I Spy Geography, a simple yet fun way to review geography through videoconferencing

Third grade students from Avon Heritage South showed their geography knowledge with students from Kensington Intermediate School in Rocky River and Riely Elementary School in Salem, Ohio during an interactive game of Geography I Spy. Both programs took place in a multipoint conference one through Ohio’s ATM network through OET in Columbus and the other was bridged locally over IP with the Polycom at Heritage South.

The game was simple, using Google Earth I selected six points around the globe and provided four clues for each. The sites chose one spokesperson for the class. After each clue the site guess the continent or ocean. The students were encouraged to discuss their answers with their classmates and submit their answer. If after four tries the other school had the opportunity to answer. Each of the schools were well prepared and none of them needed more than three clues.

This activity provided the students a fn review of material while meeting social studies and technology standards. This is an excellent program to introduce students and teachers to videoconferencing. We look forward to running this program again.

LCDLC Updates & Opportunities 11/7/05

1) OUR TOWN PROJECT
2) COSI COLUMBUS EXPERT PROGRAM FOR A REDUCED PRICE!
3) READ ACROSS AMERICA 2006
4) PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITIES (attachment: “Professional Learning Communities”)
5) GOT POLITICS?
6) I SPY GEOGRAPHY – SOUTH AMERICAN EDITION (Looking for an additional School)
7) SIDE-BY-SIDE AND SOLAR COOKING PROJECTS
8) FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME PROGRAMMING



1) OUR TOWN PROJECT
I have an 8th grade gifted and talented class in Absecon, NJ who will be reading Thorton Wilder's Our Town. I am looking to work with another school on various projects through video conferencing while reading the play.Absecon is a small town located in New Jersey. Anyone interested in collaborating with us on this project can contact me at B. Horner bhorner@abseconschools.org or (609) 641-3329 x 1803.


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2) COSI COLUMBUS EXPERT PROGRAM FOR A REDUCED PRICE!
The following conferences are part of COSI's Expert program. These sessions connect experts in various fields with middle and high school students for a 15-20 minute presentation followed by a learner-led question and answer session. For further information on these events, please see our web site: http://www.cosi.org/programs/eeExpertSched.asp

COSI Columbus would like to offer you the opportunity to connect for one of our expert sessions for a reduced price, not including any applicable ISDN line charges.

Paleontology of Early Life
November 11, '05 @ 12:30 PM ET
COST: $75
Applicable Subjects: Paleontology, Evolution, Biology Students should have prior understanding of: Fossils, single-celled organisms, the origin and definition of life Dr. William Ausich is a professor of Paleontology at The Ohio State University and the Director of the Orton Geological Museum. Experts propose that there was a drastic change in the earth's environment during the Precambrian, approximately 2 billion years ago. Dr. Ausich will present evidence that supports this change in Earth's atmosphere. Also, the geologic record of life increases during this time from only single-celled organisms to single-celled organisms and more familiar multicellular plants and animals. Students should prepare questions in advance, based on the information packets sent to the teacher. Test connection is on November 9 at 2:30 PM ET. Last day to register is November 8.

Invasive Alien Species in Our Backyards
November 14, '05 @ 12:30 PM ET
COST: $75
Applicable subjects: Biology, Ecology, Botany, Geography, Conservation Biology This presentation by Jennifer Windus, M.S., will focus on the issue of invasive species, particularly plants, in Ohio and how they are impacting our natural habitats, such as wetlands, grasslands, and forests. The species, where they came from, that they are impacting, and what you can do will be discussed. Ms. Windus is a program administrator in the Wildlife Management & Research section of the Ohio Division of Wildlife in Columbus. She is involved in rare plant surveys, prescribed burning, and invasive species control on wildlife areas throughout the state. She is also a Board member of the recently formed Ohio Invasive Plants Council and has been involved in improving awareness of invasive species in Ohio for at least 7 years. Students should prepare questions in advance, based on the information sent to the teacher. Test connection is on November 9 at 2:30 PM ET. Last day to register is November 8.

Exploring the Ocean with Robotic Submarines
November 18, '05 @ 9:00 AM ET
COST: $75
Applicable subjects: Robotics, Physics, Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, Archaeology, GeographyStudents should have prior knowledge of:* Buoyancy* Pressure* What is a robot?* What is a sensor?* Making maps and graphs of scientific dataMr. Jim Morash, with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sea Grant Program's Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Laboratory, will discuss how robots are used to explore the ocean. Designing and building self-guided robots that can explore the depths of the ocean poses many engineering problems. He will present some solutions to these problems, as well as challenge your students to develop their own solutions.Students will also learn about the many applications of these robots and see photos from field deployments. Since 2001, Mr. Morash has been the Chief Electrical Engineer at MIT Sea Grant's AUV Lab. He and hiscolleagues have built several deep-diving robots for ocean research and have traveled around the US and the Mediterranean on field expeditions for military and scientific experiments. Students should prepare questions in advance, based on the information sent to the teacher. Test connection is on November 16 at 2:30 PM ET. Last day to register is November 15.

