Convergence Academies, Research Fellowship
The Center for Community Arts Partnerships (CCAP) at Columbia College Chicago, in partnership with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is working with two CPS schools, one elementary, Morrill Math and Science School, and one high school, Tilden Career Community Academy, to develop the Convergence Academy school model. The model supports 21st Century learning by integrating digital media and technology into curriculum, instruction, learning, and culture across an entire school (see more about the model HERE).
For my Faculty Research Fellowship position I am assembling teaching techniques that utilize participatory learning practices via a site that I designed and developed. As a member of the "Curriculum Continuum Writing Team," I have been helping Convergence with example classroom techniques for a site that they created. The writing team and I are putting together a curriculum model based on these teaching and learning practices Typically, with team curriculum development, plenty of sticky notes going around.
In addition, I have been interviewing the Convergence Academies Digital Media Mentors in order to find out what a successful participatory learning strategies looks like and to find themes for use. These interviews give our writing team concrete examples of participatory learning, while utilizing digital media by learning through the practice of playing, tinkering, and experimenting. Participatory learning techniques actively engage with the subjects at hand, allowing students to connect, consume, and create, the core of Convergence Academies.
To view the Participatory Learning Strategies site, click HERE.
To view the project description for the Participatory Learning Strategies site, click HERE.
