Although students and teachers do not often see the faces behind the scenes at the ICN, numerous individuals keep the network running smoothly. Joseph Cassis, Tami Fujinaka, and Gail McMahon are three of the individuals who play a vital role keeping the ICN working properly and visible to the public. In addition, these individuals and others are constantly working on new ways to utilize the ICN technology to meet future needs of Iowa students and teachers.

In his role as Deputy Director of the ICN, Joseph Cassis provides direction relating to Corporate Marketing and Communications (including PR), training, strategic planning, IT, policy development, office management including video scheduling, and State Operator functions. In addition to these key responsibilities, he is also Chief of Staff for the Executive Director.

Cassis has a myriad of experiences that provided him with the foundation for his current position, ranging from working several years at a Iowa-based telecom provider as the Vice President of Application Development to being the president/owner of a marketing and internet firm. He also spent several years developing computer systems at major corporations located in Chicago, was Vice President of Communications for a commodity association, and held the position of Director of Marketing within Alumni Services at University of Iowa. His education includes a psychology degree in behav
ioral modification and a double MBA in management information systems and marketing. Cassis feels that these well-balanced educational experiences helped him, “to develop a bridge between the technology (left brain thinking) and application/creative efforts (right brain thinking) to communicate the capabilities that technology can bring to improve our communities more efficiently and effectively.”

As the Government Relations Manager, Tami Fujinaka works closely with the Executive Director and Deputy Director to develop strategies to work with various government agencies and entities including the Iowa Legislature, the state executive branch agencies, and federal and local entities. She is also the liaison to the Iowa Telecommunications and Technology Commission and develops the commission’s administrative rules. Along with Cassis and Gail McMahon, she is a member of the agency’s Corporate Marketing and Communications Team.

Prior to her current position, Fujinaka worked for several Midwest industry associations and chambers of commerce in a legislative manager role. She also worked four years as an analyst for a state legislative agency. Her education includes a BA in Political Science from Central College and a MBA from Drake University.


As the ICN Public Relations Manager, Gail McMahon works as part of the Corporate Marketing and Communications team, which also includes Cassis, Fujinaka, and the ICN Webmaster, to establish, promote, and maintain a positive identity for the Agency. An additional new focus for the team is to provide training for customers on various ICN-related subjects, from the technical to non-technical. McMahon works closely with the educational arena, media and general public to promote and encourage use of the ICN. This includes, but is not limited to, writing and distributing press releases, representing ICN by attending, presenting, and exhibiting at appropriate conferences or meetings and creating content for the Web site. She is often a first point of contact for educators who have questions about ICN.

Prior to her current position, McMahon worked in college admissions for 15 years in Iowa, as an admissions counselor and as Director of Admissions for a two-year business college. She holds a journalism degree from Iowa State University and worked in radio broadcasting immediately after completing her degree. She also worked in college admissions on the East Coast for six years before returning to Iowa.


Cassis, Fujinaka and McMahon feel that the current role of the ICN is to support distance learning through the videoconference environment, whether by broadcasting through the ICN video classrooms or through IP-based technology. The ICN allows schools to successfully access curriculum supplements available from all over the world as well as share local classroom resources using quality two-way video conferencing. The ICN provides many high quality student opportunities, as well as a growing number of professional development sessions now available for teachers, school support staff, and administrators. In addition to the videoconference benefits of the ICN, Internet access is also provided to schools through the ICN. According to Cassis, “The Internet is a powerful learning tool and what the ICN brings is the broadband through which this 'equalizer of opportunity' can enhance students' enrichment” All three feel that the ICN is particularly vital as a way to share resources and expand opportunities for students and teachers.


As they plan for the future, this team feels strongly that the ICN must stay current with the trends that are becoming increasingly more evident. Cassis notes a “significant increase in bandwidth usage (the Internet usage). It has almost doubled in the past 3 years.” Schools are using Internet services at an exponential rate. IP services, in particularly, are becoming increasingly popular due to their mobility. All three feel that today’s students are different from students of even a decade ago. Students today have an expectation of communication at all times and in all locations. As McMahon mentions, “In this global economy, students want and need more opportunities to broaden their horizons and better prepare them for college.”


