ISTE SIGIVC 2007: Content Provider: Grossology LIVE
Organizational Overview
In January of 2005, IDSolutions, in partnership with the National Association of Health Education Centers (NAHEC) and NAHEC member organizations received a National Science Foundation grant to create an Interactive Videoconferencing Programming Collaborative
(IVPC) titled “The Imagination LIVE Collaborative Network” (www.imaginationlive.com) that provides distance learning programming for an audience of children and adults. It expands beyond a technical “network” and focuses its energy on the technology’s application—generating inquiry-based science experiences through active engagement with content that originates from remote locations.
Challenge
Grossology LIVE (www.grossologylive.com) is the network’s first programming series and is designed to teach both children and adults about the nasty, yet necessary function of the human body. Its core content was extracted from the Grossology series of books written by Sylvia Branzei and the widely popular life science traveling exhibit by the same name.
The six programs produced in the series include: 1) Do the Bathroom Hustle, 2) Rootin Tootin Good Time, 3) GTV: S’Not Your Regular TV, 4) ESPU: The Smell of Victory, 5)
Solution
To help recreate the “exhibit experience”, the studio installed a set modeled after the Grossology exhibit and incorporated a variety of interactive digital media components such as animated characters, sound effects boards, and “green screen” technology. In addition, all participating Health Education Centers received a smaller, custom-designed Grossology exhibit module that will serve as both an interactive kiosk and a videoconferencing center. Supplemental curriculum modules that align programming with education standards and provide additional lessons, games, and media were produced and available via a website that will also include an automated post-event evaluation form and automated ticketing system. In addition, every distance learning program is streamed to a video-on-demand server where it is password protected and accessible at anytime by participants.
Results
Intellectual Merit The purpose of this project is to address the needs of children and adults who are seeking engaging science content delivered in new and innovative ways. In addition, it is designed help science-based “content providers” that struggle
with both the rationale for integrating distance learning technology, as well as the appropriate methodology for delivery. This project addresses four central issues:
1. How does participants’ exposure to science content, delivered through on-site and distance learning venues, impact their understanding and appreciation of science?
2. What is the methodology necessary for delivering meaningful and sustainable science experiences for children and their families via distance learning technology?
3. Can we circumvent the sensory limitations of videoconferencing technologies through the integration of interactive digital and visual media?
Contact Information
Tim Barshinger
Director of Educational Programming
IDSolutions
317-770-3525
tbarshinger@e-idsolutions.com