GONORTH! 5 ONLINE CLASSROOM       PROGRAMS

GoNorth! is an extensive and FREE online education program. Over a span of five years 2006 through 2010, five Online Classroom Expeditions each with a unique, in-depth K-12 curriculum and Online Classroom will provide the opportunity for K-12 classrooms and public audiences to comprehend traditional and contemporary life in remote Arctic communities, emphasizing the effects of environmental changes. Instilling adventurous spirits,

GoNorth! will continue our development of the most comprehensive K-12 online educational initiative to date. Based on prior adventure learning successes such as Best Buy Children’s Foundation supported Arctic Transect 2004, the firsthand sharing of dogsled expedition experiences in real-time draw both students and the public into environmental study while addressing a national need for engaging, authentic learning experiences in the K-12 classroom.

This adventure learning program, based on constructivist theory and aligned with the national social sciences and science teaching/content standards, uses an authentic adventure learning approach and real-time interactive activities. In the annual Online Classroom at PolarHusky.com students and teachers can collaborate with topic experts, other users, and team members live from the field. Experiencing the circumpolar Arctic via this robust online environment, rich in multi-media tools, students and teachers will gain in-depth knowledge of each remote region along with their own communities as their experiences parallel those of the actual explorers. The result is a community of learners on the Internet gaining knowledge from the expedition, subject experts, their community’s explorations, and from each other.

GoNorth! furthermore provide teachers with multiple levels of professional development, scaffolding learners from novice to expert through a three-fold approach: an asynchronous online learning environment for all GN! teachers, a one-week Institute to develop mentor teachers, and a field research experience for selected Teacher Explorers taking part in the expedition. Participating teachers earn “continuing education credits” from University of Minnesota as they learn about or utilize the curriculum. These components, along with the opportunity for collaboration with teachers and scientists throughout the GoNorth! experience, create a successful professional development continuum and enhance student achievement in all subject areas.

The combined experience within GoNorth! ensure successful development of innovative K-12 curricula, online learning environments, and professional development platforms.