This past month, senior students in a Hoover High School government class met with Senator Chuck Grassley in Washington D.C. via an ICN session. In a similar format as last spring’s PCM session with Senator Grassley, Mr. Kirk Stevens and his government students participated in a town meeting session where they initiated questions answered by the senator. Further student reflection and follow-up questions were addressed as the meeting progressed.
Questions for this session ranged from, “What does a typical work day look like for Senator Grassley while he serves in Washington DC?” to issues relevant mainly to Iowa. Students asked questions concerning global warming and its impact to Iowa’s economy, potential terrorist threats to Iowa’s food supply, and issues related to Iowa’s recent floods and disasters. The senator also answered questions about Social Security concerns for future generations.
Student feedback following their 35-minute meeting with Senator Grassley was very positive. For the six students interviewed, this was their first exchange with an Iowa senator. They appreciated that he spoke in an understandable, down-to-earth manner and were pleased that they could drive the questions and discussion. When asked if they would recommend this type of learning experience again for themselves or other students, they were all in agreement that it should be repeated. They would look forward to hearing about more political and governmental issues in the future. They may get their wish, as Lyneé Casper, ICN consultant states, “Further opportunities are being sought to connect Iowa’s Senators and Congressmen to Iowa students. Teachers have expressed interest in this 21st Century learning model.” As a further measure of the session’s success, many students felt the short length of the session was its only shortcoming.
This meeting is just one example of the bridging capabilities that the ICN can offer by allowing teachers and their students to connect outside the state of Iowa, and even internationally, through their local ICN school classrooms and IP or ISDN connections. For further information regarding the arrangement and costs for this or similar bridging videoconferences through the ICN, please visit the AEA 11 ICN site at http://www.aea11.k12.ia.us/tech/icn/ICNintegration.html or contact Casper, the ICN consultant for Heartland AEA 11, at lcasper@aea11.k12.ia.us for more information. ICN spokesperson Gail McMahon is also available at 515-725-47123 with information.
The opening session of the ICN In Toto 2008 conference included a special proclamation from Governor Chet Culver’s Office. A member of the governor’s staff, Lauren Burt, presented the proclamation to ICN Executive Director John Gillispie, which read:
WHEREAS, IN 1989 THE GOVERNOR OF IOWA SIGNED A BILL PROVIDING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A STATEWIDE TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK; AND
WHEREAS, IN THE FALL OF 1993, THE FIRST 104 VIDEO CLASSROOMS BECAME OPERATIONAL VIA THE NEW IOWA COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK; AND
WHEREAS, IN SEPTEMBER 1995, THE FIRST HIGH SCHOOL ICN VIDEO CLASSROOM BECAME OPERATIONAL AT BATTLE CREEK-IDA GROVE HIGH SCHOOL; AND
WHEREAS, THE ORIGINAL NETWORK DESIGN PLANNED FOR 500 CLASSROOMS AND THE CURRENT NUMBER OF ICN VIDEO CLASSROOMS IS CURRENTLY AT 750; AND
WHEREAS, EACH YEAR, OVER 50,000 K-12 STUDENTS, TEACHERS, AND ADMINISTRATORS HAVE EQUAL ACCESS TO EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES VIA THE ICN, INCLUDING HIGH SCHOOL, ADVANCED PLACEMENT, COLLEGE, AND DUAL CREDITS, CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS, AND MANDATORY TRAINING; AND
WHEREAS, STATE AGENCIES HAVE REPORTED A COMBINED AVERAGE SAVINGS OF $13 MILLION EACH YEAR OVER THE PAST FOUR YEARS USING THE ICN; AND
WHEREAS, THE ICN IS AN IMPORTANT VEHICLE IN THE SECURITY OF THE STATE, INCLUDING ACCESS TO DAY-TO-DAY AND READINESS TRAINING FOR THOUSANDS OF IOWA NATIONAL GUARD SOLDIERS; AND
WHEREAS, IOWANS IN RURAL AREAS ACROSS THE STATE BENEFIT FROM CONVENIENT, SPECIALIZED TELEMEDICINE CARE OVER THE ICN, WITHOUT TRAVELING LONG DISTANCES TO HOSPITALS; AND
WHEREAS, THE USE OF THE ICN FOR TELEJUSTICE PROCEEDINGS ALLOWS STATE AND FEDERAL JUSTICE ORGANIZATIONS TO SAVE TAXPAYER MONEY, FAMILIES TO WATCH THE PROCEEDINGS, AND PROVIDES A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR EMPLOYEES; AND
WHEREAS, ICN IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF EDUCATION, HEALTH, JUSTICE, AND WELFARE FOR ALL IOWANS:
NOW, THEREFORE, I, CHESTER J. CULVER, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF IOWA, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM SEPTEMBER 25, 2008, AS
Please contact ICN Public Relations Manager Gail McMahon at gail.mcmahon@iowa.gov if you would like a copy of the proclamation to display in your ICN classroom!
