| Videoconferencing Adventures |
Oh, the places you and your students will go while using interactive videoconferencing! Students can see and hear each other simultaneously whether across the state or around the world. Making videoconference connections outside the classroom increases student motivation and learning. Videoconferencing is ideal for virtual fieldtrips, for collaborations and for community events. Here is a sampling of resources to start your own "videoconference adventures"! - Linda Uhrenholt, Pacific Bell Education Advocate.
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Disclaimer: We make every attempt to keep this resource
up-to-date; however, things change rapidly and we are not always informed. Please
remember that at any given time, this list may contain incorrect information.
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Albany Institute of History
and Art founded in the 18th century is located in
Albany, New York. It is a museum that "collects, preserves, interprets and promotes
interest in history." Videoconferencing enables students to take part in a number
of virtual field trips from the museum. In "Mummies and Ancient Egypt" students
view mummies and learn about the cultures in which they lived. "Facing Portraits"
is a program where students take a look at a selection of portraits that reveal
personal and cultural values.
Where:http://www.albanyinstitute.org
Who:Ted Lind, Deputy Director for Education and Public Programs
How:LindEW@albanyinstitute.org
1-518-463-9996
Aquatic
Research Institute located near the shores of Lake Michigan
in East Chicago, Indiana, conducts research related to the "environment and
freshwater systems." The Institute has designed interactive ny expeditions available. Some programs include
Spanish/English handbooks.
Where:http://www.bronxzoo.org
Who:Lee Livney, Education Department
How:llivney@wcs.org 1-718-220-6899
Brownsburg
Challenger Learning Center is just west of Indianapolis, Indiana
(home of the Indy 500). Challenger Learning Centers across the country "engage
students, transforming them into scientists, engineers or researchers by hosting
simulated space missions." At the Brownsburg Challenger Learning Center students
can participate in these simulated space missions via a videoconference. They
also offer topical workshops, virtual tours and special requests.
Where:http://www.brownsburgchallenger.com
Who:Lorrie Bryant, Distance Learning Liaison
HowLearning@BrownsburgChallenger.com
1-317-852-1008
Subscribe to the Collaboration Collage videoconferencing mailing list at http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/vidconf/ed1vidconf.html!
Buffalo Zoo
in Buffalo, New York, started back in the late 1800's when a furrier presented
a pair of deer to the City of Buffalo! Today the zoo flourishes with a robust
animal collection, one of the finest in the country. The education department
at the zoo has developed a variety of programming that can be offered via a videoconference
field trip such as, "Animal Enrichment" and "Rainforest Experience."
Where:http://www.buffalozoo.org
Who:Rebecca Russo, Distance Learning Coordinator
How1-716-837-3900 x182
California Science Center
located in Los Angeles, California, in Exposition Park. Ignite students’ imagination
while introducing science through videoconferencing. The California Science Center
offers curriculum enhancements relating to the Science Center’s exhibits. One
videoconference example is "Your Insides Out" which relates to the circulatory
system. Pre and post activities are all part of the videoconference experience.
Where:http://www.casciencectr.org
Who: Jane Grossman, Educational Technology Coordinator
How: jgrossman@cscmail.org 1-213-744-2063
Cape May County Park
and Zoo is one of the best attractions of Cape May Court House,
New Jersey. The zoo offers many programs over videoconferencing including "Overview
of the Animal Kingdom," in which a collection of animals are used such as the
ferret, white tree frog, corn snake and cockroach. Using the barn owl as a videoconference
focus during a class dissection of owl pellets makes science come alive! Teacher
packets are available and all programs support national standards.
Where:http://www.beachcomber.com/Capemay/zoo.html
Who:Jennifer Watson, Education Director
How:jennywats@hotmail.com l-609-465-6832
When students plan a videoconference, they learn communication skills.
Center for Educational technologies
& trade; Challenger Learning Center is found on the campus of
Wheeling Jesuit University in Wheeling, West Virginia. It is part of the "growing
network of centers nationwide that have been Established in memory of the Challenger
Shuttle crew." Via videoconferencing students can take part in a four week integrated
unit of earth and space exploration, culminating in a two-hour videoconference
where students are at mission control for a launch. Students are engaged in a
real space mission simulation while learning math and science.
Where:http://davem2.cotf.edu/clc, http://cotf.edu
Who:Nancy Sturm, Director for Challenger Learning Center
How:sturm@cet.edu 1-304-243-2377
Center for Puppetry Arts
in Atlanta, Georgia, was established in 1978. Join the largest center in the nation
devoted to puppetry by way of videoconferencing, for hands-on curriculum based
workshops where students build a puppet from recycled materials. Included in the
videoconference topics are "Native Americans", "Discovering Puppetry in Other
Cultures" and "Mexico/Mexican Flag!" Current programming focuses on K-5 grade.
