Explorer focuses on the unique needs of classroom teachers for elementary and middle schools by accessing worldwide resources which meet the national standards for math and science. Curriculum listed on the Explorer is learner driven noting different learning styles, levels and readiness addressed through multimedia activities. The Collaborative provides staff development and technical assistance to teachers involved in systemic reform of math and science instruction. Teachers also receive help with integrating curriculum with technology and support for implementing interactive multimedia activities. Currently, there are 83 school sites among the three states acting as pilot sites for new and developing programs and services.
Media being used include microcomputers, television, and teleconferencing.
One of the purposes of the Collaborative is to provide schools with a continuum of technologies to access math and science resources. The Collaborative serves all educational professionals for grades pre-K through 9, underserved populations such as Title I, Chapter I schools and extreme rural distance schools, bringing quality math and science curricula to students regardless of geographic distance, economic disadvantage or physical limitation. The Great Lakes Collaborative is a private non-profit agency with a Board of Directors representing the State Departments of Education in each of the participating states. For more information about Collaborative services in your state, contact the individuals listed below.