awarded will fund the INSPIRS (Integrating the Nature of Science and Physical science In Rural Schools) project. This project will provide learning opportunities for middle and high school Physical Science, General Science and Special Education teachers in partnering school divisions. INSPIRS is a partnership between Longwood University's College of Arts and Sciences, ITTIP, SVRTC, and 8 school divisions.

Activities of INSPIRS will include:

• 5-day professional development institute in the Summer of 2012 focused on the integration of NoS and PS through:
  • Inquiry Based Learning (IBL), Problem Based Learning (PBL), Understanding by Design (UbD), and the 5e Learning Cycle
  • Training on software and probeware to integrate into a NoS and PS unit
  • Lesson plan development using UbD as a template to design a PS and NoS unit of instruction
• Online resources and support during the school year by ITTIP faculty
• Final summit of two instructional units created by teachers on one Saturday in the last week of May or early June 2013

The first INSPIRS institute will be held June 11-15, 2012 in Halifax County.

The second grant awarded will fund the VA STEM CoNNECT (Virginia STEM Collaborative Nurturing Network to Enhance Content-focused Teaching) project. This project is a partnership with 8 universities, 5 non-profit organizations, 3 businesses and 48 school divisions. VA STEM CoNNECT is building on the past success of partnering institutions in STEM programs and is leading integrated STEM learning reform though:

• Professional Development for mathematics and science teachers focused on the application of mathematics and science Standards of Learning (SOL) with emphasis on the engineering design process
• Ongoing school-year support through e-learning and/or lesson study
• Partnering with leaders in school divisions to support STEM instruction that increases achievement and engagement in all student populations

During the summer of 2012 the project will begin its training of 174 teachers.

Longwood University's Institute for Teaching through Technology and Innovative Practices (ITTIP) recently hosted the Fifth Annual STEM Summit. The theme of the summit, "Formal and Informal STEM Learning with Mobile Devices," focused on integrating mobile learning devices into the 21st century classroom.

Dr. Ken Perkins, interim vice president of academic affairs, welcomed approximately 75 K-12 teachers and administrators who attended the event. Throughout the day, a variety of speakers addressed STEM learning with mobile devices. Dr. Frederic Bertley, vice president of science and innovation at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, communicated the importance of providing STEM role models for children. He also shared with the audience the many programs the Franklin Institute has developed to promote science and technology.

Radford University professor Dr. Matt Dunleavy presented "Mobile Augmented Reality for Teaching and Learning." Dunleavy provided examples of how to use augmented reality with students in various learning settings, including outdoor scavenger hunts and environmental monitoring. He emphasized how augmented reality through computer-generated imagery in live-video streams can enhance the perception of the real world and provide students with an engaging learning experience.

John Hendron, webmaster and supervisor of instructional technology for Goochland County Public Schools, demonstrated how to make a series of simple drawings using Logo Draw for iPad. Students can learn the basics of how to program, how to type, and the elementary basics of geometry while having fun drawing using this app. In addition to Logo Draw, Hendron also introduced several free and low-cost apps for the iPad that can foster student excitement in learning and applying various science and mathematics concepts. Another app for use on the iPad, Math Flyer, was presented by Patricia Jacobs and Jennifer Houchins from the Shodor Foundation. Math Flyer is an app that is targeted for older students and focused on using algebraic expressions and functions.

Stephanie Playton, instructional design specialist with ITTIP, explained how she used the Smartphone with elementary students on a field trip to the zoo. Students used the phones to document their trip with pictures and text.

Dr. Kevin Kochersberger, research associate professor at Virginia Tech, presented "Smartphone Robotics: Concepts for the Wireless Generation." Kochersberger presented the Smartphone as a new reality for the robotic generation. The Smartphone, as a flight controller, can be programmed to take sensory input with different applications. The real benefit of the Smartphone is the programming and simulation can be performed everywhere. Bill Wilson, senior technology engineer for SVRTC/ITTIP, demonstrated how a Smartphone app can operate a LEGO mindstorm robot. Kochersberger inspired the audience with the "Strandbeast" which are creatures made from pvc pipe and powered by wind. The inventor of the Strandbeast is the Dutch artist, Theo Jansen.

Virginia Tech professors Dr. Brenda Brand and Dr. Mary Kasarda presented "Unpacking STEM" in which they shared their concerns about too few U.S. workers with strong backgrounds in STEM. In order to better prepare the workforce, they have created a partnership with the Montgomery County Schools FIRST Robotics high-school team and Virginia Tech. The students work with college engineering students to achieve a higher level of STEM learning.

To conclude the event, ITTIP Director Dr. Manorama Talaiver encouraged the educators to take what they learned and integrate it into their classrooms. In addition, ITTIP plans to host a blog where participants can share their experiences with using the tools they learned.

Longwood University's Institute for Teaching through Technology & Innovative Practices' (ITTIP) Director, Dr. Mano Talaiver and Senior Technology Engineer, Bill Wilson attended the HP World Education Summit in New Delhi, India in March.  ITTIP received a grant to participate in HP's Catalyst Initiative, a global social innovation program designed to develop more effective approaches to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education worldwide.