Where:http://www.puppet.org
Who:Patty Dees, Education Director
How:pdees-gsams@mindspring.com
1-404-873-3089 x117
Children’s Museum of
Indianapolis invites students to virtually visit the museum located
in Indianapolis, Indiana. The museum can bring its galleries and exhibits to your
classroom over videoconferencing. Seventeen experts are on hand to guide the programs.
Extremely popular, reservations are required weeks in advance, often at set times.
"What’s My Line" has students interviewing museum staff to discover
their lines of work. "Egyptian Mummies" explores real mummies from the
museum’s collection.
Where:http://www.childrensmuseum.org
Who:Charlene Brombaugh, Distance Learning
How: 1-317-334-4139 x1010
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical
Garden located in Cincinnati, Ohio, is one of the oldest zoos
in the country, opening its door in 1875. Via videoconferencing students can take
part in activities designed to engage the learner. Theme programs, problem-based
learning and zoo careers highlight the zoo’s distance learning programs. In "Nobody
Likes Me" students explore the important roles of bugs, mice, bats, frogs,
and snakes. Accompanying materials are often provided or can be downloaded off
the Internet.
Where:http://www.cincyzoo.org/
Who: Ken Freeman, Distance Learning Coordinator
How:ken.freeman@cincyzoo.org 1-513-475-6130
Cleveland Metroparks
Zoo in Cleveland, Ohio, brings education to life in their zoo
Adventures. Join zoo educators in programs where "biofacts and/or live animals
provide an up close, experience" that will be both "enjoyable and educational."
Special programs from the trumpeter swan to the wild wolf are long remembered
after the videoconference!
Where:http://www.clemetzoo.com
Who:Kate O'Connor, Distance Learning Coordinator
How: ko@clevelandmetroparks.com
1-216-661-6500 x4479
Videoconferencing helps to meet school standards and benchmarks!
Cleveland Museum of Art
located in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, is considered one of the top five art museums
in the United States. The extensive art collection Represents a multitude of the
world’s civilizations and cultures. All grade levels will benefit by the videoconferences
using the museum’s large, diverse education department. Program descriptions include
"Spanish Art" (optional Spanish language presentation - lead time needed), and
"The Art of Adornment: Avenue to Personal and Social Identity."
Where:http://clemusart.com
Who: Dale Hilton, Distance Learning Coordinator
How: hilton@cma-oh.org 1-216-421-7340 x491
Clowes Memorial Hall
of Butler University is situated on the campus of Butler University
in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Clewes' Education Department, with a mission of
promoting lifelong learning in and through the arts, has developed diverse videoconferencing
opportunities for students of all ages. "Turning a Novel into a Play" is one popular
program where students learn how to think and work together as theatrical collaborators.
Several distance learning sessions such as "Careers in the Arts" are available.
Where:http://www.cloweshall.org/education
Who:Donna Rund, Education Coordinator
How:drund@bulter.edu 1-317-940-8052
Use videoconferencing when a live fieldtrip is not possible.
Coca-Cola Space Science Center is located at Columbus University
in Columbus, Georgia, on the Chattahoochee River! The primary goal of the Coca-Cola
Space Science Center is to "improve learning by making science, mathematics
and technology accessible to all students." The videoconference programs
are interactive and often require teamwork. Classrooms in Georgia are first
in line for the videoconference programs.
Where:http://www.ccssc.org
Who: Larry Pallotta, Assistant Director/Coordinator of Visitor Services
How: larry@ccss.org 1-706-649-1486
Columbus Zoo
in Powell, Ohio, is one of "only three facilities outside of Florida to care
for and exhibit manatees, a rare marine mammal" found along the Florida coast.
Take a zoofari videoconference to explore these endangered creatures or join other
thematic programs such as "I Want to Work at a Zoo." The zoo offers
pre and post videoconference educational packets for students and teachers aligning
with national standards.
Where:http://www.colszoo.org
Who: Becky Peters, Distance Learning Coordinator
How: bpeters@colszoo.org 1-614-645-0567
Conner Prairie Museum
is an open-air living history museum located in Fishers, Indiana (Hoosier Country).
It is a national center for research into the lives of the early 19th
century settlers of the Old Northwest Territory. The Museum is committed to offering
"its nationally recognized videoconference programming to schools around the nation."
Some of the programs listed include, "Native Ways" and "Healing Hands: Medicine
in Early Days."