We are able to connect via IP or ISDN. ATM within Ohio.To make a reservation for the program, please see our web site at: https://education.cosi.org/eersPlease note "Reduced per Jill" in the "other information" field at the end of the reservation process.Jill RosenfeldVideoconferencing coordinatorElectronic Education, COSI Columbusjrosenfeld@mail.cosi.org

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3) READ ACROSS AMERICA 2006

TWICE (Two Way Interactive Connections in Education) annually organizes a special celebration in conjunction with the largest national reading event "Read Across America". TWICE provides the opportunity for schools in the continental United States to connect using two-way interactive video to read to, and be read to, by another class.

This project is open to all K-12 students in public and private schools. The school must have access to ISDN (H.320) or IP (H.323) codec equipment to participate.

Event Dates: This year, we will be scheduling connections for March 1-3, 2006.
November Verification Registration Opens Nov. 1

TWICE implements a verification process before teacher registration opens in December. The verification process verifies the type of connection (IP or ISDN) and type of videoconference equipment that is available in (or to) the building. Verification occurs Nov. 1 through 23. Buildings must be verified before teachers from that building can register to participate in Read Across America in March. Teachers will use the PIN supplied after verification to register.

Between November 1 and 24, sign-up your building for verification at www.twice.cc/read/

New Materials Online
We've just posted new packets for Teachers, Coordinators, and Techs. If you've printed the materials recently, please come back and get the updated materials! You'll also find a new 5 min. video clip you can share with staff meetings. See www.twice.cc/read/ on the right hand side. New Building Match for 2006

New for 2006!
Do you want to have more than 6 teachers from your building participate in Read Across America this year? Recommended for experienced RAA building coordinators only. This year, consider a "building match"! Instead of one test call per teacher and pulling your hair out, partner up with another building, do one test, and negotiate the dates & times together! Do 30 min. connections back to back if you want. Negotiate around lunch and recess! Have the flexibility of connecting during March!Buildings will be matched elementary to elementary, middle school to middle school, and high school to high school, based on the number of teachers signed up. It will be up to the building coordinators at the two buildings to negotiate times and which teachers are matched together. More details online, as well as a special Building Match Coordinators Packet available here:http://www.twice.cc/read/buildingmatch.html

Join us in this unique celebration of reading and Dr. Seuss books by truly "Reading Across America"!

Janine Lim
Instructional Technology Consultant
Berrien County ISD
711 St. Joseph Ave.
Berrien Springs, MI 49103
jlim@remc11.k12.mi.us
Ph: (269) 471-7725x101
Fax: (269) 471-1221
Web: http://www.remc11.k12.mi.us/dl
Blog: http://bcisdvcs.blogspot.com
TWICE Read Across America Coordinator 2006
http://www.twice.cc/read/
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4) PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITIES (attachment: “Professional Learning Communities”)

Hello Everyone,I've attached the flyer for Doug DeLong's professional development presentation on Professional Learning Communities.I have received a few responses that could only transmit IP and to the best of my knowledge the state can not bridge ATM and IP multipoint calls. If you know of a site (ILC) that is able to do this please let me know.Meanwhile, take a look at this professional development offering and let me know if you have administrators and curriculum directors interested in this topic. The cost for you to be an ATM site location is $50.00.The host site will be the Lake County Educational Service Center in Painesville Ohio.Thanks,Michael Bloom, Director, Instructional TechnologyLake County Educational Service Center30 South Park Place Suite 320Painesville, Ohio 44077(440) 350-2563 ext 723 - Office 440-350-2566 - FAX(216) 403-4019 - Cellular 722-0102 - ATM Number www.lcesc.k12.oh.us/neo-linc

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5) GOT POLITICS?

Avon Middle School is looking for a class to collaborate on an activity with Political Party Advertisements.

Avon students will give 30 second to 1 minute advertisements over five political parties (Moderates[Centrist], Socialists, Democrats, Republicans, and Libertarians). Students from the visiting site must guess the political party in which the advertisement is given. After political parties are guessed students will have conversation over the value of the political parties and where they stand locally and nationally.

Date: November 17, 2005
Time: 10:00 – 10:35 am
10:50 – 11:30 am
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6) I SPY GEOGRAPHY – SOUTH AMERICAN EDITION (Looking for an additional School)

When: Monday November 14Time: 9:30 – 10:00am
Cost: FREE

The LCDLC is looking for one more class to participate in a fun game of I Spy Geography South American edition on Monday November 14th from 9:30-10:00am. The program is a review of cities, geographical features, and landmarks using satellite images from Google Earth. The target audience is 4th and 5th grade students.

Program description:
I Spy Geography uses satellite images from Google Earth to zoom in on locations around the globe. Push pins are used to mark locations on cities, mountains or landmarks to give the students an eye in sky view of a given location. Each participating class designates one student to answer for their class as clues are given about the location. Students are encouraged to discuss their answers, but only one student answers for their class. After each clue, the software zooms out to reveal the surrounding features. If after four clues a school does not correctly guess the location the other school can guess or steel the question. The program is design to last 30 mins and is a great program for teachers new to videoconferencing.

