NCLB Grant Electronic Brown Bagger

STARnet: Casting a Broader Net Through Teaching and Technology

Logistics: Face-to-face or Remote participation via STARnet Talking Communities website at: click here

The STARnet (School Telecommunication Astronomy Resource Network) is a 2005-2006 NCLB professional development project for teachers and their principals with focus on eighth grade standards-based science proficiency. The Hawaii Department of Education -Ka'u, Kea'au, and Pahoa Complex Area (HIDOE KKP CA) partners with the University of Hawaii to design a professional development framework based on the National Staff Development Council (NSDC) research. This NSDC design requires goals, standard of success, indicators of success, a theory of change, and a logic model. Utilizing these components, this project meets the scientifically-based research criteria of applying a rigorous and systematic process. It employs these research elements: (1) relies on HIDOE effective measures, data collection, and analysis across project groups; (2) able to replicate across other grade levels and content areas; and (3) uses the FAST 3 program - developed by the University of Hawaii Curriculum Development Group and recognized by the National Staff Development Council. A main thrust of this project design is to contribute to the establishing and sustaining communities of learners through professional development for teachers and principals. Thus, this project has the potential of influencing over 800 people: 525 students and their parents and family members, their 24 teachers, and 5 principals.

The four cornerstones of this professional development are standards-based Earth and Space Science content knowledge; research-based teaching and learning; Distance Learning Enrichment; and parent and family involvement in standards education. Added to these is the apex composed of: (1) frequent student data collection and (2) inquiry to inform teaching and learning decisions. Both of these tasks are part of the KKP CA organizational structure. Principals are required to complete frequent classroom visits to collect student achievement data for collaborative analysis with faculty. This project contributes to the implementation of Hawaii's Act 51.

Here's some background information:

Dr. Marlene Hapai, Director of the Mauna Kea Astronomy Education Center on the Big Island, has been working the Curriculum Research & Development Group of UH Manoa to develop a Distance Learning – Enrichment Electronic Field Trip featuring direct communication via basic computer telecommunications that can be used in the classroom. STARnet provides both the natural science and social science aspects of both the astronomy and the cultural significance of Mauna Kea. MKAEC and CRDG have partnered with Koa Ell of the Institute for Astronomy to provide a special program featuring the cultural and scientific significance of Mauna Kea*, a major goal for the Center. Koa's presentation has been shared with many schools throughout Hawaii, Samoa and has even reached Canada. Also joining her in this presentation has been Uilani Pihana, a student assistant at the Center from Hawaii Community College with a very strong cultural connection to the mountain. John Southworth has been the Technology Director for STARnet.

StAmP Net, the Student Ambassador Program of the UH College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) at UH Manoa preceded STARnet by two years. StAmP Net was also founded by Dr. Hapai, the former Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs at CTAHR.

StAmP Net was based on a model developed by John Southworth called the Electronic Field Trip as a teacher at the Lab School in the 1980s. Dr. Hapai coined the term "Distance Learning - Enrichment (DL-E)" as the way StAmP Net provided students and teachers with a special, short-term activities using computers and telecommunications systems to learn about CTAHR programs and college major opportunities.

For an example of the four phases of StAmP Net see the Pahoa High School webpage report of the program just: CLICK HERE.

For a two-minute summary of the Electronic Field Trip model just: CLICK HERE.

We'd like to invite you to see STARnet in action during the Electronic Brown Bag event listed below. STARnet is similar to StAmP Net but the focus is on the students and teachers learning the subject matter, becoming inspired to consider careers in the sciences, and developing a greater respect for the mountain's cultural significance.

*Sample description of the Power Point presentation which will…take you to the summit with storytelling, chanting and sharing of personal experiences and intimate knowledge of the Mountain's history. You will learn how the ancient Hawaiians climbed thousands of feet into the sky to make lava rock tools and to worship their Gods. You will enjoy pictures of ancient sites and modern day locations.

Event Sponsor
College of Education, UH Manoa

More Information
John Southworth, x66871, south@hawaii.edu