Busy Week for New Links Schools Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Posted by Rebecca Morrison in Classroom Technology, Distance Learning, VLC Programs, Videoconferencing.Tags: Center for Puppetry Arts, Amy Sklansky, Lee Richardson Zoo, National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Science of Baseball, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Albany Institute of History & Art
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Wow! What a variety of programming New Links to New Learning schools selected for this week to connect over videoconference. Here’s a breakdown of the diverse collection:
Monday
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo: Jambo Means Hello
Center for Puppetry Arts: Plants
Tuesday
three NASA programs: Living and Working in Space (x2!) and Craters
National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum: Science of Baseball
Wednesday
Pro Football Hall of Fame: Media and the NFL
Thursday
Lee Richardson Zoo: Home Sweet Home
Albany Institute of History & Art: The Civil War
Friday
NASA: Living and Working in Space
Up next week… more from the Baseball Hall of Fame and NASA, plus a connection with author Amy Sklansky!
Boundless Learning in the VLC! Monday, June 22, 2009
Posted by Rebecca Morrison in Classroom Technology, Collaborations, Distance Learning, Tech PD, VLC Programs, Videoconferencing, Web 2.0.Tags: Center for Puppetry Arts, CILC, Cooperating School Districts, Distance Learning, New Links to New Learning, New York Hall of Science, Skype, TWICE, videoconference
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Last Friday I taught Boundless Learning with Videoconferencing to a great group of St. Louis area educators! Several districts, grades, subjects, positions and usage levels were represented, but all had a keen interest in interactive K-12 videoconferencing.
Participants learned how to find content providers (CILC and TWICE), how to schedule videoconferences, how to start collaborative projects, how to download and use Skype, and how to make marionette spider puppets (see right)! We had two videoconference demos during the day, one with the Center for Puppetry Arts, the other with the New York Hall of Science. Class attendees who had participated in videoconferences shared their experiences with those who had not yet connected over distance learning.
We will offer this class again in the fall!
Last Videoconferences of the School Year Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Posted by Rebecca Morrison in Classroom Technology, Videoconferencing.Tags: aviation, caterpillar, Center for Puppetry Arts, Flickr, Smithsonian American Art Museum, videoconference
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At the end of next week, we will have completed the 2008-2009 school year cycle of videoconferences!! So, here is what’s lined up this week & next, ranging from the Revolutionary War brought to us by the Smithsonian, to a program from NASA:
Celebrating Shakespeare Thursday, April 23, 2009
Posted by Rebecca Morrison in Classroom Technology, Collaboration, Distance Learning, Videoconferencing, Web 2.0.Tags: A Midsummer Night's Dream, Center for Puppetry Arts, Flickr, Talk Like Shakespeare Day, The Globe Theatre, Twitter, William Shakespeare
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Yesterday we celebrated Earth Day, and today is Talk Like Shakespeare Day. According to talklikeshakespeare.org, “in recognition of Shakespeare’s 445th Birthday, this Thursday, April 23, 2009, will be Talk Like Shakespeare Day. Shakespeare is a part of our everyday lives. He coined more than 1,700 words still in use in modern English and his plays influence the way we think about the world we live in.”
So methinks tis the perfect opportunity to share some distance learning resources on William Shakespeare, the Bard of Avon. I hope thou finds this useful!
A favorite content provider of ours, the Center for Puppetry Arts, produces A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Associate Producer Bobby Box takes students on a behind-the-scenes look of classic Shakespeare brought to life on the puppet stage. Students will discuss theme, point of view, characters, puppet design, stage design and performance techniques. Video clips of show excerpts, models of the stage design, and puppets from the performance enhance this program. This is a great arts and literature lesson all in one!
The Globe Theatre has blogs, a resource center, a library/archive and virtual tour of the theatre itself.
Indiana Repertory Theatre* has, in the past, offered Shakespeare programs over videoconference. At one point, they were limiting* that offering, but my schools that had participated really enjoyed them. At the very least, asketh!
And in the 21st century, of course the Bard has a Twitter account!
“Thrilled me — filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before” Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Posted by Rebecca Morrison in Classroom Technology, Distance Learning, Videoconferencing.Tags: Center for Puppetry Arts, Distance Learning, Edgar Allan Poe
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In the Center for Puppetry Art’s videoconference, “Edgar Allan Poe,” students go on a behind-the-scenes look of classic literature brought to life on the puppet stage. The presenter and students discuss Poe’s work and review design concepts of the performance to reveal how they were brought to life on the puppet stage. Included in this engaging videoconference are DVD clips that show production excerpts, models of the stage design, and puppets.
Today, Rebecca Groves’ classes at Hoech Middle School participated in “Edgar Allan Poe.” What a great program! First, the puppets are simply amazing. Second, the presenter, Bobby Box, is very engaging and knowledgeable, Finally, themes, design, plot, and history are all covered. At the end of the videoconference, the presenter took questions from the students.
