| Lars,
I am currently using WeBWorK at my high school (Detroit Country Day
School). We have algebra 2, precalculus, calculus, physics, and
astronomy classes using the system. We're also working on putting up
our speech class. As a side project this summer, I have helped a local
university's geology department replace their scantron based lab
quizzes with a secure WeBWorK system. The use of WeBWorK in our high
school setting has been very successful, and now that the geology
launch is nearly done, we are looking into a partnership with the
university to spread WeBWorK to local public schools.
I think that WeBWorK makes a great fit when you have a high level of
connectivity among the student population, and from experience, I know
that WeBWorK can work even if there is no connectivity outside of
school. I'd love to help you and Richard with these projects. If you
have questions for me, I'd be happy to help answer. As for the
questions you already asked:
1) Yes, there are some examples of WeBWorK in high schools. Ohio State
and Rochester have both hosted some classes. I'm running my own server
for our school.
3) In your budget, you will need to pay for a server. You may need to
pay for your server's internet connection (check with your school). You
will want to pay out some salaries, I'm sure. Depending on the
financial state of the schools you are working with, you might want to
help them get more/bigger computer labs to take advantage of WeBWorK
during the day, or pay for staffing before/after school for kids
without access at home. These are all ideas off the top of my head. I
have no idea which of these NSF would or would not be willing to fund.
4) The first step to implementation, since you have a server at your
school, is to find a high school teacher or two who want to give it a
try. Start small. When people see how it works, it will grow. Do a lot
of hand-holding for your first teachers. Keep them very comfortable,
and they will absorb a lot of information, and teach you about lots of
things you never considered.
Good luck! Feel free to contact me with any questions.
Mark
<| Post or View Comments |>
|