To address these trends, the team feels that the ICN needs to be adaptable and accessibility should continue to be a focus. Broadband access only to the schools will not meet future needs. Fujinaka notes, “As the world is moving to using Internet Protocol for voice, video and data services, the key for value of the ICN is that it can adapt to any IP technology.” Regardless of future demands, the ICN will continue to provide Iowa and its students with a solid fiber optic network that, with its bandwidth and flexibility, can be adapted to meet the new challenges. Cassis, Fujinaka and McMahon are committed to ensuring that this valuable resource continues to move forward and meet the needs of schools across Iowa.

Real world ICN sessions, sponsored through an IT STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Grant for science, technology, and education were held in February with additional sessions scheduled for March and April. The two types of sessions, IT-Adventures and HyperStream, strive to develop student interest in STEM careers. IT-Adventures is an innovative program that engages Iowa high school students in exploration and experimentation with information technology (IT) through instructional material delivery, competitive events, and service learning projects. Iowa State University’s Information Assurance Center, the Iowa Department of Economic Development, the Technology Association of Iowa, the Iowa chapter of InfraGard and Iowa businesses have forged a partnership for development of this program. The program is dedicated to increasing interest and awareness of IT among high school students across the state and stemming the downward curve of students selecting IT as a career. The HyperStream program, also highlighted in the December blog, is a a technology career awareness program developed and tested by The Technology Association of Iowa (TAI) Educational Foundation has to support its key initiative of developing Iowa's future technology workforce. Iowa Public Television (IPTV) and the ICN are working with the program to offer ICN sessions focused on increasing student interest in technology careers.

IT-Adventures sessions provide an opportunity for current IT-Adventures Teams to get together (via the ICN) to discuss their projects with staff from Iowa State. IT-Adventures is an exciting innovative IT exploration program for high school students managed by staff at Iowa State University. During these sessions, staff from Iowa State will also offer guidance on service learning projects and will provide more information about what happens when students travel to Iowa State University for the IT-Olympics. Interested students and teachers who participate will also be invited to learn more about IT-Adventures and the IT-Olympics coming up in April 2009.

During the Hyperstream ICN sessions, students have the opportunity to meet with individuals involved in the program. During the February sessions, Jennifer O’Conner (picture, on the left), a representative of the Technology Association of Iowa, shared resources with students through the TAI’s Hyperstream Program and website. She also talked about the Technology Association of Iowa’s HyperStream partnership between business and education. Also during the February sessions, Spencer High School students met with Microsoft’s Linda Welseng (pictured, on the right), a senior technical account manager. Welseng talked about her career path from her high school studies, to college and graduate school, and finally to her career with Microsoft. Welseng shared with students that she would help them develop a class project. She or other volunteers will partner with the class to help them complete their project. March and April sessions will have the same or similar speakers.

The times and dates for both HyperStream and IT-Adventures sessions are listed below:

IT-Adventures Sessions:

March 31
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

April 02, 2009
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM

HyperStream Session:

March 23
9:00 AM – 9:50 AM


If you are interested in attending these sessions with your students, please check the
K-12 Connections website or contact LaShell Staley at lashell@iptv.org with questions.

The ICN has introduced a new slogan and new web site! The previous slogan worked well over the past five years; however, the Agency felt a new one was needed to better delineate ICN’s relationship with customers and end users like you. “Sharing Iowa’s Infinite Possibilities” reflects our mission to the state of Iowa and our vision of increased use of IP technology, which has unlimited possibilities. This slogan replaces Connecting Iowans to the World.

Additionally, changes have been made to ICN’s web site. The fresh, crisp look includes a video snippet on the home page that will be changed routinely to bring viewers information about ICN users, products, news, etc. If you have an idea for a video snippet, please contact ICN Public Relations Manager Gail McMahon at Gail.McMahon@iowa.gov.


