Arctic Education Project: Enhancing Education Research and the University's Reputation
Project Description
Faculty and students at the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, College of Education and Human Development, developed an innovative K-12 curriculum integrated into a comprehensive, online, multimedia adventure-learning program. Specifically, a group of educators and explorers traveled on a six-month dog-sled expedition across the Arctic and shared their experience with students in an online learning environment. All of the activities on the trail, such as visits to Inuit villages and weather challenges, were directly linked to a unit in the curriculum. Graduate students from the college played an integral role in developing and implementing the program. Data about the use and effectiveness of the program was analyzed. Over 3 million students from around the world participated in at least part of the free program. Analysis is now showing that linking an adventure-learning experience with an online learning environment leads to enhanced student motivation for large groups of students. In addition, the reputation of the college and of the University of Minnesota among corporate sponsors, arctic communities, and teachers and students around the world was greatly enhanced through this innovative program.
Project Summary
Motivation Adventure learning is a new field of instruction that allows students to experience a curriculum. It has been shown to significantly motivate students to learn. Utilizing an online, real-time learning environment coupled with an adventure-learning curriculum allows a significantly larger number of students to participate in the experience. The College of Education and Human Development is a premier professional school that seeks to contribute to the development of innovative learning methods and to provide valuable learning experiences for researchers as well as the larger community. Participants - College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), University of Minnesota: offices of the dean, communications, and development; Department of Curriculum and Instruction Department; graduate students in the college
- Program partner: NOMADS Online Classroom Expeditions
- Financial sponsors: Best Buy Children's Foundation, 24 primary corporate sponsors, 37 corporate suppliers, over 100 private sponsors (through Adopt-A-Mile)
Process Faculty and graduate students from the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, College of Education and Human Development, partnered with the project team to develop a K-12 curriculum encompassing science, social studies, technology, math, geography, and associated disciplines. The curriculum was designed for integration into a comprehensive online multimedia adventure-learning program, namely, a six-month expedition across the Arctic shared in an online learning environment with students. All of the activities on the trail, such as visits to Inuit villages and weather challenges, were linked directly to a unit in the curriculum. Corporate and private sponsors were secured to defer the cost of the program. Outreach to schools throughout Minnesota and worldwide was conducted to gain participation. The Online Classroom Dogsled Expedition curriculum and online tools were provided free to schools worldwide. Participating teachers were offered continuing education credits through the University of Minnesota. Students that participated in the program during the expedition were able to interact in real time with one another, the expedition team, and expert panels as a part of their learning experience. Graduate students from the College of Education and Human Development served as "base camp" staff, editing video, moderating online chats, and generally making the program run. After the expedition, data on the use and effectiveness of the program were analyzed for future improvements in the fields of adventure learning and instructional technology. Timeline The concept for a free K-12 adventure-learning curriculum in an online environment began in the College of Education and Human Development in 2000. The first trip to the Arctic took place December 31, 2003 through June 2, 2004. The curriculum and online tools are still available to use on the Web site, although the interactive element was available only while the expedition was in progress. Future online adventure-learning programs are being planned. Impact/Results Over 3 million students around the world participated in at least part of the program. The graduate students who participated in the development or implementation of the program were given the unique opportunity to facilitate a premier online learning environment linked with a comprehensive curriculum. The polarhusky.com Web site was recognized by E-Learning Advocate, PC Magazine, and other groups as a premier online learning environment. Additional accolades came from Yahoo! Picks Site of the Day, USA Today Hot Site of the Day, American Scientist Site of the Week, and Good Housekeeping Site of the Day. Data gathered about the program shows that linking adventure learning to an online learning environment leads to enhanced student motivation for larger groups of students than if either of these techniques were used alone. The reputation of the University of Minnesota and its College of Education and Human Development was greatly enhanced among corporate sponsors, arctic communities, and teachers and students around the world. Next steps The Online Classroom Dogsled Expedition through the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is scheduled for February through May 2005.
Contact Information
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
College of Education and Human Development
http://www.polarhusky.com
Aaron Doering, lecturer and project director, 612-625-1073, adoering@umn.edu
Time Frame
Fiscal year 2004-05
Project Completed
Improvement Area
Education, Research, Outreach
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