EET WORKSHOPS: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT THAT PROMOTES THE USE OF WEB-BASED SCIENTIFIC DATA AND ANALYSIS TOOLS IN EDUCATIONAL SETTINGS

The Earth Exploration Toolbook (EET) is a collection within the National Science Digital Library (NSDL) and the Digital Library for Earth System Education (DLESE). It is an online resource that provides step-by-step instructions for accessing specific Web-based data and using a software analysis tool to explore issues or concepts in science, technology, and mathematics.

The EET Workshops project offers unique and effective professional development opportunities for Earth science, technology, and mathematics teachers to learn how to access and use the data and analysis tools featured in the EET. Participants work at their own Internet-connected computers, and dial into a toll-free group teleconference for step-by-step facilitation and interaction. They also receive support via Elluminate, a Web-conferencing software program. The software allows participants to see the facilitator's computer as the analysis techniques of an EET chapter are demonstrated. If needed, the facilitator can also view individual participant's computers, assisting with technical difficulties.

The professional development is organized as pairs of workshops that focus on using NSDL, DLESE, and an EET chapter. In the first workshop, participants walk through an EET chapter and discuss ways to use Earth science datasets and tools with their students. In a follow-up second workshop, they share how they used these materials in the classroom by describing the projects and activities that they carried out with students. Teachers from all across the country participate in these workshops.

In this presentation, we describe the elements of an EET Workshop pair, highlighting the capabilities and use of Web-conferencing software in professional development settings. This technology enables a large number of end users, often widely distributed, to engage in interactive, real-time instruction. We will share lessons learned through several years of conducting this type of professional development.