The Interactive Communications & Simulations group at the University of Michigan (ICS) has served the K-12 and University communities for nearly 20 years. We support a dynamic assortment of innovative educational online and computer-based programs. ICS activities focus on using computers as tools to accentuate and improve classroom learning, often in the form of games and simulation activities.
Our working model of the Internet is not just as a passive repository for information, but as an interactive space where new kinds of learning can occur. Thousands of students from over 400 public and private schools in 36 American states and 25 countries overseas have been involved in ICS exercises. In networking together far-flung classes of students and their teachers, ICS creates "global classrooms" which may be comprised of hundreds of students, but which are manageable because of the structure of the exercises.
A small group of educators at the University of Michigan form the core of ICS. Working closely with classroom teachers, we have developed a range of student-centered activities that have gripped and challenged young people around the world. While the projects are carefully designed to foster unique student learning opportunities, they also allow teachers the flexibility to meet existing curricular objectives.
ICS on-line projects are distinguished by extended interactions between students at different schools, thematic content in a variety of subject areas, opportunities for personal engagement through character-play or self-expression, and the involvement of university-level mentors under the supervision of the project directors. Each project involves meaningful, often intensive, communication among K-12 students, mentors, and facilitators. On-line, Web-based tools have been developed for each project to help each participant communicate easily, efficiently, and securely in the project environment, while accessing appropriate background information.
Thinking about joining? Most programs run late September through December and again February through April. You can find contact information for each project in the descriptions linked to the list at left, or contact Jeff at stanz@umich.edu, or by phone: (734) 763-5950. You can also register online from our registration page. We hope to hear from you!
Questions about this site can be directed to our project coordinator.
