An Odyssey of Good Ideas

by Bracken Reed

From Scappoose, Oregon, to Jaipur, India, educators around the world have discovered the power of technology to enhance student learning. Until recently, information about these many projects has been scattered to the four winds. But in the past year, the Intel Innovation in Education Web site has teamed
with NWREL writers to gather them together in a singular online resource.

Launched in January 2002, the Innovation Odyssey Web site (www97.intel.com/odyssey/) has become a gathering place for teachers to share their successful strategies and learn from their peers. Every school day, a new project is showcased, while all previous days are numbered and indexed for easy browsing. Currently, more than 180 different teachers’ projects have been profiled, spanning every K–12 grade level, most subject areas, and a variety of learning styles.

The projects vary in the kind of technology used, from sophisticated GIS (geographic information systems) mapping software (Day 39), to a rural elementary school in County Cork, Ireland, that must string phone line across the playground for Web access (Day 93), but each shows a teacher committed to engaging students in an active learning environment using proven instructional practices and modern technology. "The international parallels are really interesting," says Suzie Boss, one of the NWREL writers who has contributed stories to the Odyssey project. "The projects are diverse, but the teaching strategies are consistent. It shows that good teaching is good teaching, no matter where it is."

Intel does the initial screening, reviewing information submitted by teachers. Writers then work to capture the passion of each teacher and the uniqueness of the project, while placing it in a larger context. "It's not about 'isn't technology great,'" notes Boss. "It's about great teachers who use technology in an effective way." Teachers will find the stories detailed and practical enough for easy replication, but they will also find illustrations of important educational themes and strategies.

"Teachers tend to be isolated," says Boss, "sometimes even within their own school. This provides a place for them to learn from each others’ experiences and share their passions."