Educational Materials

Rensselaer has established an international reputation as a leader in interactive pedagogy and the development of interactive multimedia materials for its own use. CIPCE is dedicated to continuing this development with a focus on K-12 educators and students. It is our belief that a multisensory, interactive environment, coupled with an inquiry pedagogy, is more conducive to active learning and concept development than inert, linear learning tools. We have worked with K-12 teachers for many years on mathematics and science inquiry, and are presently perusing the development of multimedia modules, and the integration of robotics into K-12 curricula, which reflect this problem solving approach to teaching and learning.

Interactive MultiMedia

CIPCE works closely with Rensselaer's Academy of Electronic Media to develop K-12 interactive multimedia materials and to educate teachers in their use. We are interested in studying how cutting edge educational technologies can affect teaching and learning in the classroom. To date, multimedia material has been developed targeting such concepts as number properties, patterns, rates of change, problem solving, and function characteristics within the context of engaging puzzle-like environments. Through the use of digital inquiry-based exercises, students are able to investigate open-ended questions in a manner that allows them to take an active role in developing their understanding of the concepts. See List of Interactive MultiMedia

Robotics

CIPCE is working in partnership with Tufts University in incorporating into its professional development activities a hands-on experience with LEGO Robotics and the Robolab programming software. Robolab, which is a subset of a highly sophisticated software environment called LabView, was developed jointly by National Instruments, Tufts University and Lego Dacta, and seeks to immerse learners from pre-K through college into an interdisciplinary environment rich in programming, construction of LEGO devices controlled by the programs, and the associated mathematics and science. As we progress in this we will include more material in our web pages, but for now you might want to look at the following sites:


Tufts University Robolab Site:
http://www.ceeo.tufts.edu/Robolab

Lego Dacta Robolab Site:
http://www.lego.com/dacta/robolab