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"Distance Learning" Takes on a New Meaning at PVMS
Putnam Valley Middle School instrumental music teacher Douglass Denniston is no stranger to technology. He enthusiastically takes advantage of all that computers have to offer in the field of music, as well as academic, instruction. Recently, Mr. Denniston had to travel to Czechoslovakia on a family matter (his wife is from there). He explained, "I decided to use the technology available at our school to video conference and teach my classes from Europe. I was able to teach my seventh and eighth grade band class live, in real time. PVMS's Technology Aide, Laura Sherwood, helped with the tech component at the US end."
Denniston simply used his laptop, the built-in iSight camera, and high speed wireless network to connect from Europe using Skype, a video telephone software program designed for Mac, which is free to use. "The connection was great and it worked well," Denniston says. Added Principal Ed Hallisey, "Thanks to Mr. Denniston for being innovative and creative."
Putnam Valley is a recognized technology leader among regional school districts. In April of 2006, PVCSD received the prestigious 2006 Technology Pioneer Award from the Lower Hudson Regional Information Center (LHRIC- a consortium of school districts advancing the use of technology for k-12 Education). Specifically, Putnam Valley's administrative and technology team were honored for the 1:1 laptop initiative, which was introduced to Middle School students in 2005 and will be phased in until all secondary students have their own laptops that they will use until they graduate. In a PowerPoint presentation Mr. Hallisey explained that the Apple iBooks have enhanced study skills, research skills, and classroom communication at the Middle School. The District has trained its teachers on how to integrate these laptops into the everyday curriculum, and they now use a variety of digital tools, including electronic bulletin boards and teacher web sites, to enhance instruction.
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