Paul Hieronymus HieronymusP@avon.k12.oh.us
440.829.8273
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7) SIDE-BY-SIDE AND SOLAR COOKING PROJECTS

Side-by-Side:
Miami Country Day School in Miami Florida is looking to share an art lesson on self portraits for their Side-By-Side project with Elementary and Middle School Art Teachers. This program would be scheduled between the two schools. To learn more about the Side-by-Side project please visit their website http://aces.miamicountryday.org/International_Projects/SidebySidepage.htm

Solar Cooking:

I'm ALWAYS ready to teach classes how to build solar cookers from old notebooks, lampshades, or other recycled materials.
http://aces.miamicountryday.org/SolarCookers/solar_cookers.htm

Contact:
Rowena Gerber
Miami Country Daygerberr@miamicountryday.org
Cost: Free


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8) FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME PROGRAMMING

On November 9, 2005 at 10:00 am and again at 1:00 pm the Professional Football Hall of Fame and the Stark County Educational Service Center will be sponsoring a videoconference titled, "Professional Football in Language Arts" Using newspaper articles for students to examine, photos, and clips from the movie Brian's Song, presenter Jesse McClain will lead this session in taking a look at the experiences that African American football players had in the growing stages of the National Football League. This session is appropriate for high school students only. This session will be limited to 3 sites which will be determined on a first come basis with connectivity occurring through ATM or ISDN. If you are interested in being a part of this session, contact Jim Vincent at vincent@sparcc.org to reserve your school site.

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On November 16, 2005 at 10:00 am, the Professional Football HoF and the Stark County Educational Service Center will be sponsoring a videoconference titled, "Using Geographic Information Systems in Professional Football" Designed for high school students to enhance instruction in Geography, Dr Thomas Mueller of the California University of PA will explain what a GIS is, discuss and demonstrate what Spatial Data involves, and then will use this information along with the http://maps.google.com/ web site to teach geographic locations of NFL: stadiums throughout the country. Sites will be limited to 3 with connectivity occurring through ATM or ISDN. If you or your site would like to be part of this 50 minute presentation, contact Jim Vincent at vincent@sparcc.org.

Jim Vincent
SPARCC Office
2100 38th St NW
Canton, OH 44721
330-492-8136
vincent@sparcc.org

Avon Welcomes New Teachers!

The LCDLC and the Avon Local Schools Distance Learning Project welcomes new teachers to the classroom collaboration model. Teachers from Avon East Elementary School, Heritage South, Avon Middle School and Avon High School selected partners for the 2005-06 school year during the LCDLC “New Teacher” in-service at the Northern Ohio Special Education Regional Resource Center (SERRC) in Vermilion, Ohio.

The teachers will work with their partners to collaborate and team teach for the entire school year. I am very optimistic that this group of teachers will help enhance their curricula of the students in Avon and provide them resources that will have a positive effect on their lives as well as their academics.

05-06 Groups and Teachers:

Writing Wizards – Language ArtsKelly Bennett (Career Connections Program, Avon Middle School), North Ridgeville Middle School, Amherst Junior High School.

JeMalette – Fine Arts
Maria Petrulis (Art, Avon High School), Amherst Junior High and Lonfellow Middle School in Lorain City.

Double Trouble – Elementary ScienceKaren Fecko (3rd Grade, Heritage South), Harris Elementary School in Amherst

Eagle’s Comet – First Grade
Brook Edgell (1st Grade, Avon East), Harris Elementary School in Amherst

Explores – Social Studies
Peggy Masin (2nd Grade, Avon East), Harris Elementary School in Amherst

Wizards – Language Arts
Linda Clark (3rd Grade, Heritage South), Keystone Middle School

LCDLC Updates

Hello. More great updates below!

1) HEALTHSPACE CLEVELAND FREE PROGRAMMING! - CORRECTED
2) UNIVERSITY CIRCLE CAREER SERIES
3) THANKSGIVING - SPENDING TIME WITH A PILGRIM
4) CHINESE-AMERICAN HISTORY VIDEOCONFERENCE/WEBCAST
5) SOITA TELETECH TUESDAY PD TEACHERS PROGRAMS

1) HEALTHSPACE CLEVELAND FREE PROGRAMMING! - CORRECTED
Last week, I sent you the update below. A few corrections are as follows. The funding is from Henkel Corporation, not the Nord Family Foundation. To request a class, just go to the healthspace Cleveland website, www.healthdl.org, and follow the instructions to send in a registration request. Any school from Lorain County will automatically qualify for the funding. This will be given on a first come, first served basis. To find out if there is any funding left, you can call Charlene Brady 216-231-6900.A Grant through the Nord Family Foundation has provided the Health SpaceCleveland with funds to offset the cost of providing programming to schoolsinside Lorain County. Don't miss out. These funds are limited and are on afirst come first serve basis. Contact Bill Thomas atbills@healthspacecleveland.org, 216 231-6831. Be sure to mention you'd liketo utilize the grant funds from Nord for your programming.

