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About the
VaNTH REU
The
VaNTH Engineering research center is a multi-institutional consortium designed
to study and develop educational technologies and materials for bioengineering
classroom. Materials developed in VaNTH are already in use in
classrooms from Middle School through graduate levels; however, more materials are
needed. Each year experts
within VaNTH create, test and adapt new materials utilizing the latest in Learning
Science theory and tools designed by our in-house
Learning
Technology experts. Assessment
experts then help the scientists evaluate the effectiveness of the
materials.
Goals: The goal of the REU program is to
provide a rich summer research experience for undergraduates from varied
educational backgrounds. The program is designed to expose students to the
latest developments in teaching technology such as the theory and practice of
challenge-based education, efficient module construction, simulations and
animations in bioengineering, biological/physiological property database
development, blended instruction techniques that mix synchronous and
asynchronous modes of instruction, efficient integration of text, simulations,
figures and other module objects.
Research: Each student will have a research project (see project descriptions) and will be
supervised by faculty and graduate students from the learning sciences and
engineering. The research topic will be suited to the students' education
and interests, based on their stated interests and the needs of the VaNTH
researchers. Each student will be expected to be part of a team including
experts in several fields.
Technical
Communications:
Instruction
and assistance with technical communications is an integral part of the summer
experience. Each student will be expected to give a final powerpoint
presentation. A faculty member with expertise in technical communications
will work with students on aspects of their projects that incorporate
communications and will help students prepare for the presentation.
Ethics:
Students will also participate in discussions and other work to improve the
awareness of bioethics in each student. Topics might be related to
student projects or be more generally applicable to biotechnology and biomedical
engineering.
"How
People Learn":
Students will be exposed to the learning theories found in the book How
People Learn (Bransford, et al, 2000). Many students will need to be
competent with this material in order to complete the projects. Weekly
discussions will also enhance student understanding and use of this material.
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