Digital Scholars is a selective collaborative professional development program facilitated by the ADP Center for Teacher Preparation and Learning Technologies and offered to pioneering P-12 teachers currently practicing in schools that are members of the Montclair State University Network for Educational Renewal.

The mission of this program is to engage innovative educators in the exciting process of evaluating the impact of their own practice in integrating a provided digital backpack to engage students in rich learning while participating in a highly collaborative professional development experience

Quick information about the program:

Who can apply?
Practicing P-12 Teachers from MSUNER Member School Districts

Where will the program take place?
The majority of the program takes place in your classroom as you utilize the tools provided in the digital backpack. The once-a-month after-school workshops take place at the ADP Center for Teacher Preparation and Learning Technologies located at Montclair State University. All other communication and collaboration with ADP Center support staff and fellow participants will occur online via an online learning community.

How much time will it take out of my schedule?
The program is a year long experience that requires you to attend one three hour after-school workshop per month during the school year and actively participate in an ongoing online discussion with ADP Center staff and fellow participants.

What is collaborative professional development?
Collaborative professional development is a term to describe a type of learning experience that engages its participants in the process of planning and facilitating their own workshops. The Digital Scholars program will form small cooperative groups of participating teachers according to grade level and/or subject area. Each group will be responsible for planning and facilitating one three hour monthly workshop during the one-year program. This model of organic workshop development ensures that everyone is learning from everyone elses experiences.

What will I get out of it?
A part from the valuable experiential learning that occurs while you integrate and reflect on the impact of using digital media as a teaching and learning tool in your classroom and participation in the rich collaborative professional development workshops held each month, each participate will receive a digital backpack and the requisite support in using the tools therein for one year. Each backpack includes a wireless laptop computer, digital projector, audio speakers, a mobile wireless smartboard, digital video/still camera, a digital overhead and audio recording equipment. In addition, your participation will be highlighted in a digital documentary which will be shared with your school district leadership at the conclusion of the program.

How do I apply?
The application process is a bit unique in that it requires applicants to produce a 60 second video that is uploaded to youtube/teachertube that demonstrates your passion for teaching and learning and how you think digital media is transforming the education process. You can access the application online by clicking here. The deadline for applications is May 1, 2011. You will be notified of your acceptance in mid-May 2011.