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Center for Civic Advancement
Request for Proposals
JustConnections ---ACA Technology Grant Extension
For the second year, proposals are requested from Tusculum College faculty interested in
adding community-based research (CBR) and a technology component to a course.
Purpose:
To provide Tusculum College faculty with an opportunity to develop the skills and expertise
necessary for implementing community-based research and technology into their courses.
Faculty selected will serve as a core group to model the use and development of technology
and CBR components in their classes. The results of their efforts may be either linked or
uploaded to the Just Connections website and/or the SSP (see below) website. It may also
become part of a Tool Box of examples for others interested in utilizing the same or similar
methods.
Community-based research (also called participatory research) is a form of service-learning.
CBR uses a partnership of students, faculty, and community members who collaboratively
engage in research projects for the purpose of solving a social problem, creating social change
or meeting a community need. The most important impetus for and influence over the research
comes from the community, not the academic.
One option that combines both CBR and technology is the new campus-wide Stepping Stone
Program (SSP). The range of technology that may be used is broad. It could include Power
Point presentations, the use of Excel or Access programs, audio tapes, hand held computers
and Global Information System (GIS) software. The choice will be determined by the instructor
and the course content. Ultimately, the goal is to include all SSP data on a new website for use
by campus and community
More information on the Stepping Stone Program will be presented in the faculty development
workshop on October 5. Mark your calendars and come learn about this ambitious program.
Background:
JustConnections is an incorporated organization whose mission is to invigorate grass roots
democracy among residents of Central Appalachia by creating and using models for
participatory research and service. The goal is to see the development of self-sustaining
communities that offer equitable access to resources for local citizens. The organization grew
out of an Appalachian College Association faculty workshop on service learning held in June
1995. Currently, Just Connections is the recipient of an ACA technology grant extension which
is funding this opportunity for Tusculum faculty.
Proposals and Awards:
In this academic year (2004-2005), four $500 awards will be given to Tusculum faculty
members. Priority will be given to first-time applications. If funding remains available, prior grant
recipients will be considered. Proposals may target either courses in academic programs or in
Commons courses: higher priority will be given to courses in academic programs.
Eligibility:
All faculty teaching during the 2004/2005 academic year are eligible to apply.
Duties:
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To work collaboratively with the Center for Civic Advancement in designing and
implementing the technology/CBR components in one or more courses
To submit a final written report including the syllabus, a description and evaluation of the
project and the role of the students, the community people and the faculty member
To provide a CD-ROM containing the research and data, which will allow for uploading or
linkage to JustConnections and/or the SSP websites
To be a campus advocate for CBR and to assist other faculty in using CBR techniques in
their classes
If appropriate, to have the class present their findings, oral or written, for community use and
benefit
Time Frame:
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Reports due within two weeks of completion of the course
Stipends will be paid on receipt of completed reports
Proposal for 2004/2005
Center for Civic Advancement Leadership Award
In developing your proposal, you are encouraged to consult with Robin Fife (x7372
[email protected]) or Joyce Doughty (Ext. 7252, [email protected]) in the Center for
Civic Advancement. Center for Civic Advancement staff are also available to help with
implementing your proposal—providing logistical support and helping you guide the class
through both the project and the reflection process.
Course or courses proposed
Block you will teach it/them
Plan and rationale:
a)
How will you/or did you identify the research project you propose to do?
b)
What activities/assignments will you use to prepare students for this service?
c)
What activities/assignments will you use to help students reflect on and learn
from their experience?
d)
Do you expect to use GIS mapping as the technology component or develop a
different outcome?
e) How will adding these CBR/technology components facilitate course goals for
student learning and growth?
f)
How will you and the students present the results of this study for community use
and benefit?
Your signature below indicates acceptance of the following responsibilities:





To work collaboratively with the Center for Civic Advancement in designing and
implementing the technology/CBR components in one or more courses
To submit a final written report including the syllabus, a description and evaluation of the
project and the role of the students, the community people and the faculty member
To provide a CD-ROM containing the research and data, which will allow for uploading or
linkage to JustConnections and/or the SSP websites
To be a campus advocate for CBR and to assist other faculty in using CBR techniques in
their classes
If appropriate, to have the class present their findings, oral or written, for community use and
benefit
Your signature: ____________________________________
Date: ____________________