ARRL hosts first "Big Project" teachers institute

Nine educators from across the US this week attended the first ARRL Education and Technology Program (ETP) Teachers Institute at ARRL Headquarters. The seminar was aimed at acquainting teachers with effective approaches to teach wireless technology and electronics. Most Teachers Institute participants are associated with ETP ("The Big Project") schools.

The ETP provides amateur equipment to participating schools and promotes Amateur Radio as a pathway to understanding radio and electronics as well as other subjects such as language arts and geography. Project Coordinator Mark Spencer, WA8SME, says the atmosphere of the premiere Teachers Institute was very positive.

"The participants were excited about what they were doing and enthusiastic about the possibilities of what they will be doing in the coming year," he said. "There were many 'Aha!' moments throughout the week - 'So that's how it works' - or just plain 'Wow!'"

Spencer told seminar attendees he's a firm believer in hands-on learning. "Most people enjoy and learn best by doing," he said. But, he added, educators need to consider all learning styles and come up with a combination that works for their students. Adjusting for different learning levels also is something to keep in mind, he said. "Water it
down, pump it up," Spencer advised. "One size doesn't fit all." The seminar stressed involvement with a community ham radio club as another critical component of making the Education and Technology Program work in a given school.

Spencer says the institute provided a much-needed immersion in teaching wireless technology that "re-engaged teachers, took some of the mystery out of wireless technology and showed participants they can teach the
subject and teach it better," he said. "The institute gave the teachers an opportunity to meet their peers, share ideas and laments and make mutually supportive connections that will ultimately benefit their students."

One successful ETP initiative has been to make available to participating schools a selection of "activity boards." These have ranged from such projects as a basic code practice oscillator to more sophisticated robotics devices- something Teachers Institute participants got to play with on the seminar's final day.

Participating educators not only came away with a wealth of ideas to teach wireless technology but an armload of ARRL publications and a sampling of activity boards to share with their students.

During their stay, attendees got an extensive tour of ARRL Headquarters and took advantage of opportunities during the week to operate Maxim Memorial Station W1AW.

"This past week has been hard work, but at the same time good work," Spencer said, calling it "the most rewarding week" he's had since joining the ARRL staff. "I look forward to a better institute next year," he added. "For the participants, their hard work has just now begun!"

This pilot Teachers Institute was funded largely with a single contribution from a generous donor in the West Gulf Division. The League is appealing for donations to support the Teachers Institute as an ongoing ETP activity and to be able to continue making project activity boards and
hands-on projects available to schools.

The League invites contributions to the ARRL Education and Technology Program via its secure donation Web site

Sorce: ARRL Letter - courtesy of The American Radio Relay League

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