Coming up Next Week… Friday, November 14, 2008
Posted by Rebecca Morrison in Classroom Technology, Distance Learning, Videoconferencing.Tags: Center for Puppetry Arts, Distance Learning, Native American history, New Links to New Learning, Smithsonian, videoconference
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“Native Americans” via the Smithsonian and Center for Puppetry Arts has proved to be popular lesson this month- I have several connections set up for next week with Francis Howell elementary schools! Through the Smithsonian, students will take a close look at sculpture, painting, works on paper, and photography (both by and of Native Americans) in an effort to enforce key historical concepts dealing with Indian history and culture. Students will be asked to analyze the artworks in order to understand how the image of the American Indian changes based on the viewer’s conception. With the Center for Puppetry Arts, they will learn about different Native American cultures. Students create their very own Hopi Kachina Hand Puppet. Activities focus on three Native American cultures (Eastern Woodlands, Plains, Southwest), the use of natural resources from the different regions, and how these resources shaped their lives in regards to clothing, shelter and even transportation. Students also discuss Kachinas and the Hopi culture in general during this hour long program.
The Lee Richardson Zoo is also getting some attention; lessons on Birds of Prey and Animals on the Prairie are lined up, too.
What topics do you want to cover in your classroom? New Links to New Learning members, contact me, and I’ll help you find the right videoconference for your curriculum!
Ritenour Connects Thursday, October 23, 2008
Posted by Rebecca Morrison in Classroom Technology, Collaboration, Distance Learning, Links, Promethean Activboard, Tech PD, VLC Programs, Videoconferencing.Tags: Adventures in Medicine and Science, AIMS, Center for Puppetry Arts, Cooperating School Districts, H.323 videoconference, iTEA, LEARNnco, New Links to New Learning, Ritenour School District, Skype, tele, Virtual Learning Center
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Ritenour iTEA participants learned about videoconferencing during today's session | To see more pictures taken today, visit our Flickr page.
Today Ritenour’s iTEA met in the tele here at CSD. Topic of discussion: videoconferencing. We connected to three content providers: LEARNnco, Center for Puppetry Arts, and Adventures in Medicine and Science (AIMS).
We talked about all the good stuff: where to find content providers, how to pay for videoconferences, why you would connect your class to a videoconference, who provides excellent distance learning programs.
We also discussed the difference between H.323 videoconferences and Skype. The verdict: Skype is great for short connections/collaborations, but for programs that are longer and have more content (given over computers, document cameras, etc.) H.323 is the way to go.
To see the content providers we chatted with today, visit these links:
- LEARNnco: http://www.ncoesc.esu.k12.oh.us/distancelearning/learnnco.htm
- Center for Puppetry Arts: http://www.puppet.org/edu/distance.shtml
- AIMS: http://pa.slu.edu/
2008-09 Center for Puppetry Arts Videoconferences Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Posted by Rebecca Morrison in Classroom Technology, Distance Learning, Links, VLC Programs, Videoconferencing.Tags: Center for Puppetry Arts, Distance Learning, videoconference
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News from Center for Puppetry Arts, one of our favorite content providers: 
“This year we welcome program requests with two fully operational studios (thanks to TANDBERG and AT&T). We’re ready for your requests. 
Remember- we book based on your needs. All programs meet national curriculum standards and have free, downloadable study guides with pre and post activities. Emailing is the best way to book a program. Just select two or three program dates and times, identify the topic, and we’ll email you within 24 hours to confirm the request or help you select another date/time. You can also book us through CILC. Book now– especially for November & December requests for Gingerbread Boy!!! Don’t forget we offer programs for 6th-8th & 9th-12th (Edgar Allan Poe is a student and teacher favorite). VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR FULL PROGRAM INFORMATION: www.puppet.org/edu/distance.shtml“
Below is a list of their most popular programs (prices start at $145):
Elementary level:
(PreK-2nd) Anansi the Spider: A West African Folktale | The Gingerbread Boy
(K-2nd) Butterflies | Dinosaurs
(1st-3rd) Exploring Africa | Plants
(1st-6th-tailored to grade level) Spiders
(3rd-5th) Rain Forest | Native Americans
(3rd-6th) Mexico
(4th-6th) Africa/Mali | Discovering Puppetry in Other Cultures
Middle School/High School (see website for details)
(7th-12th) Discovering Puppetry in Other Cultures | Edgar Allan Poe
(8th-12th) Anne Frank
(9th-12th) A Midsummer Night’s Dream | Don Quixote
What’s New on CILC Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Posted by Rebecca Morrison in Classroom Technology, Collaborations, Distance Learning, Links, Tech PD, Videoconferencing.Tags: American West, Amon Carter Museum, Aztec, Center for Puppetry Arts, CILC, Civil War, cowboy, culture, dinosaur lessons, Discovery Center, Distance Learning, Fort Mifflin, Fort Worth Museum, History, human anatomy, Mexico, New World, Palaeontology, Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology, videoconference
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CILC sent out new videoconferences listed on their website, www.cilc.org, and programs include two from some of our favorite content providers, Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, GA, and The Discovery Center in Springfield, MO. Also listed are some collaboration requests. To read more about it, visit www.cilc.org.