You will notice that the VOSS Scheduling System and ICN Classrooms Map are now located on the right side of the home page with other “Customer Tools.” The next stage, known as Web 2.0, will incorporate even greater features and robust navigational tools to create a user-friendly web site, along with changes to the content and layout of pages. The site will have extensive interactive capabilities and will provide web portal applications and video training. Web 2.0 is scheduled for release in late spring.


We have listened to your comments, suggestions, and concerns voiced in focus groups and in conversation as we pursue these projects, and as always, appreciate the feedback!

1. 21st Century Learning: Why not choose a meaningful ICN learning experience, enhancing student skills through communicating, collaborating, or collectively analyzing learning? This article highlights 21st Century learning: http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/top-news/news-bysubject/curriculum/index.cfm?i=54606. Learn how easy it is to excite students of any age through interactive ICN learning and sharing at http://www.aea11.k12.ia.us/tech/icn.

2. Students can take a course online (See Iowa Learning Online, http://www.iowalearningonline.org/) or connect to community, state or national experts to learn more about real life careers, critical social issues, or enjoy the flexibility of online learning.

3. IPTV develops and provides a wide range of rich ICN, real world learning for all grade levels. These ICN K-12 Connections are authentic and timely, with opportunities to utilize related curriculum materials and follow-up curricular activities. Check the calendar at http://www.iptv.org/iowa_database/default.cfm.


4. The 2008 Technology Standards for Teachers identified by the ISTE (International Society for Technology Educators), supports the use of video conferencing by addressing these standards:

  • Facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity by promoting student reflection using collaborative tools
  • Design and develop Digital Age Learning Experiences
  • Promote and model Digital Citizenship and responsibility
  • Model Digital Age work and learning
  • Engage in professional growth and leadership
Check out the website at: http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=NETS.

5. Many students will go on to use video-conferencing tools in their future, undoubtedly in the work force or through their individual education or professional growth. Why not encourage collaborative work skills and
distance learning experiences while they are in a K-12 setting? See ISTE Tech Standards for Students at http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForStudents/2007Standards/NETS_for_Students_2007_Standards.pdf.

6. Utilize the ICN by participating in free virtual field trips at any age. Take advantage of the statewide ICN network through IPTVʼs K-12 Connections programs found at http://www.k12connections.iptv.org/. Schools can easily reduce transportation costs and time spent traveling on fieldtrips to a distant location. As an educator, utilize the many professional growth opportunities available through your AEA or other professional organizations via the ICN.


7. You can easily set up and customize a meaningful ICN session to connect your students to others. Learn more from Heartland AEA 11 ICN consultant, Lyneé Casper. She can be contacted at lcasper@aea11.k12.ia.us. Access planning and lesson guides at http://www.aea11.k12.ia.us/tech/icn/ICNintegration.html
.

8. The ICN classroom is a unique Iowa resource. Only a handful of states have a network that is comparable. Give your students an opportunity to participate in an ICN session or an ICN course. Consider bridging to a videoconferencing partner outside the state of Iowa. Check out this website for more information: http://www.aea11.k12.ia.us/tech/icn/PDF_Files/FAQ Steps Videoconference.pdf.

9. Educational best practices point to good reasons to use the ICN in student learning. The Federation of American Scientists states that, “learning scientists and educators have known for years that people learn faster if education can be personalized and if students are motivated by seeing how their knowledge can help them solve problems they care about.” Why not pick an important issue for students and provide an opportunity to collaborate with other students via the ICN, addressing problems they care about? Check this website for more information: http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/top-news/news-by-subject/curriculum/index.cfm?i=54606.


10. The ICN is one of many ways to videoconference or meet collaboratively online. Many Internet tools, such as wikis or blogs, or online communities, such as NING, can be set up for collaborations and sharing. These Internet tools can support learning before and after an ICN session. Why not utilize Web 2.0 tools, blending them with an ICN video conferencing learning experience? Learn more at http://www.aea11.k12.ia.us/tech/icn.


