5/9/97 CONTACT: Teresa Franklin, (614) 593-4451; Sandra Turner, (614) 593-9826
ATHENS, OHIO -- Teachers in the Appalachian Region will have the opportunity to increase their use of technology in the classroom thanks to a contribution to the Ohio University College of Education by the Toyota USA Foundation Board.
The college will receive $60,000 to launch the Toyota Science and Mathematics Robotics Training Program for fourth- through eighth-grade teachers in Ohio and West Virginia and for student teachers at Ohio University. Training will be conducted at a week-long workshop where 52 teachers will learn how to use Lego Robotics as part of their everyday science and mathematics curriculum. At the conclusion of the workshop, teachers who have successfully completed the training will receive a Lego Robotics kit, valued at $600, to use in their classrooms. Throughout the year, Ohio University students will receive training and demonstrate the use of the program during their student teaching experiences.
"This funding certainly helps us fulfill our mission of providing cutting edge teaching technology to our students while also serving the public school systems in our state and region," said Dr. Karen Viechnicki, interim dean of the College of Education.
With Lego Robotics, students can construct up to 213 different robots and instruct them to perform various functions by programming mathematical equations into a computer connected to the robot.
Training for teachers and student teachers will include instruction on the use of scientific probeware, robotics, data collection, computer use and the development of math- and science-related lesson plans.
"We believe this project is an innovative and systemic program that builds bridges to better education," said Yale Gieszl, Toyota USA Foundation executive vice president. "By engaging students and providing real-world, hands-on learning experiences, Ohio University not only sets the tone for creative learning, but encourages the higher standards in math and science education."