GSRA Postion F09-23
Interactive Communications & Simulations
Faculty Name: Jeff Kupperman
Department: Education
Campus Address: 430 French Hall
Email: jkupp@umflint.edu
Phone: 7346046117
Project Description: Interactive Communications & Simulations, based at the UM-Flint School of Education and Human Services and the UM-Ann Arbor School of Education, develops and runs a variety of technology-mediated educational programs for the K-16 community. ICS programs harness the power of simulation gaming, activism, service learning, and social networking for educational purposes.
The ICS model of the Internet is not just as a passive repository for information, but as an interactive space where new kinds of learning can occur. Thousands of students from over 400 public and private schools in 36 American states and 25 countries overseas have been involved in ICS exercises. In networking together far-flung classes of students and their teachers, ICS creates "global classrooms" which may be comprised of hundreds of students, but which are manageable because of the structure of the exercises.
ICS programs are not distance-learning courses in the traditional sense of the term. Rather, they are collaborative projects defined by extended interactions between students at different schools, thematic content in a variety of subject areas, opportunities for personal engagement through character-play, self-expression or social activism, and (often) involvement of university-level mentors under the supervision of the project directors. Each project involves meaningful, often intensive, communication among K-12 students, university mentors, and facilitators. ICS activities use custom-built environments specific to each project's goals.
Information about current programs can be found at http://ics.soe.umich.edu.
Semesters Desired: Fall 2009; Winter 2010
GSRA Position Description: We are looking for a general assistant to help with the enactment, management, and improvement of ongoing ICS programs. Depending on the skills and interests of the assistant, he or she will focus on one or more programs, and do any number of the following tasks: supporting participants; recruiting new partner schools, teachers and organizations; creating program documentation or supplementary materials; contributing to technical development; assisting with program evaluation; exploring funding opportunities; and contributing to research papers and presentations.
Specific Day/Time Requirements: Flexible; some weekday hours desired
Special Requirements: Required characteristics: Ability to set goals proactively and work toward those goals independently; Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; Excellent computer skills; Ability to acquire new skills and knowledge quickly and independently; Curiosity about how the world works and about how people learn.
Desired characteristics: Experience with web development, especially "Web 2.0" technologies; Interest in educational games and simulations; Familiarity with K-12 teaching and curriculum; Ability to travel occasionally to ICS partner schools during the school day
Graduate Students in These Programs May Apply: Computer Science and Information Systems (MS); Education (MA); English Language and Literature (MA); Liberal Studies (MLS); Public Administration (MPA); Social Sciences (MA)