2) UNIVERSITY CIRCLE CAREER SERIES (Attachment “Careers of Consciousness.pdf”)Hello Friends.UCIC is making an attempt to coordinate an ongoing Career Series on at least2 Wednesdays a month. It will regularly begin in January, but we are doing our initial trial programs in November - December. The Career Series will have three strands - Careers of Consciousness; Creative Careers and Careers of the Future. These are intended to be multi-point connections with 2-3 sites. I hope you are interested in signing up for a few programs. Let me know! <> Sandy Kreisman, Community Educationskreisman@universitycircle.orgUniversity Circle Interactive Cleveland10831 Magnolia Ave.Cleveland, Ohio 44106(216) 707-5021 office phone(216) 791-3935 fax(330) 221-0421 cell

3) THANKSGIVING - SPENDING TIME WITH A PILGRIM
(Attachment "Pilgrim flyer.pdf")Please see attached (Pilgrim flyer.pdf) below an opportunity for your schools to participate in a Thanksgiving Distance Learning Session. The attached flyer explains the session in more detail. Please let us know if you have any schools interested in participating by November 10th.Thanks,______________________LuAnne JacksonTechnology DirectorTCHESC834 East High AvenueNew Philadelphia, OH 44663phone: 330-308-9939 ext. 250cell: 330-243-4538fax: 330-308-0964www.tchesc.org

4) CHINESE-AMERICAN HISTORY VIDEOCONFERENCE/WEBCASTThe Orange County Department of Education is looking for up to four middle school or high school classes to participate in an interactive videoconference with Icy Smith author of The Lonely Queue: The Forgotten History of the Courageous Chinese Americans in Los Angeles. The event is scheduled for November 15, 2005 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The videoconference will explore themes of discrimination, immigration and cultural diversity through the experience of Chinese-Americans in Southern California over the last 150 years. Icy Smith will present photos and stories from her book to reveal the compelling history of the Chinese from their first arrival in the 1860’s to the present day. Students will be able to interact with Ms. Smith throughout the event from their own school sites. Please contact Michael Guerena at mguerena@ocde.us to register your class to participate in this free interactive videoconference. We request you register your class by November 2 to guarantee participation. This session will also be available as a streaming webcast. Classes participating in the webcast will have the ability to watch the program, but not interact with the author. The webcast can be accessed on the day of the event from http://vc.ocde.us. Please test your connection at our webcast test site at http://vc.ocde.us/webcast. The computer being used to receive the webcast will need to have the free Quicktime player installed. To participate in the webcast please contact Patricia Wade at pwade@ocde.us. This is just one of many great opportunities to connect students with real world learning. For other events and programs please download our 2005-2006 Interactive Learning brochure from our web site at http://vc.ocde.us. -----Michael GuerenaProgram Specialist, Educational Technology Orange County Department of Education714-966-4087

5) SOITA TELETECH TUESDAY PD TEACHERS PROGRAMS

The following programs are being offered through SOITA at a cost of $50 each:November 1 - PowerPoint: Using Hyperlinks and Action Buttons (offered twice: 1:30 to 2:30 and 3:30 to 4:30) "If you are tired of making linear PowerPoint presentations and would like to make them interactive, attend this TeleTech to see how action buttons and hyperlinks can work for you. Suggestions will be given for classroom project ideas using action buttons and hyperlinks as well."November 8 - OGT Resources for Math and Science (offered twice: 1:30 to 2:30 and 3:30 to 4:30) "This session will explore multiple math and science resources available to teachers and students in preparing for the OGT. The resources include standards-aligned lessons, the OGT website for students, the new Learning Express Library, previous online OGT samples, as well as numerous websites that have supplementary materials and activities that address various components of OGT testing." November 15 - Creating Student Resource Pages Using Moodle (offered twice: 1:30 to 2:30 and 3:30 to 4:30)"Many teachers think of Moodle as a tool for those who wish to teach online courses. However, there are other uses for Moodle such as a resource page for students. We will highlight those pieces of Moodle that would be useful for teachers to develop as an additional resource/teaching tool for their students. Highlights may include assignments, quizzes, links to web sites/other resource files, or journals."December 13 - Adding WOW to Your Web Page (offered twice: 1:30 to 2:30 and 3:30 to 4:30)"Your school has a basic Web site but you would like to jazz it up with calendars, dynamic banners, slide shows, menus, current events and other goodies to keep visitors coming back. This interactive video session will highlight a number of strategies and techniques you can use enhance your school's Web site beyond the basics."Cost is $50 per site/per session. Click on http://www.soita.org/Events/TeleTech_Reg.pdf to download a registration form that lists all TeleTech offerings for the remainder of this calendar year. The form is an interactive PDF and you can complete it and either fax it back or return it by e-mail. Please call or e-mail if you have any questions.Thanks!Bob Stricker SOITA 150 E. Sixth StreetFranklin, OH 45005Phone: 937.746.6333 or 800.964.8211http://www.soita.org

Avon Students use stories to meet students in three different states.

