About DIIMSA®-EXPERT

The DIIMSA® Experience-Based Digital Imagery Content Repository (DIIMSA®-EXPERT) and Forum is designed to assist teachers of science in their far reaching quest to engage learners and create higher order thinking experiences for all. DIIMSA®-EXPERT contains authentic digital imagery (from real project experiences) integrated with applied concept-based questions, vocabulary, content modules, activities, content collections and strategies.

DIIMSA®-EXPERT is designed to support users as authentic visual scenes are used to provide dynamic experiences as questions, concepts and vocabulary are used as key resources during instruction, tutorials and assessment, all facilitated by the DIIMSA® Model Campus-based design. The Campus-based design provides a way to perform varying problem/project based interactive discussions using scenarios that encompass rigorous instruction and includes concept-based and connected experiences. The Campus-based design is flexible and teachers can use it to facilitate various strategies including the popular "Extreme Vocabulary" strategy.

DIIMSA®-EXPERT Strategies and Uses

“Checking for Understanding is an important step in the teaching and learning process. The background knowledge that students bring into the classroom includes how they understand the material you share and the lessons or learning opportunities you provide. Unless you check for understanding, it is difficult to know exactly what students are getting out of the lesson”. (Source: Fisher, Frey, Checking for Understanding, Formative Assessment Techniques for Your Classroom, ASCD)

From DIIMSA® "Extreme Vocabulary" to "Question Blast", strategies are designed to check for understanding and create experiences for the “Net Generation” learner. The intent of using these strategies is to allow learners to show from their context of understanding, what they truly know about key concepts, vocabulary and associated content, while making it engaging for long-term understanding. In addition to these strategies, other suggested uses of DIIMSA®-EXPERT include: Brain Warmers; Class Experience during Instruction; Re-Teaching and Reviewing; Tutorials; and Field Excursion Planning and Preparation. Facilitated by the DIIMSA® Campus-Based Model design, all DIIMSA®-EXPERT strategies and uses work in conjunction with curriculum frameworks and teaching plans.

More information about DIIMSA®: DIIMSA® Pathways