Videoconference Opportunities for KUSD and fellow technology educators!

A simple IP test with Max Graves at Northern Michigan University for an upcoming videoconference- turned in to a brainstorming session developing a program that will connect NMU broadcast communication students, public television crew (WNMU) and KUSD students!

The result is an addition to NMU's Career Pathway Interactive Videoconference (CPIV) Series. The media production installment will be hosted by WNMUTV staff, to include Emmy award winning Producers Sonya Chrisman, Bob Thomson, and/or Director of Broadcasting Eric Smith.

Discussion will focus on related careers, academic preparation, degree programs, job demand/growth, salary expectations, volunteer/intern opportunities, career options and student interests and backgrounds.

From the WNMU broadcast studios, we will be joined by students with Northern Michigan University Public Eye News, a live news cast produced, directed, and run by an all-student crew, for a behind the scenes look at a student run-production.

The Media Production CPIV is for students in grades 8-12. There is a $50.00 fee.

Program dates and times will soon be made availbale.

Here are some related links provided by NMU:

NMU's Career Pathways

WMNUTV

Ms. Walter's kindergarten class shared their favorite holiday foods and what they are thankful for with their new friends in Thomasville, Georgia!

Television station WALB covered the story down south and the event made the news that evening! Read what WALB had to say about it:

WALB story

#1- You get an enthusiastic teacher (Ms. Walter) from Stocker Elementary, Kenosha Wisconsin
#2- You add teachers from Thomasville Georgia (Ms. Brazil & Ms. Wheeler)
#3- OF course you include tech coordinators (Mr. Sherman & your humble blog admin)
#4- You listen as they brainstorm and develop a wonderful Thanksgiving videoconference connection for their students!

Next week- 4 & 5 year old students will meet via videoconferencing to share and learn with each other. Led by their teachers, they'll discuss traditions, decorations and what food is on THEIR Thanksgiving table.

How many families in Wisconsin serve grits or sweet potato pie for their holiday meal? Is venison (deer) a holiday food of choice for kids in Georgia?

We'll all find out next week! Stay tuned to the blog for pics and reflections!

HS students from Tremper HS, Kenosha WI & Plainedge HS in NY met via videoconference and discussed social issues (see previous posting). Mr. McKim asked students the following question:

What was the value of the videoconference with Massapequa? What was good about it? What would you change next time?

The following are comments received:

I learned we were very much alike… It was great to interact with them and see how our schools were the same and to see how they were different. Next time, I would want it to be longer, or do this more often. Christine

… no matter where you are, things are pretty much the same everywhere. I think it was a really cool experience. It was like were were right there with them even though we were a few hundred miles away. Leah

I thought it was great to learn about another school, to interact with kids our age from somewhere I’ve never heard of before in my whole life.

It seemed like they had a little more flexibility over there. As the conference went on, I noticed how both sets of students were really quite alike. If I could change anything- I’d like smaller groups … to know each other better. Joe

I got to see how teenagers from a different living style acted and behaved. I think we should have done it more to build up relations and become more open about subjects. The facilitator interjected too much. Karl

… we could talk to other students across the country and discuss things. It was interesting to see how we are different and alike and in what ways.

I wish it could have been longer. Michelle

It showed that although we’re from a different part of the country, we still are generally the same. Nikki

I wouldn’t change anything-

It wasn’t as awkward as I thought it would be. Tremper is lucky to be able to afford all the activities that are paid for. Rachel
*** Note: Plainedge HS has had ALL extra-curricular activities cut due to budget constraints. Only athletics are available.

I think the videoconference was a good idea- but nothing got done. It should have been up to the students and what we wanted to talk about- I didn’t like the facilitator’s comments.
I actually liked the videoconference. They are similar to us. It was interesting that a lot of them don’t have jobs but have cars because their parents gave them money. Emily

I think it was an awesome experience. It was kind of cool to be sitting in our classroom and talk to others in a totally different state. I’d change how we had to watch what we said and not have to be so careful with noises that were made in the background.

I really enjoyed the videoconference with the kids from New York. It gave us a sense of their lifestyles and it gave them a sense of ours. I wish more teachers would do more of this but I guess only a teacher as cool as Mr. McKim can do something as sweet as that.

I wouldn’t change anything- Paul

Next time (per STUDENT requests):

more outlined topic
arrange chairs better
don’t give the remote to a student
more prepared
ask more questions
make it more scripted. Assign different people to answer questions and stick to it.
more time
Don’t have teachers in the room so we can talk about whatever we wanted
could have been more organized

Live and learn! This was a great group with lots of energy and unafraid to dive in. Thanks to both Mr. McKim & Mr. Abrams for your interest and dedication to your students!

ONE rare example of the technology gods smiling on KUSD-

I arrive at Tremper 25 minutes prior to our connection with Plainedge HS Social Issues class. Two words that will stop a distance learning facilitator dead in her tracks, "NETWORK DOWN".

Call NY, let them know we're switching to Plan B (As soon as I formulate a Plan B).

Plan B- draft Ruth (Library Media Specialist) to help get a speaker phone and go audio...

7:59am - One minute to scheduled connection- NETWORK UP! Clouds parted- angel chorus and all systems go!

For the next hour, teachers Sean McKim (Tremper) and Doug Abram (Plainedge HS) lead student discussion on issues such as illegal immigrants in our communities, after-school jobs, political preferences, extra-curricular activities, teenage drug use, school enrollment, gangs and more.

This connection was the first videoconference experience for everyone involved! I never tire of seeing kids when they realize that no matter if it's New York, Georgia, Utah, Idaho, Tennessee... they share the same challenges, struggle with the same issues and learn to understand and respect cultural diversity.

A few interesting DIFFERENCES to note:

MOST Tremper students have a job, while most Plainedge students do not.

Tremper students participate in many extra-curricular activiites, whereas Plainedge has NO extra-curricular groups, clubs or organizations due to severe budget cuts. Plainedge only has athletics- which, by the way- they are NY State Football Champs :-)

There is little to no dress code at Plainedge- hats, short skirts all allowed. Tremper dress-code is much more restrictive say students.

There are more President Bush supporters at Tremper than Plainedge-

Finally, on a lighter note- most students from BOTH schools watch Laguna Beach!

More connections in the works- great experience and thanks everyone!

Picture this- a 9:15am multi-point connection with Eli Lilly on Corporate Broadcasting and a school in Michigan cannot access their gateway-

WHAT TO DO??? Panic? No- Disappoint a classroom of students and cancel? NO!

Call a fellow IVC'er OF COURSE! Quick as Janine's fingers could dial our IP, we got her students connected and all was well with the world!

I love this IVC community! GROUP INTERACTIVE VIDEO HUG!