15 Miles on the Erie Canal!
We virtually traveled along the Erie Canal again this year as students learned about the Erie Canal and solved a historic mystery. The Erie
Canal Mystery Through History included a Businessman, 
Immigrant Worker, Boat Captain, and Inventor. Students learned about the Erie Canal through the perspective of each character and were able to ask them questions about their role on the Erie Canal and the mystery. The video conference was interactive and engaging for students across the state. This year was record breaking and we had over 1,000 students participate!
What students and teachers are saying:
• The timing of this activity correlated perfectly with our SS curriculum.
• It was organized and kept the students engaged. A student said, “I learned a lot and still was having fun!”
•Thank you so much for providing us with this experience.
• The students were all actively engaged and learned. They had fun and worked hard.
•The use of technology to see other classrooms in the state was amazing for them.
NYDLC Booth at NYSCATE!
The NYS Distance Learning Consortium (NYSDLC) booth at NYSCATE was a success. Below are pictures of the Star Wars themed booth. We have a visit from many characters!
Educators from around the state were able to visit the booth, learn about distance learning, online learning, collaborations, and robots in the classroom.
Keeping Connected with SKYPE
SKYPE calls are a wonderful tool to use in the classroom. Classrooms can connection with other classrooms, professionals, and locals such as museums.
There are many resources that provide opportunities for classrooms to find connections and many Distance Learning vendors are also using SKYPE as an option for connections.
Katrina Keene’s article states how Mystery SKYPE calls can connect your classroom to the world. To read the entire article, click here – Mystery SKYPE Calls
Ensure Success with SKYPE?
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Practice with another classroom in your building or district
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Connect with educators you know in other districts, states, countries
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Test SKYPE connection
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Have specific goals for connection
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Discuss etiquette with students and plan who will speak when
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Have a back up plan in case there are technology glitches
SKYPE in the Classroom Resources
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SKYPE in the Classroom – https://education.skype.com/
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SKYPE with Penguin Publishing Authors – http://www.penguin.com/school-library/skype-authors/
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SKYPE an Author – http://skypeanauthor.wikifoundry.com/
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Kate Messener’s Authors Who SKYPE for free – http://www.katemessner.com/authors-who-skype-with-classes-book-clubs-for-free/
SKYPE Projects
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SKYPE with a Professional
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SKYPE with an Author
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SKYPE with a local such as a museum or landmark
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SKYPE with Pen Pals
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SKYPE with parents
Futures Project!
Penfield CSD, East Rochester UFCSD, and Monroe #1 BOCES are participating in a new venture of online courses taught by district teachers for the district’s students.
Futures Project Information Website
The Futures Project is gaining the attention of the community. Please view the video below that aired on Fox News!
Meet the VGO Robot
Using Technology To Instruct Home Bound Students
With the VGO Robot
In the Monroe #1 BOCES region, a district needed help connecting an elementary student to her classroom. Due to medical issues, the student hasn’t been able to attend school for several months. Even with the help of a tutor, the student was missing out on the social aspect of school and interactive learning with other students. With the help of a VGO robot, whom the class has affectionately called Frosty, the student can now connect to the classroom for socialization and math instruction.
Video Conference Fact Sheet – checking for understanding
Video Conferences are a great way for students to learn and collaborate. But how does a teacher know if students are understanding the key learning points of the conference?
Below is a document that educations can print and distribute to students to use during or right after a conference. Using this document allows for educators to ensure students have learned during the conference. Also, gathering evidence addresses Common Core Learning Standards.
Video Conference Fact Sheet
Career Connections!
Each year the NYSDLC offers Career Connection Video Conferences to high school students. Students are able to learn from experts in the field about relevant high school courses, college, internships, and career expectations. In the past the fields of interest have included – doctors, nurses, architects, master chefs, radio dj and station manager – and many more!
Career Connections Video
The Value of Field Trips – In person and virtual
A recent study discussed the benefits of field trips for students. There has been a drastic reduction in schools participating in field trips due to expense, scheduling, and curriculum. Click on the link below to read the entire article.
ARTICLE: The Educational Value of Field Trips
Items of interest from the article:
Students:
- Recall more details
- Use Critical Thinking
- Display Historical Empathy
- Increased Tolerance
- Increased Interest in Museums
- Greater Benefit for Disadvantaged Students
2013 – 2014 Career Connections
For the second year Career Connections will be provided by the New York State Distance Learning Consortium (NYSDLC). Career Connections offer students the opportunity to meet with professionals in fields of their interest. Career and college readiness via distance learning!
2013 – 2014 Career Connections Schedule is currently being created. Watch for updates from your distance learning coordinator.
Geologist John Amos – November 6, 2013 – 10-11am More Details
Master Chef: Chef Fritz Sonnenschmidt – The Art of Charcuterie November 12, 2013 – 9:15 – 10:30am OR 12:15 – 1:30am More Details
Sneak Peek at the Career Connections Veterinarian