One suggestion I would make for the Star Schools grant is to write into your grant the purchase of a video over IP teleconferencing unit. (Application deadline Oct.31/ Max. amount $25,000)
I have been working with a Falcon IP system and have been very impressed with the quality of the connection. It is a small box and camera that connects via the Internet to other video conferencing machines and can also serve as a connection to the ICN. Currently, there are approx. 20 of these units (maybe more) in the state and the state is negotiating a purchase agreement to get the machines for around $2500. Reasons for purchasing a videoconferencing unit: a) connect to consultants at the AEA as part of the teachers' professional development- saving on drive time and allowing for more one-on-one work with teachers and AEA consultants (*consider the area of reading, math and science as a focus because these will be the grants that get the most consideration) b) allows elementary buildings to connect to other elementary buildings to support teacher collaboration and/or student collaboration c) allows elementary buildings to connect to the ICN (connection is somewhat slower but not bad) d) if appropriate/desired, allows remote mentors to view classroom when teacher knows and agrees to it e) if there are multiple buildings in the district, it is a way to communicate instantly and easily with other buildings/teachers f) all of these sessions are free and require no scheduling or registration If you would like to see a demo of this machine, let me know as I have one in our office at IS-West -behind the McDonald's on Highway 169 Nancy -- Nancy Movall Instructional Technology & School Improvement Consultant Arrowhead Area Education Agency Fort Dodge, IA 50501 Ph. 800-669-2325 x.5533 (IA) Ph. 515-574-5533 Fx. 515-574-5326 --- [This E-mail scanned for viruses by Declude Virus] --------------------------------------------------------- Archived messages from this list can be found at: http://www.mail-archive.com/tech-cord@aea5.k12.ia.us/ ---------------------------------------------------------
