Videoconference Opportunities for KUSD and fellow technology educators!

A Phys Ed teacher from Eau Claire is offering to meet with students via videoconference as she prepares to participate in the Iditarod, February 2006.

"Teacher on the Trail" will be a 40 minute session in which Terrie will provide an overview of her preparation, expectations and Q & A. Connections will be scheduled between 11/1 through January.

Note above- Terrie is a classroom teacher- so we will have to keep that in mind when requesting a connection :-)

Interested? Email me NOW to participate!

I heard from Max Graves at the US Olympic Education Center at Northern Michigan University yesterday! On Monday, December 5th, the USOEC is offering two FREE videoconference sessions- 9:00am & 10:00am to meet with student athletes training for the olympics!

Learn about a day in the life of a future olympian. We'll get a few demonstrations, candid discussion and find out what drives an individual to compete at an olympic level.

This opportunity is FREE and is designed for health or science students 4th grade through 10. For a complete description:

Meet USOEC Athletes & Coaches

The USOEC is presenting a 40 to 50 minute videoconferencing program from one of NMU's distant learning classrooms in which students have the opportunity to meet and interact with some of the athletes and/or their coaches. Students are treated to a display of the athletic equipment and its use, a view of the facilities, and are provided a basic understanding of the USOEC program.

CALL ME OR EMAIL ME ASAP TO BOOK YOUR SPOT!

Another week of distance learning opportunities!

Reuther students will meet a forensic anthropologist from Ohio.

Tremper teacher Mr. McKim will meet his Plainedge NY partner teacher for their upcoming Social Issues debate and discussion.

Staff will participate in a webcast from the Department of Homeland Security, " Protecting our Children on the Internet".

ITA Students will learn "How Animals are used in Research"- a FREE connection from Eli Lilly.

Teachers from Stocker and Valdoste Georgia will meet to plan their upcoming K2K connections.

Another Somers to Stocker K2K connection- this one on MONSTERS!

Let's add more to the list! Upcoming programs like, "The Art of Storytelling- The Christmas Tree Ship" are booking fast! Email me for details-

I had the honor of speaking with a group of adult students from National Louis University who chose to leave their "day jobs" and seek teacher certification. The group included an airline pilot, insurance claims adjuster, "paper-pushers" and more. (I am STILL not sure of the one that claimed to be with the CIA so if there is never a posting from me after this- consider it to be true!)

In this 2+ year accelerated program, classroom educators with real-world experience will enter an entirely new, challenging, baffling, exhausting and wonderfully rewarding realm. I cannot imagine more dedicated individuals than this group.

We discussed many aspects of distance learning; corporate uses, student/generational technological expectations, opportunities, global classrooms and outstanding content.

Will virtual field trips eventually replace going to a zoo or museum? Will this technology continue to break down cultural and social barriers? What technologies will be seamless tools for this wave of educators?

I am inspired by their energy (even at 9:30pm), committment and goals, and wish them all every success as they continue their journey!

I am not sure if it's appropriate to send a card or flowers for District Staff Development Day!

I guess I'll just post to the blog :-)

Already this year, KUSD students/staff have virtually traveled to Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and more! From those experiences, they met kids in Florida, New Jersey, New York, Indiana, Michigan and who knows where else?

The best part about all of these wonderful, engaging opportunities is:

1. They NEVER left the building
2. Their teacher NEVER had to deal with permission slips (or lack thereof)
3. They NEVER had to board a bus
4. Everyone was back from their field before lunch
5. Never had to board a bus
6. Never had to board a bus

What's on the KUSD videoconferencing calendar?

"Live from the Heart"- Interactive cardiac surgery (YES- talk to the surgical team DURING the procedure) ITA
Meet a Forensic Anthropologiist- Reuther
"What to do with all the poo?"- Stocker
How Animals are used in Research- ITA
Sharing Nursery Rhymes K2K Connection- Southport & Somers
Social Issues; Survey, Debate & Discussion- Tremper & students from Plainedge, NY

Is YOUR class scheduled to participate in a videoconference opportunity? Would you like a collaborative partner to share projects with? Would you like to see your students develop and improve communication, problem-solving, creative and analytical thinking skills? I will work with you to create an event(s) that will meet your classroom needs and bring the world to your students!

Just got a call from an excited John Goehrke at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum to announce some new programs available via videoconference!

Ball of Confusion: Rock Music and Social Change in the 60s and 70s

Hip-Hop Technology: From Turntables to Computers

Rock and Roll Reactions: Records, Radio and the Birth of Teenage Culture in 1950s America

How groovy are these? To get the 411 on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame either visit their website:

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum

or email: John Goehrke


Just think- no tour bus to book, roadies to contract or endless bus rides!