Dr. Spangler will create a learning experience that uses the capability of the internet and sound instructional practices to freely disseminate current knowledge about Antarctic weather forecast methodologies and challenges. In addition, this web-based learning experience will generate excitement about the Antarctic which will be a focus of a major NSF program, International Polar Year, that will officially begin early in 2007.
The Cooperative Program for Operational Meteorology, Education and Training (COMET) has a meritorious record of creating widely-used education and training modules used by the NOAA, universities, and around the world (www.comet.ucar.edu). Using this experience, COMET will work with recognized experts in Antarctic weather to create an engaging multimedia learning module. The final web materials will result from a script developed by partnering with experts in instructions design, graphics and animation, copyright and intellectual property, and quality assurance. COMET will also coordinate with the Education and Outreach program at UCAR to leverage resources between complementary efforts as they develop Antarctic educational materials targeted at K-12 audiences during this same timeframe.
