SPRINGFIELD – Imagine taking a class trip to the Louvre in Paris without having to board a plane or even leave the classroom.
By:Vanessa S. Holt
SPRINGFIELD – Imagine taking a class trip to the Louvre in Paris without having to board a plane or even leave the classroom.
Imagine making friends with kids around the world while learning a new language.
These are just two of the possibilities for students using the new videoconferencing software in the Springfield and New Hanover school districts.
Third- and fourth-grade teachers learned about the new software at an in-service day Monday at the Springfield Township Elementary School, getting a chance to see how videoconferencing works.
The software went into use this year, as the school introduced Spanish instruction in compliance with state core curriculum standards.
Springfield students are taking Spanish with a New Hanover Township School teacher, and in turn, Springfield is sharing art, music and library resources that New Hanover lacks.
To pay for the new technology, the two districts jointly applied for a $125,000 state Department of Education grant. The state received 80 applications but awarded only 22 grants, said Springfield superintendent Helena Kosoff.
The grant includes funds to train teachers to use the videoconferencing equipment. Television screens mounted with small video cameras make it possible for classrooms in two different municipalities to face each other and interact as if they were in the same room.
One camera can automatically turn to focus on whoever is speaking the loudest, said Springfield computer teacher Nancy Holmes.
Jeanne Ann Bruno, technology teacher at the New Hanover school, said, "Right now we’re using it to share resources. Every Friday we call into Springfield and they’re able to take a Spanish class with our first grade."
Ms. Kosoff said fourth-grade students will take a virtual field trip to an Indian reservation this year as part of an extension center unit on Native Americans in New Jersey. Elementary school students will also "visit" art museums in Paris and Barcelona.
Fourth-grade teachers participating in the in-service program said they felt videoconferencing could be beneficial, adding that it enhances the learning experience.
"Like any new technology, you have to get used to it," one said.
Videoconferencing enables the school to strengthen its staff without the additional cost of travel or hiring an additional part-time teacher, said Ms. Kosoff.
Ms. Bruno said, "We’re always looking to broaden our technology program and to share resources. We can only benefit our students by trying to open the doors so we’re not teaching in a box."
Teleconferencing also will help students to apply their new foreign language skills by interacting with foreign students. Throughout the year, students will communicate with children in Spanish-speaking countries through e-mail.
Springfield and New Hanover students will celebrate at the end of the school year, possibly with a Cinco de Mayo theme to tie in with the Spanish classes they will take during the year.
Ms. Kosoff said she hopes the new teaching tool will help infuse technology use across the curriculum while teaching students that learning can be fun.
Future applications for the software include distance learning opportunities for parents and teachers, in addition to "virtual field trips" to zoos, museums and other cultural institutions.