Friday October 21, 2005 Avon held their story time program to introduce teachers at Avon East Elementary School to videoconferencing as a medium of educational instruction. Each month Avon Middle School connects to a different classroom at Avon East and shares a story using the document camera to display the pictures. To help teachers understand the power of videoconferencing, the story time program is done in a multipoint videoconference with another school.

The October Story Time program connected the students at Avon East to students at Rose Tree Elementary School in Pennsylvania, Grant Elementary School in Michigan, Jackson Park Elementary School in Missouri and Calcutta Elementary School in Ohio. October’s story was The Hallo-Wiener by Dav Pilkey. After the story the students shared what they think about when we say Halloween and what they will dress up as for trick or treating.

We look forward to adding four new teachers to IVC users in the district and hope to see our connecting schools again online in future connections that enhance our existing curricula. All of the schools were great to work with! :)

IVDL Opportunities

1) DISASTER BLASTER: ALL ABOUT STRANGERS
2) ANIMALS OF OHIO
3) LIBRARY OF CONGRESS VIDEOCONFERENCES
4) MVESC IVDL PROGRAMMING
5) WVIZ/PBS PRESENTS "AN HOUR WITH NATIONALLY KNOWN WATERCOLORIST GARYBUKOVNIK"
6) NEW VIDEOCONFERENCING PROGRAMS FROM CILC
7) INVASIVE SPECIES
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1) DISASTER BLASTER ALL ABOUT STRANGERS(http://www.cilc.org/program_detail_new.aspx?id=1180)
Girls Inc. instructors are eager to help all kids learn about the dangersthat come with being young. During this high energy, movement-packedprogram, boys and girls will become official 'disaster blasters" and becomearmed with the specials tools they will need to live safely in theircommunity. Upon completion of the program, students with receive their ownDisaster Blaster Safety Kit, which includes a whistle, certificate, and tipson staying safe.Audience: Education: Grade(s): 1, 2, Program Offering: 11/16/2005 9:45 AM - 10:30 AM or 11:15-12:00
Cost: $60.00
Kim Huizingamailto:HuizingaKHuizinga.indy@girls-inc.org
251 East Ohio StreetSuite 960
Indianapolis, IN 46204
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2) ANIMALS OF OHIO (http://www.cilc.org/program_detail_new.aspx?id=1243)
Join Stark Parks to learn about native Ohio animals. Discover thedifferences between birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and mammals. Seelive animals and investigate the adaptations they have that make them uniqueand allow them to survive in their habitats.Audience: Education: Pre-K Students, Kindergarten, Grade(s): 1, 2 Program
Availability: On Demand - Cost $50.00
Sarah Buellmailto:Buellsarah1b@sbcglobal.net
800 Genoa RdMassillon, OH 44646
Phone: (330) 477-0448 Fax: (330) 479-2149
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3) LIBRARY OF CONGRESS VIDEOCONFERENCES
The library of congress now provides videoconferencing to K-12 schools andteachers! (http://memory.loc.gov/learn/educators/video/index.html) Thereare ten programs total. Nine are for teachers, but they recently added anew one for students entitled "The Spy Map and General Washington" forstudents. The Spy Map and Gen. Washington may be requested for studentsstudying the Revolutionary War. All programs are interactive with theLibrary's resources and staff.
Cost: All programs are free. We ask that you dial us, thus any connectcharges are yours.Scheduling: Events may be scheduled Monday - Friday, during normal workinghours, Eastern time. Times are flexible, depending on Library staffavailability, time zone differences, and varied work schedules across thecountry.
Judith K. GravesDigital Projects CoordinatorLibrary of Congress
101 Independence Ave., SE
Washington, DC 20540-4604
(v)202/707-2562 (f)202/252-3116
mailto:jgrav@loc.govhttp://www.loc.gov/http://www.loc.gov//
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4) MVESC IVDL PROGRAMMING
Hello Everyone!Believe it or not, but we are already into the middle of October! Thatmeans, the rush to get your video conferences in before Christmas is on!!!!Please see below for the featured distance learning events for November andDecember . Please let me know if you have a class interested. My availabletime slots and dates are limited, so the earlier you book, the better I canaccommodate your teacher's preferred time.
Remember, the cost is $50.00 persite, and events are linked to Ohio Academic Content standards. All events,unless noted, are available upon request.
---- PROGRAMMING ------
Coming to America: The Colonization of Jamestown and Plymouth (availableUpon Request) This program explores the first English settlements inAmerica: Jamestown and Plymouth. By viewing this program students willdiscover who the colonists were, from where they came, how they crossed theocean, and the things they did to create settlements in the Americanwilderness. (Perfect event for the integration of standards into classroomThanksgiving themes and activities)
Grades: 2-5
50 minutes