Where:http://www.connerprairie.org
Who:Leanne Bennett
How:lbennett@connerprairie.org
1-317-776-6000 x248
COSI COLUMBUS
the "fascination destination" is in the heart of the Buckeye State --
Columbus, Ohio. Join the beautiful new science center (320,000 square foot space)
via a videoconference where students will virtually be "dazzled, amazed and
delighted." Fresh new programs such as "Dot Dash to Dot Com" or "Gadget Works"
feature hands-on participation from students as well as demonstrations.
Where:http://www.cosi.org
Who: Gail Wheatley, Director of Electronic Education
How: 1-614-228-2674 x3147 or 1-888-819-COSI
COSI TOLEDO
41° 39’ N 83° 32’ W (Toledo, Ohio) makes "science click."
COSI TOLEDO science specialists "offer a fresh perspective on the educational
field trip concept." Sessions are developed using established national science
standards as a framework for fun interaction! Some of the more popular videoconference
modules that go beyond the traditional classroom learning are "Roller Coaster
Science" and "COSI WOW!" Curriculum materials including post-event
extension activities are available.
Where:http://cositoledo.org
Who: Jason Hillyer, Science Specialist
How: hillyer@cositoledo.org 1-419-244-2674
x150
Collaborative learning is practically automatic with videoconferencing.
Cumberland Science Museum "where imagination and curiosity
are encouraged" can be found in Nashville, Tennessee. Even if you can't physically
come to the museum your students can visit virtually through a videoconference.
Presentations such as "Bone-A-Fied Facts" and "Magnets to Motors" will engage
students in active learning experiences. Pre-videoconference packets are available
from the museum educators.
Where:http://www.cumberlandsciencemuseum.com
Who:Ann Crawford, Reservation Secretary
How:1-615-862-5177
Eiteljorg Museum of American
Indians and Western Art located in Indianapolis, Indiana, is
"one of two museums east of the Mississippi with both Native American and Western
art." Through videoconferencing students are introduced to many of the diverse
people that played a role in the American West. In "Faces of the West" students
discover two or more interesting historical figures that they may or may not find
familiar such as Lt. Henry Flipper, a Buffalo Solder or Stagecoach Mary, a colorful
female stagecoach driver.
Where:http://www.eiteljorg.org
Who:Leon Jett
How:1-317-636-9378 x119
Elephant Sanctuary
is a natural habitat refuge located in Hohenwald, Tennessee. Students can take
a videoconference trip to the Sanctuary -- the only way to visit the Elephant
Sanctuary. "Image and voice are transported live, allowing the visitor to
view an elephant's daily life without causing any intrusion." Visit Barbara,
Tarra and Jenny the elephants that "loaded up their trunks and moved to Tennessee!"
Where:http://www.elephants.com
Who: Carol Buckley, Educational Outreach Director
How: carol@elephants.com (Email is the
requested method to schedule.)
Eli Lilly and Company
with their worldwide headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a leader in the
pharmaceutical industry. This year, Eli Lilly and Company's educational strategy
involves using videoconferencing to enhance science and liberal arts curriculums.
Programs scheduled for the year include career panels in marketing, chemistry,
biology and manufacturing. Other sessions scheduled are "Chemistry is a Blast"
and "Virtual Dr. Bones."
Where:http://www.lilly.com
Who:Christy Krumrich, Associate, Educational Strategy at Lilly
How:ckrumrich@lilly.com 1-317-277-8721
Field Museum
located in Chicago, Illinois, was named in 1905 to honor the museum's first major
benefactor, Marshall Field. The education department at the museum offers programs
"focusing on the diversity and relationships among nature and cultures, as well
as the content of its collections." This coming January 2001 students can experience
these museum programs via a videoconference.
Where:http://www.fieldmuseum.org
Who:Victoria Fisher, Manager Education Media Division
How:vfisher@fieldmusuem.org 1-312-665-7557
Videoconferencing is powerful! Teachers can meet over videoconferencing for staff development.
Fort Ancient Museum is located on a 235-foot bluff overlooking
the Little Miami River, Oregonia, Ohio. It "features 18,000 feet of earthen walls
built 2,000 years ago by Native Americans as a ceremonial gathering place." Students
who participate in the museum videoconference programs will learn about the cultures
of Native Americans, past and present. In a program called "Archaeology" students
are instructed in basic terms, methods, and tools of archaeology.
Where:http://www.ohiohistory.org/places/ftancien
Who:Jack Blosser
How1-800-283-8904
Georgia Music Hall of
Fame in Macon, Georgia, offers an extravaganza of music information
via compressed videoconferencing. Celebrate the music of Georgia in "North,
South, East & West" featuring famous musicians of Georgia TLC, Lynyrd
Skynyrd, Indigo Girls, James Brown, Ray Charles, Otis Redding and the list goes
on! Let the hospitality of the Music Hall of Fame set the scene to study "Blind
Willy McTeel" and his early Struggles as an African-American musician.
