June 1996 — Features

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Universal Access to Science Study via Internet

Dr. Edward A. Friedman and Joshua D. Baron, Stevens Institute of Tech., and Cynt

In organizing projects, we have attempted to build in this feature. Various search tools and techniques can help identify experts in almost all fields who are interested in working with students and teachers. In some of our projects, like Fusion and Molecular Biology, the organizations developing the material are integrating Ask-a-Scientist features. As this new culture of decentralized "experts" aiding the education of young people evolves, the central position of the "school building" will diminish in importance.

The universality of access to information and experts provided by the Internet helps establish a world where those who seek knowledge and new understanding will be able to gain it from any location ¬ be it school, home, library or community center. n

Note: all of the Internet resources and Web sites referred to in this article can be accessed through the NJNIE Web site at: http://k12science.stevens-tech.edu

Edward Friedman leads the NJNIE project and other programs to integrate computers and information technology into K-12 education. He is also a Professor of Management and Director of the Center for Improved Engineering and Science Education at Stevens Institute of Technology. Previously engaged in physics research, Friedman headed a program to create an indigenous college of engineering in Afghanistan and served as Dean of the College at Stevens where, in 1982, the first program in the country was initiated that required all students to own personal computers. He also a member of T.H.E. Journal's Editorial Board. E-mail: friedman@stevens-tech.edu

Joshua Baron is currently the lead curriculum developer for the NJNIE project. He has taught science to lower- and middle-grade elementary school students, where he pioneered innovative uses of the Internet. E-mail: jbaron@interport.net

Cynthia Addison received a Masters Degree in Instructional Technology from the University of Virginia where she aided in the development of Virginia's Public Education Network (VaPEN), the statewide network for K-12 teachers . Addison is currently Internet Training Specialist for the New Jersey Intercampus Network, working on the NJNIE project. Previously she was a classroom teacher and an Internet consultant for the Dalton School in New York City. E-mail: caddison@injersey.com

Partial funding for this project is provided by NSF Grant RED-9454719 and from Bell Atlantic Corp.