Research Experience for Teachers (RET) in QoLT
The RET program exposes highly motivated teachers to both the context of QoLT and to technologies that have direct applicability in the classroom. Through research and curriculum development, we hope to significantly increase both the relevance of in-class guidance to quality of life and to present truly useful technology alternatives to the teacher's exiting toolbox of teaching supplies. Through our activities, the QoLT RET program will:
- Engage educators in cross-disciplinary research with QoLT students, researchers, and clinicians in the fields of engineering, rehabilitation sciences, and social sciences, emphasizing the significant role of end users in engineering research
- Prepare educators to introduce and integrate emerging QoLT technology in the classroom
- Sensitize educators to common concerns, barriers, and stereotypes experienced by older individuals and people with disabilities
- Create a pipeline of opportunities and personal contacts for students interested in pursuing engineering studies
Through this program, teachers will gain technical knowledge on intelligent devices systems and technology-embedded environments that will improve the lives of individuals with special needs, and gain enhanced appreciation and sensitivity for disability and aging. Teachers will be involved in research projects that use recent advances in intelligent systems including machine perception, robotics, learning, communication, and miniaturization. Participating teachers will be able to:
- Recognize and apply appropriate research methods to their QoLT research experience
- Describe common concerns, barriers, and stereotypes experienced by older individuals and people with disabilities
- Gain an understanding of how human functions (physiological, physical, and cognitive) relate to the design of intelligent devices and systems that aid and interact with people
- Develop new QoLT curriculum that incorporates accessibility problems, and engineering solutions related to housing, commercial and public facilities, outdoor environments and/or products
Middle- and high-school, math, science and pre-engineering teachers are eligible for this six-week on-site summer program (240 contact hours). QoLT representatives will visit teachers in the classroom during the academic year to assess progress with QoLT lesson plans. The teachers will participate in two half-day curriculum workshops during the academic year with QoLT researchers at CMU/Pitt campuses. The teachers will receive $25/hour stipends for participating in workshops and for meetings during academic year.