In collaboration with the Iowa Historical Museum, Iowa Public Television (IPTV), and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) “Big Read” program, students from Scavo High School in Des Moines presented a Reader’s Theater via the ICN to their peers. During the May presentation, Scavo High School teachers Ellen Robinson and Suzette Nelson-Larson and their students gathered at IPTV’s ICN classroom in May to share Jack London's book, The Call of the Wild. The presentation supported the NEA’s reading for pleasure and enlightenment initiative. Through the Reader's Theatre approach, students studied the classic story ahead of time, analyzing and adapting excerpts into a script. This format can easily be used with any piece of literature.
Susan Jellinger, Iowa Historical Librarian, facilitated the session, and provided the background on the Big Read project. As students read selected passages to their peers, they discussed the characters, plot, historical setting, and connections that related to their current lives. Their teachers and principal Anita Micich also participated by presenting excerpts about the book to students in an ELL class gathered at the Central Campus High School ICN classroom in Des Moines.
This ICN exchange provided an opportunity for students and adults to read and appreciate a classic novel together while interacting and collaborating in distance learning through ICN video classrooms. These important 21st Century learning skills are valuable for students at all ages. If you or your school is interested in similar exchanges or learning more about the Reader’s Theater session, please contact Lyneé Casper at lcasper@aea11.k12.ia.us or call 800/362-2720 or 515/270-9030, ext. 14312.
Professional Development sessions bring 26% increase in K-12 Connections
During the 2007-2008 school year, over 9,200 hours of video sessions were delivered through the K-12 Connections program, for a 26% increase over the previous year. K-12 Connections, a collaborative effort by ICN and Iowa Public Television (IPTV), provides live, interactive, distance learning opportunities at no cost to students, teachers, or school districts, unless continuing education or certification credit is involved.
About 25% of the 43,000 participants during the last year were adults taking part in professional development opportunities, such as bullying prevention, school nurse certification, and food safety. One session brought together over 2,000 food nutrition workers at 236 ICN video classrooms in the largest session to be held in the Network’s 15-year history!
More training and professional development opportunities are currently being created for the 2008-2009 school year. These sessions allow school staff and districts to increase their expertise in vital educational topics with little to no fuel costs or travel time. With fuel costs rising, these sessions are a great way to cut expenses for professional development opportunities without cutting quality. Check the K-12 Calendar at http://www.iptv.org/iowa_database/cal-default.cfm and choose Professional Development Events for listings of current professional development opportunities. If you know of a hot topic that would interest people working in your area of education, please contact Trista Peitzman, trista@iptv.org or Abby Brown, abby@iptv.org at Iowa Public Television (800) 532-1290.
ICN sessions bring state legislative process to high school students
Three upcoming ICN presentations sponsored by the Iowa General Assembly and Iowa Public Television (IPTV) will provide students the opportunity to participate in the state legislative process. Six classes, two per session, will be able to participate in these exciting sessions that provide a full day immersion in the process through a combination of guest speakers and a culminating ICN session.
Classes who choose to participate in these sessions will begin their experience with a visit from an Iowa Capital Tour Guide. These guides will travel to the schools during the morning of the session and conduct an orientation for the students and teacher. Each class will function as the House of Representatives or the Senate and will be assigned a topic to debate. They will elect presiding officers, appoint committee members, and experience the legislative process.