How Geography Influenced the Native Americans (available upon request)Students will locate Native American communities that lived in Ohio andcompare their life styles to the Native Americans located in other areas ofthe United States. They will learn about the homes and how the land andenvironment influenced their living styles.
Grades: 2-3
50 minutes*Native Americans
(session #1 November 10, 2005 1:00-2:00 ~3 SITE LIMIT;session #2 November 21, 2005 10:00-11:00 ~ ONLY 1 spot left)

Students willexplore various Native American literature selections throughout thisprogram. Presenters will use aspects from the stories to extend studentunderstanding of the material through student questioning, interactiveproblem solving, and hands in activities. Authors utilized for this contentsession include: Leigh Severson, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, LangstonHughes, Ransom, and others. Don't miss the opportunity to expand yourstudent's knowledge of Native American culture told through literature andbeautifully illustrated pictures.
Grades: 2-4
50 minutes

The Polar Express (available upon request) This is a fun, informative, and very interactive math and language activitytailor made for the holidays. The Polar Express focuses on the details ofthis wonderful Chris Van Allsburg story "The Polar Express", and uses themto teach various math and language concepts. This lesson is intended forgrades K-3. The activities will be modified for the grade level attendingthe conference. Don't miss this "jolly" time on the mythical "PolarExpress"!
Grades: K-3
50 minutes

Tea With Mrs. Claus (only available on the following dates ~ December 20th ,21st , 22nd )A "SPECIAL WEB-BASED EVENT"! What do your students want for Christmas?Here's their chance to get the word out! Students begin this event bywriting a friendly letter to good ole St. Nick expressing through writtentext, what they would like for Christmas. With teacher assistance, theletters are posted to a web page where Mrs. Claus accesses the information.Students then meet with Mrs. Claus for holiday stories, geography lessons,and language arts activities. One of our most "popular" distance learningevents!
Grades: PreK-3
50 minutes

Leslie Charles
lcharles@mvesc.k12.oh.us

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) WVIZ/PBS PRESENTS "AN HOUR WITH NATIONALLY KNOWN WATERCOLORIST GARYBUKOVNIK" (attachment "Gary Bukovnik invite")A Special WVIZ/PBS Distance Learning Programming (in conjunction with theBonfoey Gallery)
Date: Monday, October 31, 2005
Time: 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Contact: John Ramicone (216-739-3940, http://webmail.adelphia.net/webedge/do/mail/message/mailto?to=jramicone%40wviz.org )
or Richard Gore(216-739-3997, http://webmail.adelphia.net/webedge/do/mail/message/mailto?to=rgore%40wviz.org ) by OCTOBER 26th to schedule a programconnection.
Scheduling is on a first call basis.
Only six ATM sites willbe interactive. Additional sites will be in a view only mode.
Program Fee: $50.00 will be charged to schools not in the NOTA or "Go TheDistance" member districts.
Please process a purchase order (to WVIZ/PBSDistance Learning Account, c/o John Ramicone, 4300 Brookpark Road, Cleveland44134) and fax a copy or the number of the PO. to 216-749-2560.
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6) NEW VIDEOCONFERENCING PROGRAMS FROM CILC
Date: Wed, 12 Oct 2005 15:27:40 -0500From: "Heighway, Julia" <http://webmail.adelphia.net/webedge/do/mail/message/mailto?to=jheighway%40CILC.ORG>
Subject: New Programs and Collaborations
The following programs and collaborations are new offerings. For detailedinformation or to request this program, visit the CILC website atwww.cilc.org.

Amon Carter Museum=20Beautiful BiomesAudience: Education: Grade(s): 3, 4, 5, 6Description: Science and art interconnect in this broadcast as students usethe work of world-renowned nature photographer Eliot Porter to discussbiomes. Porter, a pioneer in nature color photography, traveled the worldfrom Africa to Iceland. During this program, students will present anddiscuss activities they have completed before the broadcast and learn howPorter's love of nature and the environment influenced his art. This programis appropriate for grades 3-5.Program Availability: By Request/On Demand ONLY=20People of the Plains=20Audience: Education: Grade(s): 3, 4, 5

Description: The Amon Carter Museum holds some of the most beautiful andimportant works of Plains Indians created by nineteenth-century artists.During this broadcast, students will use selected works to analyze anddiscuss Plains Indian culture, including the following themes:family/home, games/play, art/decoration, protection/self-defense,dances/ceremonies, and hunting. This program includes activities that mustbe completed by the students before the broadcast and is appropriate forgrades 3-5.
Program Availability: By Request/On Demand ONLYCILC

Professional Development=Developing Your Own Approved Beginning Teacher Mentor Program
Audience: Education: Professional Development Director, Principal,Administrator, Human Resource Directors, Instructional Coaches, Appropriate Educator Teams

Description: According to the Division of Professional Standards now withinthe Indiana Department of Education, "the first priority for assignment of amentor should be an individual who has participated in a Division ofProfessional Standards approved standards-based mentor training program..."CILC is pleased to offer your district an opportunity to develop your owncertified program so that you can meet the legal standards for mentoring newteachers without the expense and inconvenience of sending them "away" forsix full days or more. Join Indiana certified mentor faculty trainer, BonnieJo Kelley, in this three-part series as she assists school administratorsand their staff in writing their own program. E-mail support will beavailable from Bonnie between sessions. Final programs will be submitted tothe Division of Professional Standards within the Indiana Department ofEducation for approval.

