Improving Student Outcomes with Video Teleconferencing
While attending the February 2017 ASTE Conference in Anchorage, I had the privilege of attending a session titled "How Video is Changing K-12 in Alaska's Kenai Peninsula." Mara and Matthew (Kenai Alaska High School Seniors) hosted the presentation. Kenai students from two other Kenai schools also presented via video. Two teachers, Rob Sparks and Greg Zorbas, spoke briefly, but the students were clearly in control.
During the presentation, the standing room only crowd learned firsthand from students on how engaging distance education can be, if done correctly. The presenters used on-line tools to ensure every participant, even those on video were engaged. Each student presenter gave an account of what they learned, how they learned it, how it was relevant to their education and how the skills transferred to the future. Shorter presentations were made by multiple people on a litany of available resources for educators, mostly by video. Their presentation included a very engaging geography and cultural lesson in conjunction with a school in Ghana Africa in real time via video. To be honest, the time spent with Ghana was very informative, and also a blast.
The old saying, "necessity is the mother of all invention" was on full display not only in this session, but all over the ASTE conference. The massive geography of Alaska combined with the light density of people scattered all over an area bigger than California, Montana and Texas combined means invention and innovation is a must to achieve positive educational outcomes for Alaskan students. If you are looking for technology innovation in education, the Alaskan educators will not disappoint! Each year I attend ASTE and I am amazed by the Alaskan spirit on display! This year, I was especially proud as one of Alaska's newest residents. I am very excited to work with the educators of the state as a resource to support content and collaboration opportunities through technology.
Keep in mind; this entire program started when a couple of curious and motivated teachers found some Video Teleconference equipment gathering dust in their school and decided to experiment with it. They started by connecting their classrooms across town and kept experimenting until they had quite literally gone around the world! These teachers went forward, unafraid, into an unknown world for the sake of their students. Courage, innovation and creativity are alive and well on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska. Doesn't that make you wonder what technology may be gathering dust in your school?
The gracious students gave a big shout out to their teachers and consultant, Elaine Shuck for the support shown throughout the Kenai program and for playing key roles in their success. Alaska Communications is proud to provide connectivity and support great educational outcomes like those found on display during the 2017 ASTE Conference by the Kenai Peninsula School District and many other great Alaskan Educators.
What a great way to start my new adventure in the great state of Alaska!
Chris Igel is the Education Program Manager with Alaska Communications. His current role allows him to continually refine how Alaska Communications supports educators and education partners. He is passionate about improving student outcomes through appropriate technology use and training.
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