Where:http://www.gamusichall.com
Who: Joseph Johnson, Curator of Music and Popular Culture
How: gmhf@mto.infi.net 1-912-750-8555 x110
Use videoconferencing to interview prospective teacher candidates.
Hartness International/Hartness Technologies near Greenville,
South Carolina, is a leader in the manufacturing of packaging equipment for industry.
They are the developers of "Video Response Systems" which is a wireless
camera used to expand videoconferencing applications. Tour the manufacturing plant
via videoconferencing.
Where:http://hartness.com
Who: Melissa Mangano
How: 1-864-297-4404 x278
Healesville Sanctuary
is 65 kilometers (41 miles) from Melbourne, Australia. In the 1940's the Sanctuary
hatched the first Platypus ever bred in captivity. Come join the Australian Outback
via videoconferencing! Here students and teachers will be introduced to numerous
native species including dingoes, kangaroos, and helmeted honeyeaters. Join the
Australian outback by way of this technology!
Where: http://www.zoo.org.au/
Who:Alan Boddy, Senior Education Officer in Charge of Information Technology
How:aboddy@zoo.org.au
Health Museum of Cleveland
situated minutes from downtown Cleveland, Ohio, is the first of its kind in the
Western Hemisphere. Determined to offer students of all ages the very best in
health education the museum's distance learning program uses videoconferencing
to strengthen and enhance school based curricula in health, life sciences and
applied math concepts. As an informal health science provider, the museum fosters
engaged learning environments for both teachers and students.
Where:http://www.healthmuseum.org
Who:Roger Zender, Manager, IT and Distance Learning
How:zender@healthmuseum.org 1-216-231-5010
Independence National
Historical Park is located in downtown Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
It is often referred to is "the birthplace of our nation." Park visitors can see
the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Through the power of videoconferencing
students can be transported to this National Park for lessons on the Constitution,
Declaration of Independence and the Liberty Bell.
Where:http://www.nps.gov/inde
Who:Cindy Ansel, Partners in Distance Learning Program Manager
How:cansel@berwicksd.org 1-888-404-8860
Students take classes not offered at their school via videoconferencing.
Indianapolis Museum of Art
is located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Students can discover connections between
art at the museum and a variety of subjects from mathematics to foreign languages,
through an interactive videoconference. Customized programs other than the ones
mentioned on the website are available dependent on staff availability. Ask for
the newly created free, seven-minute "Learning Comes Alive" video that
profiles the museum’s videoconference programs.
Where: http://www.ima-art.org
Who: Wendy Wilkerson, Indianapolis Museum of Art
How: Wwilkerson@ima-art.org 1-317-923-1331 x218
Indianapolis Zoo
in Indianapolis, Indiana, allows for a real wild connection via videoconferencing!
The zoo offers individual classes or classes in a series. "Students from across
Indiana to across the United States have connected to the zoo to learn about the
smallest zoo residents, the leaf cutter ants, to the largest zoo residents, the
African elephants." Students can even videoconference from right in front of the
Atlantic Bottlenose dolphin pool.
Where: http://www.indyzoo.com
Who: Becky Jones, Indianapolis Zoo Distance Learning Educator
How: bjones@indyzoo.com 1-317-630-2069
J@zzschool at the Knitting
Factory located in New York, New York, recognizes that music
appreciation classes sometimes are no longer an option in schools. mined topics. Staff development and other training
workshops are available.
Where: http://www.garden-city.org/zoo/
Who:Kathy Sexson, Curator of Education/Deputy Director
How: city.zooeducation@gcnet.com
1-316-276-1250
Liberty Science Center
where SCIENCE = FUN is located in Liberty State Park, Jersey City, New Jersey.
The Center offers Electronic Field Trips as a link to their 250 plus hands-on
exhibits and experiences. Some of the most beloved exhibits are exotic insects
and reptiles, a video light microscope, real human lungs, and an 80-foot torsional
wave tank depicting the Hudson River estuary environments.
Where: http://www.lsc.org/eft.html
Who: Victoria Torbic, Program Administrator
How: vtorbic@lsc.org 1-201-451-0006 x382
With videoconferencing, students have greater opportunities to form meaningful relationships with students who may be different from them.
Library of Congress in Washington D.C., is the largest library
in the world. In the Library's National Digital Library Program, there are multimedia
collections of digitized documents, photographs, recorded sound and moving pictures
from the Library’s collections. The National Digital Library’s Learning Page staff
plans a videoconference series that will include professional development programs
and student invitational events.
Where: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/learn
Who: Leni Donlan, Educational Resources Specialist
How: ldon@loc.gov 1-202-707-0805
Los Angeles County Museum
of Art is the largest art museum west of Chicago. The museum
in Los Angeles, California, houses more than 110,000 works of art. Six buildings
covering 636,000 square feet are used to show art from ancient times to the present.
