Overview

APPLY TO DTC / TAKE THE CHALLENGE

Ever thought to yourself, I wish I could team up with designers and technologists to re-imagine learning in my classroom, and build real examples?  Ever want to find a community of peers who likewise are tinkering with making the future now?

The New Visions Digital Teacher Corps (DTC) and Lab is a collaboration, supported by the Ford Foundation, between educators, technologists, and designers to prototype and incubate real examples of what interactive digital learning can look like to improve student engagement, motivation, and success.

Over the course of the year, six selected teachers will be linked up with interdisciplinary experts in a series of design sessions to build out examples of novel digital learning modules.   For example we imagine teachers teaming with a mobile applications designer to rethink the experience of field trips; or with an interface designer to rethink the experience of assigning a “book report” with content mashups.  The concepts and final products will ultimately be publically showcased and shared with the larger education and teaching community. 

HOW DO I TAKE THE CHALLENGE?

In addition to two short questions, we’re asking interested teachers to submit a 3-5 minute video and/or screencast showcasing how you have creatively integrated technology to engage and motivate your students, and how you envision creatively pushing it to the next level.

Deadlines and Important Dates

Submission deadline August 1st, 2011
Applications Closed
Notification of Acceptance
to Round 2 Interview		 August 15th, 2011
Final Notification of
Acceptance in DTC		 August 28th, 2011
Fall Welcome/
Imagination Design Camp

September 23rd after-school + Sept 24-25 weekend

OR

September 30th after-school + Oct 1-2 weekend
 

WHY SHOULD I BE INTERESTED?

This is an opportunity for you to take what you’re doing to the next level and create innovative learning experiences to further engage and inspire your students. Here’s why you should be interested:

  • Cutting-edge design workshops with talented technologists, designers and leading design institutions
  • Personalized technical and design support in prototyping and developing novel learning experiences
  • $3000 stipend/per-session for the year
  • Amplify work and professional profile to a broader community

AM I ELIGIBLE?

  • Must be an NYC-based public school teacher in any subject area
  • Minimum teaching experience is one year as of Fall 2011
  • Comfortable and excited by technology applications and its use in the classroom
  • Ready to commit to one year of being a DTC member

WHAT COMMITMENT AM I MAKING?

  • Attending at least 10 design workshops over one school year (fall 2011-spring 2012, afterschool and weekends)
  • On-going independent work with design lab members to complete 1-2 prototype learning modules

GET INVOLVED AS SPONSOR/PARTNER

We are seeking individuals and/or institutions developing and excited by the possibilities in re-imagining digital learning experiences, interfaces, and technologies to participate as a member of the DTC lab.  The lab offers exposure to real world design needs, engagement and access to user-centered design and feedback, and potential for creating solutions that can impact thousands of public school students.  Please contact hwei [at] newvisions.org for more info on how to get involved as a sponsor/partner.

For any other questions, contact: dtc@newvisions.org