Program Availability: Published Date(s) and Time(s) ONLY=20=20Indiana Repertory Theatre=20The Story That Must Be ToldAudience: Education: Grade(s): 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Public Library:Library Patrons, Business/Community: Community Member

Description: The Story that Must Be Told
Join the Indiana Repertory Theatre and some special guests in an interactive discussion via distance learningabout the WWII Holocaust=20 In conjunction with the IRT ' s productions ofAnd Then They Came ForMe: Remembering the World of Anne Frank by James Still and Old Wicked Songsby Jon Marans Program Availability: Published Date(s) and Time(s) ONLY=20=20Minnetrista=20

Amazing Animal Adaptations
Audience: Education: Kindergarten, Grade(s): 1, 2
Description: Animals are amazing! We will explore different habitats and howanimals adapt to those environments. Students will discover different typesof adaptations such as camouflage, warning coloration, and mimicry.

Program Availability: By Request/On Demand ONLYProvider: University Circle Interactive Cleveland=20Animation: Behind the ScenesAudience: Education: Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12, community college

Description: Animation: Behind the Scenes is a distance learning programcreated by Cleveland Institute of Art students for high school students ingrades 9-12. The program will discuss the process of creating animation frominitial concept to final product. Students will be introduced to techniquesand terms used in creating 2D, 3D, and stop-motion animation.Program Availability: n/a=20Interactive Media: Behind the ScenesAudience: Education: Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12, community collegeDescription: Interactive Media: Behind the Scenes is a distance learningprogram created by art students at The Cleveland Institute of Art for highschool students. The program explores the working process of developingvideo games, web sites and interactive media.Program Availability: n/a=20=20

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7) INVASIVE SPECIES Date:
Advanced Biology: Invasive Species VC Project Nov. 15 & 16Please join our students to discuss the introduced and/or invasive speciesof each area and the effects of these invaders on the ecosystem.Each group will investigate and then share what the introduced species arein their area, where they came from and how and when each was introduced.How are these invaders being dealt with? What effects have they had on theecosystem? Are there any predators in the new ecosystem for them? Are anysteps being taken to prevent new invasive species from appearing?For additional details, read the description online here:http://www.remc11.k12.mi.us/dl/invasivespecies/index.htmWe have openings for U.S. schools on November 15, 8:00-9:30 EST and a fewmore non-US schools on Nov. 16, 7:30-9:00 EST (12:30-2:00 GMT).Register online here:http://www.remc11.k12.mi.us/dl/invasivespecies/index.htmJanine---------------------------------------------------------------------Janine LimInstructional Technology ConsultantBerrien County ISD711 St. Joseph Ave.Berrien Springs, MI 49103http://webmail.adelphia.net/webedge/do/mail/message/mailto?to=jlim%40remc11.k12.mi.usPh: (269) 471-7725x101Fax: (269) 471-1221Web: http://www.remc11.k12.mi.us/dlBlog: http://bcisdvcs.blogspot.com/

Keystone Reflections

Now that the Keystone Conference had been completed and I have had a chance to catch up on some needed sleep I have been reflecting on the event. Attending a conference as specific as the Keystone Conference (the only national conference dedicated to K-12 videoconferencing) provides you with many rewarding experiences and opportunities. If you have a chance please visit the Keystone Conference Website (www.keystoneconference.org). Materials provided by the presenters are still available for download.

Top 10 Keystone Memories:

1. The opportunity to spend time with many of the coordinators and teachers that I have worked with over video. There is something about having a chance to shake the hand of someone you have seen many times online.
2. An opportunity to share best practices and bounce potential ideas off of each other. “Birds of a Feather” was one of my favorite activities of the conference. I would love to see remote audiences participate in this activity next year through IVC or chat.
3. Networking: What better way to develop potential partners than sharing ideas with other coordinators and teachers involved in videoconferencing.
4. Learning about new technologies. The vender’s area and the vender panel discussions provided viewers onsite and remote the opportunity to see the latest technologies related to videoconferencing. This year Radvision’s click to meet blew me away!
5. Time away from the district and the office allowing me to talk about projects and activities with my peers. Even the drive there and back gave me and my boss the chance to talk through up and coming events.
6. A great time in a great city. Other than the cold shower the first morning in Indianapolis the city was a great host to a great conference! Which I had a chance to buy some souvenirs.
7. A chance to share some of the activities and programs that my consortium is proud of. Thanks to all that attended, or viewed our presentation.
8. Discovering new applications and sharing tools. Although I could not attend the Dude where’s my Desktop Conferencing System” session of “Birds of a Feather” I was able to talk to several participants and was able to get many of the links and facts. Looking forward to trying the programs. Joan and Scott did a great job!
9. Making the world a smaller place through collaborations. The conference provides teachers the opportunity to break the barriers of space and distance through IVC.
10. Forward thinking. Dr. David Thornburg never gets old. Another great Keynote Address.