During the afternoon, the two participating schools convene together in their ICN classrooms and spend time finalizing and debating their bill. One of the schools' principals will act as the governor and either sign the bill into law or perhaps veto it. Legislators from each school's legislative district will be contacted and encouraged to participate in the classroom if possible. Participation in this activity will further enhance student awareness and participation in Iowa state government. These sessions will be offered on the following dates:
Friday, November 14 (9:00-11:00 and 12:00-3:00)
Friday, November 21 (9:00-11:00 and 12:00-3:00)
Friday, December 5 (9:00-11:00 and 12:00-3:00)
For more information or to register, call or e-mail Joan Arnett (515-281-4961 or joan.arnett@legis.state.ia.us) or Craig Cronbaugh (515-281-4961 or craig.cronbaugh@legis.state.ia.us)
For any assistance or questions concerning the ICN or the ICN News, please contact the appropriate person listed below or check the contacts section for additional information and useful websites.
Lyneé Casper is an ICN/RTC consultant for Heartland AEA 11. She visits with schools about courses, one-time ICN curriculum-based sessions, and ICN classroom technologies supporting multimedia. Casper is also available to provide personal, customized ICN training, and other ICN related staff development opportunities. The ICN is also a statewide resource that includes the capability of bridging beyond our Iowa borders to national and global connections through video conferencing via the Internet. Casper feels strongly about this aspect of the ICN and is currently collaborating with the ICN to further develop information and awareness in this area. Her duties further include updating the ICN information on the Heartland Web Site at http://www.aea11.k12.ia.us/tech/icn/. Casper can be reached at Heartland AEA 11, lcasper@aea11.k12.ia.us or call 800/362-2720 or 515/270-9030, ext. 14312.
Richard (Dick) Stufflebeem is the ICN technical specialist for Des Moines Area Community College, Area 11 K-12 schools, and public libraries. He is able to assist with any technical issues regarding the ICN. Stufflebeem will make personal visits to schools and assist school staff with learning to use the equipment or troubleshoot equipment problems. He can be reached at rlstufflebeem@ dmacc.edu, or by calling 800/362-2127 or 515/964-6831, ext. 6831.
Melanie Rippin is the editor of the ICN News. Please contact Rippin for any questions or concerns relating to the ICN News. She can be reached at mrippin@ aea11.k12.ia.us.
New K-12 Connections sessions bring politics into the classroom
Join us as we count down the days to the election of the 44th President of the United States! The Hoover Presidential Library is offering new sessions entitled “Election 2008: Are you ready to VOTE?” for students in grades two through six during the month of October. Presenters in these unbiased sessions will guide students through the 2008 election process in an enjoyable and easy to understand manner. The sessions will focus on the voting procedure and the importance of voting and democracy. Depending upon the grade level of the participants in a given session, additional topics will range from political parties, the Electoral College, presidential qualities and requirements, presidential benefits, and the presidential debates. Older students may also discuss election recounts and analysis of presidential debates. Teachers will have input on the level of topics covered in the session provided for their class. Each session will be fully supported with relevant images for each topic and a review of age-appropriate political vocabulary. In addition to the many images provided, a short film of President Herbert Hoover’s inauguration will be viewed during the sessions.
Civics Standards covered by these sessions include Standard 28: Understands how participation in civic and political life can help citizens attain individual and public goals (Level II – Grades 3-5) and Standard 29: Understands the importance of political leadership, public service, and a knowledgeable citizenry in American constitutional democracy (Level II – Grades 3-5). Confirmed registrants for these sessions will receive the complimentary book The Election Book, The People Pick a President. These sessions are offered at no cost to participating schools.
The 40-minute sessions are offered on the following days at both 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM:
Thursday, October 16
Tuesday, October 21
Wednesday, October 22*
Tuesday, October 28
Thursday, October 30
If the times offered do not work with your schedule and you would like to schedule a session at a different time or if you have any questions concerning the sessions, please contact Mary Evans at (319) 643-6031.
Local site contacts, educational and administrative schedulers, and others associated with the Iowa Communications Network enjoyed a day of learning at the annual In Toto conference on September 25. The beautiful State Historical Building was the site for the day of breakout sessions on topics such as the latest in Video over IP, presentation tips, and other professional development issues. This year’s conference was entitled Food for Thought – Catering to Iowans.
