"For in every act of love and will -- and in the long run they are both present in each genuine act -- we mold ourselves and our world simultaneously." Rollo May

Ethical Reasoning Protocol

This protocol grew out of the need to have students discuss complex issues where “reasonable people can disagree” through civil discourse. Two difficulties arose: students were quick to jump to opinions and cling to them tenaciously even in the face of evidence to the contrary; students chose sides and began attacking each other instead of developing stronger arguments for their positions. Hence, this protocol is designed to scaffold civil discourse with a tone of decency while requiring students to use their minds well to arrive at an answer to the question, “Why do you believe what you believe and not something else?” Students are able to ask and answer this question in their academic, public and personal lives have developed the core intellectual power to live ethically and contribute to a democratic society.

Future of Science Inquiry

Can the new technologies help students and teachers break through the limits of science inquiry in the classroom? "As technology advances, it reverses the characteristics of every situation again and again. The age of automation is going to be the age of "do it yourself"" (Marshall McLuhan, 1957) Technology intensifies the process of inquiry, extends the senses, increases access, allows students to be more active, and supports teachers in guiding student inquiry.

Building a Community of Practice

How does a community of practice in a school or district develop? This site explores the intersection of knowledge-building and community-building as a way to understand the essential ingredients of an effective school community.

The Story Behind the Technology Integration Projects

As a community of practice develops, its history and stories become an important part of its ways of knowing. In the Interactive Learning Community being built by the 33 DIAL schools, the stories of curriculum development ideas are captured in this site. In the tradition of the Sioux of South Dakota, a storyteller weaves the events into a touchstone for further development of the courses, and for those who would teach them later.