The museum sometimes known as LACMA is in the early stages of incorporating videoconferencing
into its educational programs but usually sessions focus on an aspect of the permanent
collection or a special exhibition at the Museum.
Where: http://www.lacma.org
Who: Diana Folsom, Art and Education Systems Manager
How: folsom@lacma.org 1-323-857-6000 x6594
Discover
Pacific Bell's Knowledge Network Explorer Videoconferencing
Directory!
Enter your information or find a video partner.
Louisville Science Center, right across the street from the
Louisville Slugger Museum, in Louisville, Kentucky. The education department has
several programs available for videoconferencing. One successful program is "Meet
the Experts" that has students interact with scientists. Hands-on activities
are included over videoconferencing to keep students further engaged.
Where: http://www.lsclouienet.org
Who: Eve Polley, Distance Learning Coordinator
How: epolley@louky.org 1-502-561-6100 x6579
Louisville Zoo
is just 15 minutes from downtown Louisville, Kentucky. It is the home to some
of the largest and rarest animals on the planet. The Zoo partners with Male High
School for their Zoo videoconference presentations that meet National Science
Education Standards. The main focus is to use live animals covering a variety
of topics from reptiles to tropical rainforests. The goal of the zoo is to "better
the understandings between people and the "net."
Where: http://www.louisvillezoo.com
Who: Marcelle Gianelloni, Curator of Education
How: MGIANELLONI@louky.org 1-502-459-2181
x328
Mid-Atlantic Center for
the Arts is located in Cape May, New Jersey, on a Victorian estate
built in 1879. Through videoconferencing, students get an introduction to the
Victorian lifestyle. Using different artifacts from various collections, museum
educators’ point out the differences and familarities between life today and yesteryear.
Join the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts in a virtual adventure soon.
Where: http://www.capemaymac.org or http://special.capemayschools.com
Who: Ruth Brown, Coordinator of Education Technology
How: rbrown@special.capemayschools.com
Mote Marine Laboratory,
a leader in marine science education is housed in Sarasota, Florida. The distance
learning program, which is known as "SeaTrek" offers a variety of
videoconference programs. Favorites include "Sharks: Devouring the Myths"
where students examine facts about sharks and "Sea Turtles: Amazing Reptiles
of the Sea" focusing on the conservation of sea turtles.
Where: http://www.mote.org or http://www.seatrek.org
Who: Elizabeth Metz, Director of Distance Learning
How: seatrek@seatrek.org 1-941-388-4441
Museum of Modern Art,
New York (MoMA) is located in the Theater District of New York
City. The museum houses one of the world's finest collections of modern masterpieces.
MoMA educators can lead students in extensive conversations about notable works
from the collections by way of a videoconference. These distance learning classes
are adapted from programs offered at the museum such as "Looking with MoMa" and
"You Call that Art?"
Where:http://www.momo.org
Who:April Kim, Teacher Information Center Coordinator
How:April_Kim@moma.org 1-212-708-9882
Learning is from a primary source in videoconferencing.
Museum of Television and Radio can be found in Beverly Hills,
California. Videoconferencing with the Museum allows teachers and students access
to the archive of over 100,000 television and radio programs. These act as a window
to the past and present, illuminating significant events in our nation's history
and culture. Various programs are available such as "The Civil Rights Movement
and Television" and "Planet Earth." The latest program is titled "What Scares
You - A Look at Hitchcock!"
Where: http://www.mtr.org
Who: Cid Pearlman, Videoconference Coordinator
How: CPearlman@mtr.org 1-310-786-1099
Museum of Tolerance
in Los Angeles, California, is part of the Simon Wiesenthal Center. Today, it
is an international center for "Holocaust remembrance, the defense of human rights
and the Jewish people." The Museum of Tolerance offers speakers that include Holocaust
survivors and presentations by former neo-nazi skinheads. These can be done over
videoconference along with other museum programs. Often programs focus on the
dynamics of racism and prejudice in the United States.
Where: http://www.wiesenthal.com
Who: Janet Garfinkle, Educational Outreach
How: jgarfinkle@wiesenthal.net
1-314-553-9036
NASA Glenn Research Center
at Lewis Field in Cleveland, Ohio, develops communications technologies for NASA's
space missions. The facility offers students and teachers many workshops using
videoconferencing technology. Videoconferences are available in the following
NASA missions: Space Science, Earth Science, and Development of Space Transportation.
Program descriptions and correlations to the National Standards can be found on
the Research Center’s website.