A printable, PDF version of this list can be found at http://www.aea11.k12.ia.us/tech/icn/PDF_Files/Top10ICN.pdf. Please contact Heartland AEA 11 ICN Distance Learning Consultant, Lyneé Casper at lcasper@aea11.k12.ia.us with any questions.

A new professional development course offered this spring will uncover new ways for teachers to bring learning experiences to their students using ICN classroom connections or the Internet. This course will emphasize 21st century learning skills as participants look at many types of collaborative learning scenarios and opportunities online. An awareness component regarding the use of the ICN will also be included in the course. Time will be spent exploring resources to support global, national or statewide distance learning connections. Participants will explore blogs, wiki, or selected Web 2.0 tools that strengthen curricular lessons and in turn can be incorporated into collaborative activities via the ICN classroom or online.

This two credit course is a blended class, with participants attending two ICN sessions, each two hours long, in addition to completing on-line learning modules completed on their own time. The first ICN session takes place May 11, 2009, from either 1:00-3:00 p.m. or 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the AEA ICN site or, upon request, at an ICN site near you. The second ICN session in the course takes place on April 6, 2009, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the AEA ICN site or at an ICN site near you. The on-line learning modules will consist of assignments completed on a weekly basis over the length of the course. The course will end and all work must be completed by June 16, 2009. Drake credit is available for those who are interested. For any questions regarding this course, please contact Lynee Casper at lcasper@aea11.k12.ia.us. Interested individuals may register on-line at https://prodev.aea11.k12.ia.us/4DCGI/YYYYYYYYYYYYYYSRCH. The activity number for this course is TE081292110902.

Customers using the ICN Internet now have a new option for connecting with students and teachers in other locations. The desktop video conferencing service PerfectMeetings is now available for authorized users through the ICN for a special low rate. With service beginning last fall, several schools are already using this convenient and economical option to share information and resources. This service allows individual desktop video conferencing or entire room video conferencing.

For those choosing the desktop option, any computer that meets the minimum requirements can connect with any other subscriber to the service—no ICN room required—just a high-speed Internet connection and a computer with the correct specifications. The desktop subscription to PerfectMeetings is portable and can be used on different computers, including laptops connected to wireless networks with appropriate bandwidth. Each subscription participant is provided with a username, password and meeting pin number. All participants can then connect through a common URL by sharing the meeting pin number. Up to 25 participants can join in on one session. In addition, the sessions can be recorded for future retrieval free of charge. The storage space with each subscription is approximately eight hours.

To involve more individuals in a session, other options are available. In addition to the 25 participants who can join the meeting in a fully interactive way, additional individuals or sites can watch the conference through video streaming or listen to the conference with the call-in option. Call-in participants can participate in the audio component of the meeting with per-minute charges. Streaming participants can only see and hear the meeting, not participate. The site subscription is another option that allows an entire room to interact and participate fully in the session. These rooms must already be equipped with a Polycom unit or 323 video conferencing system. To connect with individuals who do not also have subscriptions, a per-minute guest charge is yet another available option.

For any of the available options, several features of PerfectMeetings remain the same. The meeting chair controls the screen to show just video, a 4-way split screen or a 9-way split screen. This flexibility allows participants to see 1, 4 or 9 other participants and/or screens. The screen will automatically change to someone who is speaking unless the meeting chair changes the settings. PowerPoint presentations and images can be shared with other participants during the session. In addition to these features, new enhancements this spring will allow more sharing during the conferences.

If you or your school is interested in this dependable, easy to use, economical service, call (877) 426-4692 for more information or visit the Web site at http://www.icn.state.ia.us/services/IPconferencing/index.html for an order form and further instructions. In addition to a computer that meets the minimum requirements, session participants will need a Web cam and headset. These items are available for purchase on the Web site.

Burlington Notre Dame foreign language instructor Richard Dunshee, together with Iowa Learning Online, is working to provide students across Iowa the opportunity to learn Chinese, Arabic and other critical languages. Dunshee feels strongly that all students should be given the opportunity to take these courses and has worked tirelessly to bring Chinese to Iowa students this year. He feels that the ICN is a great way to reach these students and share limited resources with the entire state.

