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Presented by: Shawn-Kimberly Kocher Kristin Skinker Melissa Whitman. Distance Learning. on a Shoestring Budget. Distance Learning. In the past we used the traditional methods of distance learning . . . BUT . . . Cost was TOO much
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Presented by: Shawn-Kimberly Kocher Kristin Skinker Melissa Whitman Distance Learning on a Shoestring Budget
Distance Learning • In the past we used the traditional methods of distance learning . . . • BUT . . . • Cost was TOO much • Polycom Machine was not portable and only had two in the district • No one ever seemed to budget for video conferencing fees • Video conference times were not convenient to our school day
SO . . . • We thought outside the box . . .
Our Thoughts . . . • Use the resources we have around us . . . • Within our district • In our community • From our stakeholders • From our family, friends and neighbors • Even other school districts • We all had the same goal . . . to break down the walls and make education authentic, meaningful and a life-long learning experience
Community Organizations • Moravian Historical Society • Colonial Figures • Crafts • Chamber of Commerce • Local Businesses - Careers • Local Arboretum
Within Our Schools • High School • String Orchestra Instruction • String Orchestra teacher broke both ankles in a traffic accident coming to school • Tried using Polycom unit –and could not connect • Used Skype to teach lessons and to advise string orchestra • Taped students periodically and sent video and audio home for her to assess • Example • Art Club • Nazareth HS and Easton HS share art work, accordion sketchbook and stories • German Class • Actively use German with connections in Germany and with teacher’s nephew who is currently an exchange student
High School Theater Department • Mystery Reader- • 1st Grade Classroom- as the class mystery reader • Read Across America • Pilgrim Voyage- • HS students dressed as pilgrims • Did a Q & A session with 5th Grade students • Pilgrims were mystified by the “children in the strange box” • Students were able to ask questions about the voyage to America • EXAMPLE - Katie Fritchman – Theater/Television Studio Student
Within Our Schools • K-8 Schools • Writing Buddies - Grade 3 and Grade 6 • Students share and edit writing through peer editing buddies • TV News Show • Skype Interviews with sports athletes, famous connections • Mystery Readers • Grade 6 students read books to grade 1 students … EXAMPLE • Story Share • Grade 2 students from Shafer Elementary and Lower Nazareth Elementary share stories written in their class
Within Our Schools • K-8 Schools • Book Buddies - Grade 2 and Grade 7 • Students in the Middle School read books or stories they write to Second Grade and then Second Grade students read a weekly library book • Practice reading fluency for the younger students and a chance to share and proofread their own writings for the older students • Pen Pals • Student Teacher Pen Pals - Meet live through Skype as culmination • Reader’s Theater
Sometimes its not all about SEEing! • Texting or Chatting • Through the use of chat teachers or other volunteers pretend to be someone else
Other Ideas . . . • Deployed teachers, family members or community relation • Currently have two teachers stationed abroad • Ethiopia • Afghanistan • Skype and learn the different cultures, share cooking ideas, language and more • Famous Connections - using community and student connections to interview and learn from others • Schools sharing author visits and splitting the costs with more than one school • Suggestions??????
How we get “Buy In” . . . • Work with a select few teachers FIRST • Have them pick one area in the curriculum that is not particularly exciting and needs a “pick me up” • Brainstorm as a team on how we can make the concept more meaningful • Try it with one teacher and let others observe • Each little activity creates a buzz and more and more ideas evolve
Tips on a Good Activity • ALWAYS do a TEST CALL!!!! • Be sure to have an extra microphone available • Have speakers for your computer • Register different names on Skype to accommodate activity • Speak with your IT Department ahead of time to be sure they will be on call for any situations • Check camera and call quality • ALWAYS teach your students proper distance learning etiquette prior to the activity
THANK YOU!!! • Questions? • Code - GL16 • Our contact information: • Shawn-Kimberly Kocher - skocher@nazarethasd.org • Kristin Skinker - kskinker@nazarethasd.org • Melissa Whitman - mwhitman@nazarethasd.org • Nazareth Area School District • K-12 District Technology Integration Specialists • 610-759-1170