Where: http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/k-12/CoE/Presentation_Descriptions111.html
Who:Ruth A. Petersen
How: Ruth.A.Petersen@grc.nasa.gov
1-216-433-9714
NASA Johnson Space Center,
home to astronaut training and the International Space Station
Program, is located outside Houston, Texas. Visit them via a live interactive
videoconference. Suggested topics to consider meeting various standards include
microgravity, aerospace careers, space tools and food, astronomy, and of course
the virtual visit through the International Space Station. "Each event may have
at least four schools participating via a bridge."
Where: http://learningoutpost.jsc.nasa.gov
Who: Sarah Enticknap, Event Coordinator
How: 1-281-244-7325
National Museum of American
Art is the home of the largest collection of American art in
the world. It is located in Washington D.C., as part of the Smithsonian Instititute.
The National Museum of American Art has just started to establish videoconferencing
content for schools. One project involves a staff development videoconference
how to integrate art across the curriculum!
Where: http://nmaa-ryder.si.edu/
Who: Woody Dowling
How: sdowling@nmaa.si.edu 1-202-633-8062
National Museums and
Galleries located on Merseyside, Liverpool, England, is a large
"multidisciplinary organization covering art, history and science." Remote studies
of museum collections are available to students in the United States via videoconferencing!
Powerful video-microscopes in the Centre can be connected to the videoconferencing
system to help engage students in science studies.
Where: http://www.nmgm.org.uk
Who: Phil Phillips
How: phil@nmgm-it2.demon.co.uk
+44-151-478-4213
National Museum of Science
and Industry in London, England, near Hyde Park welcomes millions
of visitors each year. Become virtual student guests by scheduling a videoconference
with the Museum! "In Trans-Atlantic videoconferences, students can see 17th century
amputation saws and Victorian irons, meet the inventors of the flush toilet and
frozen peas, or talk with curators about telecommunications."
Where: http://www.nmsi.ac.uk
Who: Sarah Leonard, Education Program Manager
How: s.leonard@nmsi.ac.uk +44-1719-388-166
Videoconferencing,
new to most teachers, librarians and students,
allows people at different locations to see, hear and interact with each other.
National Museum of Natural History located on the National
Mall in Washington D.C., is one of the 16 museums, galleries and a national zoo
that make up the Smithsonian Institute. The National Museum of Natural History
houses an innovative hands-on learning facility. Videoconference programs are
not regularly scheduled but big changes are afoot! The museum plans to coordinate
and conduct an assortment of videoconference fieldtrips!
Where: http://www.mnh.si.edu/
Who: Linda Stevens
How: stevens.linda@nmnh.si.edu
1-202-633-9497
New York Hall of Science
in Corona, New York will delight students using the latest videoconferencing technology.
The "Virtual Visit" will link your class with Explainers at the Hall,
providing a rich, interactive science learning experience. Explore selected exhibits,
demonstrations and activities all illustrating science concepts. Follow-up activities
are provided along with materials and instructions.
Where: http://www.nyhallsci.org
Who: Daniel Klinger, Science Instructor
How: dklinger@nyhallsci.org 1-718-699-0005
x332
New York Institute of
Technology Culinary Arts Center situated in the Central Islip,
New York, area has trained many students in the area of culinary and pastry arts.
Now the Culinary Arts Center reaches out to classrooms around the country as a
videoconference content provider! One well-received virtual field trip is called
"The Chicken or the Egg" featuring chicken dissection, comparative anatomy and
cultural recipes.
Where:http://iris.nyit.edu/culinary
Who:Susan Sykes Hendee, Department Chair Culinary Arts
How:shendee@nyit.edu 1-631-348-3290
North Carolina Museum
of Natural Sciences has students visiting their museum in Raleigh,
North Carolina, without having to sign field trip forms. By Videoconferencing
students are able to stay in the classroom and interact with the instructor and
museum exhibits. When possible, "a class visiting the museum will join in the
videoconference and participate in the scheduled program." A series of natural
history videoconference lessons are available.
Where: www.naturalsciences.org
Who:Liz Baird, Coordinator of Distance Learning
How:Liz.Baird@ncmail.net 1-919-733-7450
x621
Oakland Museum of California
is the only museum "devoted to the art, history and natural sciences of California."
It is located in Oakland, California, near Lake Merritt. The education department
has many online curriculum units such as GOLD RUSH but will supplement these with
videoconferencing programs.
Where: http://www.museumca.org
Who: Donna Leary, Education Department
How: 1-510-238-3819
Students perceive videoconference guests as important.
Ohio Historical Society located in Columbus, Ohio, offers
a plethora of distance learning programs. Students are "transported through time
to historic venues ranging from river boats to Civil War parlors to prehistoric
mounds to safehouses on the Underground Railroad." Often video streaming, theatrical
sets and costumes are among the techniques used to make history come alive for
students. Note: Reserved first for Ohio students.