The U.S. State Department classifies certain languages, including Chinese and Arabic, as “critical needs languages.” Individuals who can speak these languages will find increased opportunities throughout their education and in their careers. Grants and scholarships are also available for students who study these languages. Dunshee feels that increased instruction in these languages will help not only the individual, but also help our country. With the rapid increase in worldwide trade and manufacturing, as well as ever-growing security issues, the U.S. needs to improve its communication efforts. In addition to these economic and security needs, Americans will be perceived in a more amicable way if we make the effort to learn more about other countries’ languages and cultures. Despite this need, many schools still only offer students Spanish and maybe one or two European languages. Students are not typically offered the chance to take these critical languages, and yet research is showing that the need for these languages is growing every day.

The barrier for many schools is not that they do not want to teach these critical languages, but they can’t afford or find qualified teachers to do so. Dunshee feels strongly that the ICN and/or Internet provide a means to reach kids who might not otherwise be reached. “A little school could never hire a Chinese teacher, but with this technology, we can reach even one student,” he says. Schools are able to share the cost of the teacher in this manner. He feels that the ICN setting is not as ideal as a traditional classroom, but it does work well and gives access that is not possible any other way.


The pilot course, Chinese, had a successful first semester and is having an even more successful second semester. The new instructor, Yehmin Yu, is an excellent teacher who has been teaching Chinese on a grant at Colona Elementary for the past few years. Currently, students from five different districts or schools are taking the course, which is offered at 7:15 a.m. before the regular school day begins. Students are very enthusiastic about the course, and Dunshee feels strongly about the success of the program.

As a result of the success of the Chinese course, as well as interest from students, several new courses will be offered next year. First year Chinese will continue to be offered, but will increase to three sections offered during the school day. Second year Chinese will be offered at the zero hour for students in the current Chinese course. Three sections of Arabic will be added, and Japanese is a possibility. Dunshee hopes to continue adding new courses and new languages each year in an effort to eventually offer four years of all eight languages listed on the government’s critical language list.

To learn more about any of these courses, contact Richard Dunshee at
richard.dunshee@gpaea.k12.ia.us. For questions related to Iowa Learning Online, contact Arlan Thorson at athorson@iowalearningonline.org or at (515) 238-4765. Interested individuals can also visit http://iowalearningonline.org for more information.

According to the 2007-2008 Kindergarten Literacy Assessment Data report, 40% of Iowa’s children do not have the literacy skills required for school readiness when entering kindergarten. IPTV’s new Raising Readers campaign combines television programs, on-line resources, on-site resources, and ICN sessions in a 360° approach to improving young children’s literacy skills. Although the objective of the campaign is “to improve the literacy skills of children ages 2-8 living in poverty,” all students in this age group will benefit from the innovative and effective new programs, resources and events. Raising Readers, designed in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Education as part of the Ready to Learn initiative, focuses on extensive reading research and what methods work best for kids. PBS KIDS programs that form the core of the campaign include both well-known programs such as Sesame Street and Between the Lions as well as new programs such as Super Why, Word World, Martha Speaks, and The Electric Company. For these programs, research was conducted prior and during show development as well as during subsequent story line writing. Research is also ongoing in Iowa classrooms and across the nation to ensure that the content is increasing the literacy skills of children.

As part of Raising Readers and the Ready to Learn initiative, IPTV and the ICN offered Martha Speaks ICN sessions in December and January. Martha Speaks is an animated series that is designed to enrich the vocabulary of 4 to 7-year-olds based on the popular books by Susan Meddaugh. Each episode uses Martha's unique linguistic abilities and the hilarious consequences to engage kids and help build their vocabulary skills. In these ICN sessions, the presenter and participants read the book Martha Speaks, watched an episode of the new TV program, learned about the author Susan Meddaugh, and checked out Martha's web site which is full of fun activities for children 4-7 years of age. More sessions for both teachers and students, including one based on the new and very popular Electric Company, will be offered in the coming months. Check the K-12 Connections Calendar at
http://www3.iptv.org/iowa_database/cal-default.cfm to find out more about these exciting new sessions.