IVDL Opportunities

The following programs are the opportunities shared by the Lorain County Distance Learning Consortium listserv.

1) WVIZ/NOTA PROGRAMMING
2) TWICE FREE PROGRAMMING LIST3) STORYTIME PROGRAMMING (K-2)
4) VIDEO PRODUCTION COMMERCIAL CONTEST
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1) WVIZ/NOTA PROGRAMMINGAmerica's Rain Forests DL.docHeavy Construction InviteSports ManagementCleveland Indians InviteLaw Enforcement

Programming from WVIZ is limited to schools connected to Ohio's ATM video network. Details on these programs can be forwarded upon request. Contact Paul Hieronymus (Avon Schools and LCDLC) - HieronymusP@avon.k12.oh.us, Dave Miller (Lorain County Distance Learning Consortium LCDLC) - Dave.Miller@LEECA.org or John Ramicone (WVIZ PBS 25-NOTA) JRamicone@wviz.org
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2) TWICE FREE PROGRAMMING LISTGreetings VC Colleagues,Two Page Selected ListMany of you have used the "Two Page Selected List" of videoconferences that I do regularly every year. This year's version is done!http://www.bcisdvc.org/TwoPageSelectedList05.pdfJust as last year, it has most of the free and recommended programs available.Feel free to print it in your workshops.Janine LimInstructional Technology ConsultantBerrien County ISD711 St. Joseph Ave.Berrien Springs, MI 49103jlim@remc11.k12.mi.usPh: (269) 471-7725x101Fax: (269) 471-1221Web: http://www.remc11.k12.mi.us/dlBlog: http://bcisdvcs.blogspot.com---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) STORYTIME PROGRAMMING (K-2)The Avon Local Schools distance learning program is looking for Kindergarten through second grade classes to participate in their story time program on Friday, October 21st. Novices to videoconferencing preferred. Please contact Paul Hieronymus to discuss times and topic at HieronymusP@avon.k12.oh.us or 440 829-8273.
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4) VIDEO PRODUCTION COMMERCIAL CONTESTThe Columbiana County Educational Service Center has organized a video production commercial contest for schools who have videoconferencing equipment. Students will create a 30 -50 second commercial using Henkel Duct Tape products. The winner of our regional contest will compete in a final contest against other schools from around the state. The finalist winner will receive a Cannon GL2 Camera from our sponsor Henkel. Participation is free!See attached details for more info. Final revision will be sent out to interested schools. Don’t miss this opportunity!Dave Miller

Keystone Conference

The Avon Local Schools and the Lorain County Distance Learning Consortium will be presenting in Indianapolis. Dave Miller and I will be sharing our consortium themes, projects and the teacher in-service programs. We were delighted to see that one of our favorite content providers (Cosi Toledo’s Andy Campbell) will be our session moderator.

The Keystone Conference will be a great opportunity to promote collaborations with other states and organizations. The conference looks to be a great program again this year. If you have not had a chance to see line up, check out http://www.keystoneconference.org/.

Got fiber?

Avon’s story time program took a turn to the odd with all three programs having to be rescheduled due to fiber being removed from the telephone poll at Avon East. Yes you read that correctly the fiber from the telephone poll to the building was missing for about 13 hours. Adlephia cable was able to rerun the cable into the building and all was well again but not in time for the scheduled calls.

In hopes that the school could be online for one or more of the after programs the program was kept on the schedule. Although Avon East could not participate the program went on with Magnolia Schools in Texas. We look forward to working with them again with the rescheduled connections.

Schools interested in becoming part of our story program can contact the Avon Local Schools at HieronymusP@avon.k12.oh.us

New Projects and Opportunities

While today was supposed to be my day off, it became another great day of opportunities to improve student learning through interactive videoconferencing.

Story Time:
Today I did a test call and short meeting with our friends at the Magnolia ISD in Texas for our Story Time Program schedule for September 30, 2005. I will be reading the Giving Tree to Kindergarten and second grade classrooms in a multipoint videoconference.

The Story time program is a program designed for teachers and students new to videoconferencing. After this program we will discuss other applications and usage of the delivery median to enhance student learning.

We will also be working with Rose Tree Media in Pennsylvania in the morning.

Artifact Exchange Project:
We also had the opportunity to meet with our new collaborative partners from Battle Academy for Teaching and Learning in Chattanooga Tennessee. Students from both schools will learn about their community and each others by sharing clues and collecting artifacts which will be sent to each others schools. This program will start in October and finish in December.