Where: http://www.ohiohistory.org/resource/teachers/dlearning/index.html
Who: David Gillespie, Distance Learning Coordinator
How: dgillespie@ohiohistory.org
1-614-298-2961
Ocean Institute
of Dana Point, California, helps kids discover the ever-shifting marine environment.
Videoconferencing enables students to enhance their education with a number of
programs. "Safari into the Intertidal Zone" has students explore the
Dana Point Marine Life Refuge while the quot;Mysterious Whale" explores the
relationship between whales and humans. "Careers in Marine Science" explores the
tools and techniques used by marine biologists while working in the field as well
as their educational background. Programs are available at any grade level.
Where: http://www.ocean-institute.org
Who: Jennifer Long, Director of Educational Technology
How: jlong@ocean-institute.org
1-949-496-2274 x313
Peace Corps' World Wise
Schools of Washington D. C., is a unique global education program
that seeks to engage U.S. students in an inquiry about the world, themselves and
others. "Put a Face on a Place" is a videoconference pilot program between returned
Peace Corps' volunteers and U.S. students. It has two components with the first
featuring the culture of the country where the volunteer served and the second
focus on a service learning mentorship. The pilot program is in its beginning
stages.
Where:http://www.peacecorps.gov/wws
Who:Mandy Tumulty, Peace Corps' World Wise Schools
How:mtumulty@peacecorps.gov 1-212-692-1466
Philadelphia Museum of
Art housed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is one of the great
art institutions of the world. It has students and teachers look at new ways to
explore the world through videoconferencing. "Art Line", the museum’s distance
learning initiative, will take students and teachers on a virtual art collection
tour. Participants interact with live museum educators.
Where: http://www.philamuseum.org/education/distance.shtml
Who: Candace Le Claire, Distance Learning Coordinator
How: cleclaire@philamuseum.org
1-215-684-7584
Presque Isle State Park,
a sandy peninsula that reaches into Lake Erie is located in Erie, Pennsylvania.
Presque Isle is a National Natural Landmark with diverse plants and animals that
attracts many visitors. The first users of the peninsula were the Eriez Tribe,
giving Lake Erie its name. Students can learn about the historical, natural and
environmental issues of Presque Isle via a videoconference! Maps are available
to teachers as well as activities during the videoconference.
Where:http://www.presqueisle.org
Who:Randy Neyer, Environmental Education Specialist
How:ranature@aol.com 1-814-833-0351
Multipoint videoconferencing allows more than two sites to connect.
Queens Botanical Garden, "the place where people, plants and
cultures meet" is located in Flushing, New York. The Garden has a wide array of
enjoyable educational programming available to classrooms around the country via
a videoconference. In the "Bees and Flowers" videoconference program, the instructor
will dress up in costume as a beekeeper to deliver the lesson. "Growing Together"
and "George Washington Carver" are two other distance learning topics available.
Where: http://www.queensbotanical.org
Who:Betty Scott, Distance Learning Coordinator
How:1-718-886-3800 x230
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Strasburg, Pennsylvania, is on PA Route 741 about a mile east of the "only traffic
signal in town!" The Museum is dedicated to preserving railroad history. One way
to pass this history along is via videoconferencing to students. A number of videoconference
programs are available such as "150 Years of Riding the Rails" and "Let's Run
a Railroad."
Where:http://rrmuseum.org
Who:Cindy Ansel, Partners in Distance Learning Program Manager
How:cansel@berwicksd.org 1-888-404-8860
When
the videoconference is over, evaluate it to help make future telelearning more
effective.
Were the intended outcomes achieved?
San Diego Zoo is located on Zoo Drive in Balboa Park, north
of downtown San Diego. Its collection of animals, as well as its plant collection
of over 6,500 species, is acknowledged as one of the finest in the world. Visit
the zoo via a live interactive videoconference session! Programs for all ages
and grades are available.
Where: http://www.sandiegozoo.org
Who:Dennis Corbran, Distance Learning Coordinator
How:
in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, offers many interactive videoconference projects.
"Pickett’s Charge," a towering painting of one of the climactic moments
of the Civil War, is the focal point of one videoconference class. In "Every
Object Tells a Story" students learn about their past through objects. The
videoconference course offerings are endless at the State Museum!
Where:http://www.statemuseumpa/org/nvisiondlp.html
Who:Cindy Ansel, Partners in Distance Learning
How:cansel@berwicksd.org 1-888-404-8860
Tennessee Aquarium
in Chattanooga, Tennessee, houses the world's largest freshwater aquarium. Let
the education department bring some of the wonders of the natural world to your
classroom via a videoconference. Currently featured are several of the creatures
that reside at the aquarium such as the Giant Marine Toad, the bright red Tomato
Frog, or the Alligator Snapping Turtle.
