NOVA CHAUTAUQUA: EXCITING COLLEGE FACULTY WITH "DIGITAL INQUIRY"

The NASA Opportunities for Visionary Academics (NOVA) Program conducted two 1-week workshops for faculty from 2-year/4-year institutions to develop skills in the application of digital technologies for inquiry-based learning across science curricula. Each workshop utilized the “Chautauqua model” of learning wherein participants are immersed in a residential, focused learning experience. The objectives of each NOVA Chautauqua session were 1) provide faculty with an overview of principles of inquiry, 2) permit faculty to participate in exemplary activities using inquiry, 3) provide faculty with hands-on access to an online Earth System Science course utilizing “digital inquiry” via manipulation of Internet-based data resources (http://comp.uark.edu/~sboss/ess.htm), 4) train faculty to utilize animation software included with the Windows XP operating system, 5) allow significant time (4 days) for faculty to develop inquiry-based learning modules utilizing Internet data resources and newly-acquired digital technology skills, 6) promote partnerships between faculty of 2-year/4-year institutions. On the final day, participants presented their learning products in an informal discussion encouraging free exchange of ideas and suggestions for enhancing inquiry with digital technologies. Participant evaluations of NOVA Chautauqua indicated extraordinary enthusiasm for the Chautauqua model as a method of enhancing professional development of college faculty and assisting implementation of “digital inquiry” technologies across all science/education curricula. This poster presentation will include examples of digital media produced by NOVA Chautauqua participants.