Educators and administrators from three states explored NCSSM's learning spaces as part of the November Learning Tour.
news
news
NCSSM held two Learning Tours on campus this fall, part of a series of behind-the-scenes tours for educators and administrators. During the tours, NCSSM faculty and staff hosted teachers, administrators, and education advocates for a day of demonstrations, discussions, and inspiration.
Participants from Pennsylvania, Delaware, South Carolina joined local education advocates in November to explore the spaces and pedagogical approaches employed at NCSSM. Some individuals were looking to learn more about spaces for engineering and fabrication or programs and courses in the computer and computational sciences, while others were anxious to find ways to connect their school or business with NCSSM in a more meaningful way.
Visitors had the chance to meet with many faculty and staff across campus during a day full of sessions like flipping the classroom with video, and a computational chemistry server demonstration. Previous tours included other demonstrations and discussions of technology and curriculum led by faculty members, sometimes with student participation. Topics have ranged from a session on how to create real-time interactive video classroom with students in the U.S. and China, to maker space demonstrations in NCSSM’s fabrication lab, to videoconferencing classes and STEM enrichment activities.
Visitors walk away inspired, says Melissa Thibault, vice chancellor for distance education and extended programs. “All were not only impressed by the scope of services to students, but also the school’s willingness to open our doors, share our ideas, and collaborate to improve outcomes for all students,” says Thibault. “The Learning Tour participants were astounded to see how effectively the mission of the school is enacted in all we do.”
Nancy Adams travelled from Wayne, PA, to participate in the tour. Adams, curriculum supervisor of math, science, music, and technology for the Tredyffrin/Easttown School District, says the tour “presented an exciting view of the opportunities available at NCSSM. I was especially admiring of your interest in outreach and sharing with others, even those who are, like us, out of state.”
The first two learning tours were so popular that additional tours were added to the schedule for the 2016-2017 academic year. One more Learning Tour is scheduled for this academic year and will be held March 14, 2017.
For more information or to register, visit https://www.ncssm.edu/learning-tours