Content Provider Programs
Cowboy Close-Up by Amon Carter Museum
Gather ’round the camp fire and experience the story of the American cowboy through the eyes and words of an historical reenactor. See and hear from cowboys around an authentic chuck wagon and learn about the cowboy lifestyle during the late nineteenth…
Availability: By Request/On Demand ONLY | Audience: Grade(s): 1-8
Stories and the American West by Amon Carter Museum
Use art to enliven narrative writing instruction. This v/c focuses on the use of art as a stimulus point for students to create their own stories about the American West. Teachers receive a CD of images & creative writing activities.
Availability: By Request/On Demand ONLY | Audience: Grade(s): 3-7
Mexico by Center for Puppetry Arts
Students learn about the history and culture of Mexico and its people through the art of the mask. Learning activities center around the story of the flag of Mexico & ancient Aztec culture, ancient pictographs of indigenous animals of the New World…
Availability: By Request/On Demand ONLY | Audience: Grade(s): 4-12
My Amazing Body by Discovery Center of Springfield
In this interactive program, we’ll touch on bones, brains, muscles and more as young learners explore human anatomy and healthy habits.
Availability: By Request/On Demand ONLY | Audience: Pre-K, K-2
United States Colored Troops of the Civil War by Fort Mifflin on the Delaware
The 3rd Regiment Infantry United States Colored Troops Civil War Re-enacting group will be on hand to provide living history for this one-day only event. Friday, April 3, 2009 from 9 am to 4 pm (EST)
Audience: Grade(s): 3-12
Icy Science by Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
Looking for a “chilling” experience using one of the world’s most unusual substances that will support your student’s process skill development? Then freeze some water, grab some salt and get ready for hands-on explorations that emphasize observation…
Availability: By Request/On Demand ONLY | Audience: Grade(s): 2-8
PIQ: Test Your Palaeo Intelligence by Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology
Think your students have what it takes? Test their knowledge of dinosaurs and palaeontology as they are lead through a series of five interactive games and challenges in their efforts to escape a deadly volcano.
Availability: By Request/On Demand ONLY | Audience: K-3
Up Close and Palaeo Jr. by Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology
How big was the biggest dinosaur? Did trilobites live during the Age of Dinosaurs? Get answers to questions as one of our science educators tackles your students’ toughest palaeontological ponderings.
Availability: By Request/On Demand ONLY | Audience: K-9
Collaborations
Higher Education technology Upgrades
We are recently looking to upgrade our ITV room in our Downtown GR location. I am looking for “if I only knew” answers before upgrading. For example, we currently use ceiling microphones which I do not feel work properly. Also, HD is taking hold.
Status: Seeking Partners | Audience: Business/Community: Business Member, Community Member, Government Agency
5th Grade Time to Connect
A CURRENT EVENTS ACTIVITY FOR GRADE 5, using http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/snapshot/. Teachers will go to the archive to plan the article to be used for the following week. Students will receive a copy of the Student Handout.
Status: Seeking Partners | Audience: Grade(s): 5
German and English or German and German Collaboration
Seeking an English teacher in a German-speaking country who would like his/her class to interact with a German class in the US (Indianapolis, IN). Webcam, live interaction might be possible. All types of collaboration (email, blog, etc.) considered.
Status: Seeking Partners | Audience: Grade(s): 9-12
To participate in any of these videoconferences, look them up on CILC and sign-up with the appropriate content provider!
Congrats to the New Links to New Learning 2007-2008 Favorite Content Provider! Monday, May 5, 2008
Posted by Rebecca Morrison in Distance Learning, VLC Programs, Videoconferencing.Tags: Center for Puppetry Arts, New Links to New Learning, puppets, videoconferences
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Congratulations to the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, GA, for being voted the 2007-2008 Favorite Content Provider by New Links to New Learning schools! St. Louis educators appreciate all the hard work the staff in the distance learning department puts into their videoconferences (and the friendly, thorough service that comes along with it). As their website says, ‘the Center for Puppetry Arts uses the latest technology to offer nationwide Distance Learning programs for Pre K-12. Hands-on puppet building workshops are conducted via videoconferencing and are tailored to specific classroom topics and curriculum. The arts are infused with science, social studies, language arts and other disciplines to create a dynamic, interactive virtual classroom for a virtual field trip experience. Programs complement national curriculum standards in language arts, social studies, science, math and other areas. The Center provides a comprehensive study guide and materials list for most programs.’
Again, congratulations from New Links to New Learning members to:
Patty Petrey Dees, Distance Learning Program Director
Deborah Bowman, Distance Learning Coordinator
Iyabo Shabazz, Distance Learning Assistant
Sara Burmenko, Distance Learning Assistant
distancelearning@puppet.org
Phone: 404.881.5117 | Fax: 404.873.9907
Rebecca Morrison
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