In addition to attending the ICN sessions and watching the television programs, teachers, parents and students can utilize the new and improved resources available on-line. The new PBS Kids Island, for example, has interactive literacy games for kids based on the Raising Readers programs. Progress reporting for parents is also included as part of this website. Raising Readers has also sponsored events throughout the state to further meet their objectives including Super Why camps, Raising Readers Learning Centers, promotional giveaways, and the Launch Event at last year’s Iowa State Fair. Parents and teachers should continue to look out for events and resources in their communities as the campaign continues to grow. More information about the Raising Readers campaign and the Ready to Learn initiative can be found at
http://pbskids.org/read/about/. Questions may also be directed to Trista Peitzman at trista@iptv.org.

According to the 2007 U.S. Department of Labor Report, “American pre-eminence in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) will not be secured or extended without effort and investments. Trends in K-12 and higher education science and math preparation, coupled with demographic and labor trends, point to a serious challenge: our nation needs to increase the supply and quality of ‘knowledge workers,’ whose specialized skills enable them to work productively within STEM industries and occupations.” (The STEM Workforce Challenge: The role of the Public Workforce System in a National Solution for a Competitive Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Workforce)

To help address this increasing need for jobs in STEM fields, Iowa Public Television (IPTV) is partnering with FIRST (coordinated by the Iowa State University College of Engineering) and other STEM-related organizations to promote youth interest in STEM education. The primary target audience for IPTV's work will be youth with a focus on helping them become excited about opportunities and careers in these fields. As part of this partnership, IPTV is providing a series of free ICN sessions related to these careers for students in grades 7-9. During these sessions, students will have the opportunity to meet various professionals in Iowa who are working in STEM careers. Students will also have the opportunity to see professionals on the job as they view a short video produced by IPTV during the session. These sessions are provided as part of a CPB Community Engagement/STEM grant.

In addition to providing students with valuable insight into STEM careers, these sessions are also a great resource for schools looking to help meet the Iowa career education requirement. This requirement is designed to help students complete a high school and career development plan. These sessions are a great resource for schools needing to help students with the critical work of planning their futures. Sign up today!

March Sessions:

Instructional Designer
March 4
9:00 AM - 9:50 AM

Health Professionals
March 26
10:00 AM - 10:50 AM

Prosthetist and Orthotist
March 25
9:00 AM - 9:50 AM

Now is the time to start thinking about next year’s Iowa Learning Online (ILO) courses. Below is a listing of available high school credit classes. Please check the ILO website at http://iowalearningonline.org/classes.cfm for information concerning start dates and tuition fees, if applicable.

Algebra
Algebra
American History
American Government
American History
American Literature
Anatomy and Physiology
AP Music Theory
Biology
British and World Literature
Calculus
Chemistry
Critical Reading and Effective Writing
Earth Science
Economics
English 10
English 9
Fundamental Math
General Biology
Geography and World Cultures
Geometry
German I & II
Intro to English Lit and Composition
Introductory Algebra
Physical Education
Physical Science
Physics
Pre-Calculus
Reading Skills and Strategies
Skills for Health
Spanish
The Works of Shakespeare
U.S. Government and Politics
World History
World History
Writing and Grammar

A continually updated listing of these courses can be found also be found at the ILO website.

Iowa Public Television, in collaboration with the ICN, has recently initiated the Environmental Careers project through an environmental education grant from the Environmental Protection Agency. The intended student outcomes of this project are increased understanding of the environmental science issues, increased understanding of science careers, and increased interest in pursuing careers in science and science coursework. The project also strives to provide teacher development concerning environmental issues, careers and resources. In an effort to meet the student outcomes and grant responsibilities, IPTV is now offering a series of new ICN sessions entitled Connecting Careers to the Environment. These ICN sessions will feature professionals in Iowa who work in careers related to positive environmental impact. During the sessions, students will learn about these careers and ways to be good stewards of the land. Sessions also focus on “living green” and how decisions people make every day have the potential to impact the earth. These sessions align to national and state initiatives and mandates for educators including Iowa Core Curriculum objectives. Connecting Careers to the Environment session topics, intended audience, dates, times are provided below. Please click on the name of the session to go to the registration page.

