06.30.05

New VCU distance learning program lets kids teach kids over the Internet

By Mike Frontiero
VCU School of Education
June 30, 2005
 
More than 10 miles separate Atlee High School and John M. Gandy Elementary School, but Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Education has made it possible for students at the Hanover County schools to communicate face-to-face without taking a field trip.

Using a high speed Internet link, portable teleconferencing cameras and monitors, and technical expertise from VCU, six high school students taught Spanish to a class of elementary students once a week for three weeks earlier this year.

From a room in the Atlee High School library, six high school students teach Spanish to students more than 10 miles away at John M. Gandy Elementary School. Atlee teacher Jennifer D. Chambers (lower right) holds a remote control to operate a teleconferencing camera below a video monitor that enables the two Hanover County classrooms to see and hear each other over the Internet. Chambers was able to control the cameras at both schools, allowing her to guide the instruction and engage students by focusing the camera on the participants (photos by Mike Frontiero).

The pilot program – created by School of Education Associate Professor and Director of Technology Gary Sarkozi, Ph.D. – is believed to be the only one of its kind in Virginia involving students teaching other students using teleconferencing technology.

“This is 21st century technology,” said Sarkozi. “The students can see and talk to each other in real time. And even when the novelty of learning over the Internet wears off, they are still engaged with the subject matter.”

Gandy elementary students appear on the monitor at Atlee High School. The students watch as VCU School of Education Associate Professor and Director of Technology Gary Sarkozi (left) hangs a poster for a Spanish learning game developed by the Atlee students. Sarkozi created the pilot program and operated the video link at Gandy.

The “Kids Can Be Teachers Too” program also provides a unique opportunity for elementary students to begin learning a foreign language before it is introduced to them in high school. Foreign languages are not usually taught at the elementary school level.

“It is proven that children who are introduced to a new language at an early age learn better pronunciation and retention of the language,” said Atlee technology and geometry teacher Jennifer D. Chambers, who helped coordinate the program.

Other benefits of the program include less time and money spent on student travel between schools. “The high schools don’t like taking students out of classrooms for a long time,” said Chambers.

Equipment required for the live video link consists of this portable teleconferencing camera, a video monitor with sound and a high speed Internet connection.

The teleconferencing system can work in any school system with DSL or faster Internet access. The cameras and video monitors are relatively inexpensive, and as easy to set up and operate as a VCR.
Hanover schools are expected to continue testing the program next year and may eventually incorporate it into their curriculum.

“This program can leverage good instruction throughout school systems and allows students to be involved with distance learning,” said Sarkozi. “It’s benefits are limited only by the imagination.”

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  Mike Frontiero
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