Innovative Teacher Education Using the Web-based Integrated Science Environment (WISE)

Abstract

We present the design, testing, and implementation of a professional development model that uses three essential components: a successful Web-based curriculum environment (the Web-based Integrated Science Environment: WISE); a virtual community of teachers and scientists who discuss pedagogy, collaborate on curriculum design, and offer continuing support for in-service members; and virtual mentoring between new community members and veterans. The Web-based Integrated Science Environment (WISE) builds on the successes of a decade's research on the Computer as Learning Partner project. In this professional development project, we sought to combine solid pedagogy that was the result of extensive funding by the National Science Foundation, with large-scale professional development in a large teacher training institution.