Geologist Iowa DNR
Audience: Grades 7-9
Date: March 9

Time: 10:00 AM – 10:50 AM


Audience: Grades 10-12
Date: March 9

Time: 11:00 AM – 11:50 AM


Field Biologist/Bald Eagles
Audience: Grades 7-9

Date: March 10

Time: 10:00 AM – 10:50 AM


Agricultural Scientist
Audience: Grades 7-9

Date: March 10

Time: 9:00 AM – 9:50 AM


Environmental Specialist

Audience: Grades 7-9
Date: March 11
Time: 9:00 AM – 9:50 AM


Science Program Manager
Audience: Grades 7-10
Date: March 11

Time: 10:00 AM – 10:50 AM


Civil Engineer
Audience: Grades 7-9

Date: March 23

Time: 10:00 AM – 10:50 AM


Environmental Agency Coordinator

Audience: Grades 7-9

Date: March 24

Time: 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM


Audience: Grades 10-12
Date: April 1
Time: 11:00 AM - 11:50 AM


Registrants for these sessions will receive the Explore More 4 DVD set. These videos, produced by IPTV, help students understand the issues of genetic engineering, the future of energy, working landscapes and water quality.

The University of Northern Iowa’s (UNI) Center for Energy & Environmental Education, the Iowa Energy Center, the Iowa Math and Science Education Partnership, IPTV and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are sponsoring a new series of sessions for teachers this spring focused on energy education. The series of classes, offered through UNI and IPTV, follows the inquiry learning format recommended for science education in Iowa's Core Curriculum. A six-session student series is also being offered.

Led by presenters William Stigliani, a professor and Pat Higby, an energy educator, K-12 teachers participating in the Energize Me! course will discover new resources and activities for teaching about energy efficiency, wind energy and solar energy. Participants will also have the opportunity to review cutting-edge teaching materials such as model solar cars, model wind turbines and Kill-a-Watt meters. The kits used in the course can be borrowed for use in the classroom.

Teachers attending all nine ICN sessions and complying with the coursework requirements can earn graduate credit. Coursework requirements include completion of a portfolio of the experience using the workshop materials in the classroom and a summary of an interview with an energy expert in your local area. Grant support covers the $50 tuition for teachers participating in these sessions! Upon successful completion of the course, teachers will receive reimbursement of their tuition due to grant support from the Iowa Math and Science Education Partnership. Sessions can also be taken individually without charge but participants will not receive graduate credit.

Although all graduate credit seats for the spring course have now been filled, if you would like to participate in a course like this for summer or fall, please register for the waiting list. You will be contacted with dates/times and more information if a future course is secured. In addition, teachers may still register for individual sessions. Times and dates are listed below:

Energize Me to Teach about Energy Efficiency I
March 3
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Energize Me to Teach about Energy Efficiency II
March 24
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Energize Me to Teach about Energy Efficiency III
March 26
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Energize Me to Teach about Wind Energy I
March 10
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Energize Me to Teach about Wind Energy II
March 31
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Energize Me to Teach about Wind Energy III
April 2
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Energize Me to Teach about Solar Energy I
April 7
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Energize Me to Teach about Solar Energy II
April 21
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Energize Me to Teach about Solar Energy III
April 23
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

In addition to the teacher workshops, student ICN sessions related to the series are also being offered this spring. These sessions include Solar Model Cars and Solar Models Cars II, in which students design and keep their own solar model cars, and Wind Energy and Energy Efficiency II. Teachers and their students may go to all sessions or individual sessions. The dates and times for these student sessions are listed below:

Introduction to Wind Energy
March 10
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Wind Energy II
March 21
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Introduction to Model Solar Cars
April 7
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Model Solar Cars II
April 21
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM



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