As an avid follower of the
Digital Media & Learning (DML) Hub's research on connected learning and digital media, I was excited to learn about the DML Summer Institute for doctoral students. I submitted my application and letters of recommendation, and in May, I found out that I had been selected as a
2013 DML Summer Fellow. With this great honor, I was given the opportunity to participate in a week-long institute in San Francisco. I just returned from the institute which was a wonderful experience.
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| Living Roof (California Academy of Sciences) |
The summer institute took place at the
California Academy of the Sciences, which is a spectacular place for learning, exploration, and discovery. During break time, I walked from the ground level of a rainforest to the top of the canopy, watched thousands of fish swim through coral reefs in the giant aquarium, and visited the
living roof. The Chief Public Engagement Officer & Roberts Dean of Education for the California Academy of Sciences, Elizabeth Babcock, came to many of our sessions and mentored some of the fellows. Elizabeth presented about the many informal and formal learning opportunities that the California Academy of Sciences provides to improve science teaching and education for the local community. It was wonderful to hear how such a large organization is partnering with schools and other organizations to engage more students in learning about science.
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| DML Summer Fellows 2013 |
The entire week was jam-packed with activities, events, and research sharing sessions. We presented our research, worked with mentors (UC Berkeley faculty and other prominent directors or staff in the field of education), brainstormed ideas, explored downtown San Francisco, and capped off our week with a lunch with John Seely Brown to discuss his book
A New Culture of Learning.
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| Playing at the Exploratorium |
We also took field trips to the
Exploratorium (a fun place where people of all ages get to play with hands-on, interactive exhibits about science),
Youth Radio in Oakland, and
Balmy Alley (beautiful murals). Youth Radio is an exceptional learning opportunity for students in Oakland who participate in classes about journalism and discover how to use various technologies to share their voice about important topics.
Overall, it was a wonderful experience to connect with other likeminded students, faculty, and individuals who care deeply about transforming learning through digital tools and informal learning opportunities. I hope that I can use the feedback I received and the ideas that we explored to strengthen my research on teachers' use of online communities for ongoing learning and professional growth.
Photos: Check out a slideshow of the photos here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/traveltt/sets/72157634285457988/
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