Case for Bringing Distance Learning Into Schools, The
Media and Methods, Sep/Oct 2005 by Colbert, Russ
Every day thousands of students are "traveling" the world through distance learning. It's worth taking a quick look at what they can do with this virtual travel that has hit schools with a satisfied bang.
Distance learning solutions are simpler, easy-to-use and operate with a point and click approach to connect to countries all over the world. Rural and urban school districts are expanding their curriculum and gaining experience that has never been offered before. In less advantaged school districts, videoconferencing gives students a chance to collaborate with their peers regardless of geography or classroom size. Students can now be exposed to people, places and experiences without the traditional restrictions of time or location
Getting Started with a Distance Learning Setup
To get started, schools need to purchase a media system that includes a sound system, a display screen, a computer, and distance learning software. For example, Polycom's VSX 7000 Distance Learning Media Center includes a 270-watt high-performance sound system and is available with a single or dual 32'' LCD display or 42'' plasma display. The VSX 7000 Distance Learning Media Center has a durable cart with a locking mechanism that ensures the security of the system components. Additionally, the Polycom DVSX7000 Distance Learning Media Center includes an LCD display to project the video from the remote class. There is also a mounting bracket for this display and a built-in, adjustable camera platform that allows a camera to be mounted in order to record the on-location instructor and students. The VSX 7000 Distance Learning Media Center prices range from $99 to $16,999 (price varies from purchasing just the distance learning software to purchasing the complete media center).
Videoconferencing and distance learning programs provide attentiongrabbing, real-time interactive communications. With systems that are now quite easy to use, teachers can focus on fantastic learning adventures and not be so concerned about how to get there.
Sites for Virtual Field Trips
Access Excellence
www. accessexcellence. org
This science-themed source offers virtual dissections, labs and field trips.
Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg uses satellitedelivered, interactive TV technology to bring the 18th century to life for more than one million students per year.
Distance Learning Integrators
This site offers diverse cross-curricular field trips from virtually visiting a Florida Manatee to exploring the Brown vs. Board of Education court case.
Global Nomads Group
This organization offers virtual field trips to over nine countries.
HomeworkSpot.com
www.homeworkspot.com I fieldtrip
In addition to ongoing field trips to museums and science fairs, this site has an archive of places like the Florida Everglades and The White House.
Internet4Classrooms
Lessons, activities and more for field trips focusing on such topics as Agriculture in the Classroom (discovering farming through six virtual field trips).
Techtrekers
A variety of virtual field trips are offered in real-time and in the archive to places like Musée du Louvre, Madagascar and Alcatraz Island.
Tramline
Interactive field trips cover such themes as Rainforests, Endangered Species, Salt Marshes, Volcanoes, Shakespeare and the Presidents.
Russ Colbert is the Global Education Marketing Manager for Polycom, Inc., maker of distance education systems such as the Polycom VSX 7000 Distance Learning Media Center. www.polycom.com
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