Mini-MAGPI

=Mini-MAGPI Fellows Program (Univ. of Penn.)=

Scope
==This proposal is submitted to suggest the creation of a “Mini-MAGPI” Fellows Program at University City Promise Academy (UCPA) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This program will be run for the staff and faculty at UCPA to foster new levels of creativity and to meet the learning needs of the students through the use of educational tools and resources that are available through MAGPI and the University of Pennsylvania. This proposal will outline the basic structure of the program, the key facilitators, and a brief description of the tools that will be used.== The general outline and timeline of the program will be as follows: January - TBD Meeting 9-1 MAGPI “Boot Camp” and Introduction Forming Collaboration Teams February - TBD Field Trip 9-1 Each Team will visit a regional location that offers content in their specialty, and stop by MAGPI office for a tour. March – May - Each team will complete a collaborative project using I2 and Web 2.0 tools. May - TBD Wrap-up 9-1 Each team will present their projects and lesson’s learned. Additional requirements: Required Reading and two Article Reviews posted and peer reviewed on a Project Wiki. There will be additional team meetings as required. The project lesson planning process to include ties to existing Pennsylvania State and National Educational Standards. Evaluation of Effectiveness A mixed-method approach to evaluating the effectiveness of the program will be used from four main points-of-view: I. Pre and Post Program Evaluations and Reviews of Technological Skills 1. Faculty – Familiarity with the technology required and the skills to collaborate effectively with each other and the mentoring staff 2. Students – Familiarity with project material and background information. Effective use of technology and other tools. II. Instructor-Mentor Post Evaluation Forms For Fellows Participants. III. Cost estimate for equipment and time vs standard classroom instruction method. IV. Engagement evaluation survey for staff and students.

Team Makeup
The goal is to have at least four or five teams from UCPA. Each fellows collaboration team will be made up of 3-5 teachers from specific disciplines at UCPA. Each team will also have a mentor in their specialty from the University of Pennsylvania. The following organizational chart will be incorporated:

Costs
There are funds available for Professional Development from UCPA and can be allocated for the teachers willing to participate. These funds will help pay the teachers for time spent on this project during non-instructional hours. UCPA has already purchased a Tandberg 75 video conferencing unit, and we have the support of the district offices to help with managing both the technology and the network resources to make connections to the MAGPI bridge. Additional costs can be managed on an “as-needed” basis, but any budget estimates for project materials will have to be pre-approved by UCPA Administration. Tentative verbal approval to begin the program has been received from Principal Tim Stults (UCPA).

Conclusion
The ability and know how to extend Internet2 and WEB2.0 tools and teaching methods into the urban classrooms at UCPA will greatly improve the student engagement during instruction, positive behaviors, and will help to boost overall learning in the classrooms of the teachers who participate in this program.