Where: http://www.tnaqua.org
Who:Or Cingilli, Education Technology Coordinator
How: or.cingilli@tnaqua.org 1-423-785-4051
Make sure to check content provider charges before a videoconference!
THE WILDS! of Cumberland, Ohio, is the largest facility of its
kind in North America. It spans nearly 10,000 acres of reclaimed, surface-mined
land. Different species roam freely throughout different areas of the park. The
Wilds offers interactive videoconference programs such as "Wetland Identification,"
an interactive session exploring wetlands and "Surface Mining and Reclamation"
exploring mining technology with reclamation methods.
Where: http://www.thewilds.org
Who: Sherry Hubbard
How: shubbard@thewilds.org 1-740-638-2220
Toledo Zoo,
home of "Senior Safari Days" and " Arctic Encounter" is located in Toledo, Ohio,
in the Northwest corner of the state. It is just the right size for an afternoon
visit or videoconference! Distance Learning programs take place at the actual
exhibits found throughout the zoo. Units rich in content include African grasslands,
rainforests, animal classification and food chains. Join the Toledo Zoo for
an EdZOOcation videoconference edventure - find out how the elephant got his
trunk!
Where: http://www.toledozoo.org
Who:Mitch Magdich
How: mitch.edu@toledozoo.org 1-419-389-6403
x2048
United States Senate
in Washington, D.C., houses two Senators from each state. It is located at the
"east end of the National Mall between Constitution and Independence Avenues.
Through the power of videoconferencing it is possible to visit your Senators
for a unique "Capitol experience." Arrangements must be made ahead
of time by contacting the office of the Senator FIRST; then the videoconference
center. The school must incur costs of the videoconference.
Where: http://www.senate.gov
Who: Torgunn Eckroad, Videoconference Director
How: torgunn_eckroad@saa.senate.gov
1-202-224-4977
University of Georgia
Marine Extension Service in Savannah, Georgia, makes the ocean
come alive for students. Over ¾ of the earth is blanketed by water. Explore
the species that inhabit the water through the power of videoconference! "Feeding
Frenzy" and "Head Games" are among some of the more popular programs
along with "Restless Reptiles" and "Thar She Blows! It's the Right Whale!"
Where:http://www.marsci.uga.edu/EXT/GSAMS.html
Who: Bob Williams, Distance Learning Coordinator, Education Specialist
How: bobwms@uga.edu 1-912-598-2496
Invite the "world" into your school or library with videoconferencing.
Wetlands Institute of Stone Harbor, New Jersey, overlooks
6,000 acres of Atlantic coastal wetlands. The Institute is dedicated to "furthering
coastal environmental knowledge." Diamondback terrapin conservation, beach
biology and avian ecology are all part of the Institute’s research projects.
Immerse students into wetland life by a field trip via videoconferencing!
Where: http://www.wetlandsinstitute.org
Who: Tedor Whitman, Director of Education
How: 1-609-368-1211
Women's Museum: An Institute for the Future just
opened the doors September 28th, 2000 in Dallas, Texas. The Museum's
mission is to enrich and "inspire all visitors by celebrating women's history."
Already the education department has planned for videoconferencing programs
including a series of multicultural exchanges between girls and women in the
United States and Jordan.
Where:
Who: Robin Lou Windham, Institute Education Director
How: ed.director@thewomensmuseum.org
1-214-915-0877
WVIA TV/FM serves 22 counties surrounding Pittston,
Pennsylvania. "How to Produce a Newscast" is just one of the twelve
programs the station offers over videoconferencing. Experts often discuss the
similarities and differences in reporting via print media and reporting on television
or radio. Videoconferencing programs are "designed to improve the quality
of education beyond the WVIA viewing area."
Where:http://www.wvia.org/other/learning.html
Who: Calesta Schmitt, Education Services Coordinator
How: Calesta_Schmitt@wvia.pbs.org
1-570-602-1182
Zoo Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia, makes permission
slips for student field trips easy. There are none! Instead students can take
a trip to the famous Zoo Atlanta through their school's videoconferencing systems.
Zoo Atlanta provides opportunities for out-of-state students to participate
in zoo videoconferences. Programs are designed to be highly interactive with
subject offerings like "Rattlesnake Round-Up," "Giant Pandas" and "Animal Encounter."
Where: http://www.zooatlanta.org
Who: Kim Morris-Zarneke, Program Coordinator for Distance Learning
How: distancelearn@zooatlanta.org
1-404-624-5948
Need
more videoconferencing information? You can download this document at http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/vidconf/adventures.pdf
(note: some users experience
difficulties, contact us if you have
trouble)