Keynote speaker Dr. Leigh Zeitz, University of Northern Iowa professor, provided an enlightening and entertaining workshop on the many digital forms of communication available today. His presentation even included a brief visit with a friend in Holland using Skype.
As in the past, two special annual awards were presented at the conference. Deanna Clingan-Fisher, Legal Services Developer for the Department of Elder Affairs, accepted the Innovative Use of the ICN award on behalf of Elder Affairs. The DEA was recognized for efforts to bring essential information to elder Iowans and their caregivers through the Elder Law Series. Over 1500 citizens have benefited from the series of one-hour sessions conveniently located at 26 sites around the state. Additionally, four schedulers were nominated for the 2008 ICN Scheduler of the Year award. The winner was Judy Bonstetter, Regional Scheduler from Northeast Iowa Community College. Also nominated were Jackie Kokke, Administrative Regional Scheduler for the State Library of Iowa, Rebecca Head, Scheduler for the Department of Economic Development, and Dawn Fratzke, Regional Scheduler (#7) at Hawkeye Community College.
In addition to the conference on Thursday, a pre-conference brainstorming workshop was held on Wednesday afternoon, September 24. About 16 people associated with the ICN from various organizations including higher education, community colleges, K-12 administration, state agencies, and public libraries, spent the afternoon discussing topics and issues related to the ICN.
Notre Dame Burlington, an Iowa private school, now offers a Chinese class to students through Iowa Learning Online (ILO). The need for such a course has increased as more students have developed in interest in learning Asian languages. Notre Dame Burlington has been working toward offering a Chinese course for several years. A total of fifteen students from three different schools are currently enrolled in this pilot program. The course is offered through a Polycom device and includes an introduction to pronunciation, speaking and writing. An introduction to Chinese culture is also integrated into the course.
The course is taught by Hye-Seung Lee, an exchange teacher from Korea. Lee is a graduate of Daejeon University in Korea. She received a degree in Chinese, studied for one year in China and is certified to teach in Iowa. Although she will be moving back to China to pursue an advanced degree at the end of the semester, Notre Dame Burlington foreign language instructor Richard Dunshee states, “This is a pilot program, but we do not intend to end after one semester.” The hope is that this program will lead to future Chinese language offerings through ILO and the ICN.
As with all ILO participating schools, Notre Dame Burlington provides a coach, necessary materials, and willingness to be flexible with scheduling. As a partner, ILO provides an online registration system and posts the class on the ILO webpage. For school partners using the ICN, ILO would also pay applicable ICN costs that may incur. For questions relating to this Chinese course, contact Richard Dunshee, rdunshee@nd-burl.pvt.k12.ia.us. For questions related to Iowa Learning Online, contact Arlan Thorson at athorson@iowalearningonline.org or 515-238-4765. Interested individuals can also visit http://iowalearningonline.org for more information.
Students at Grandview Park Baptist School (GPBS) are now able to access the Iowa Learning Online (ILO) calculus class via the ICN and an IP Gateway. These students do not have an ICN classroom at their school and previously did not have access to ILO teachers and classes. They did, however, have a need for calculus as part of their college preparatory curriculum. For college bound students seeking to major in math or sciences, calculus courses taken in high school provide an advantage both in the application process and in the university or college classroom. Brad Benton, who is located in Manning, currently teaches this valuable ILO course to students throughout Iowa via the ICN.
In an effort to assist these students and connect them with Benton and the ILO calculus course, Joel Meinders, together with many others, worked to create an infrastructure that allows direct connection to the ICN from classroom computers at the school. The connection was made possible through the use of an IP Gateway located in Grimes, a Polycom device located at GPBS, and the ICN. This design allows the calculus students and their coach to access the ICN from a location in their classroom. Students at GPBS can see both Benton and the students in his classroom during their class. Technology, creative minds, and determination to assist students in reaching their goals have helped make calculus a reality for these Iowa students.
Iowa Learning Online (ILO), a Department of Education initiative, is now entering its 5th year with more classes across all disciplines. The list below includes all classes currently offered, but new courses will likely be added throughout the school year. If you are interested in enrolling your students for classes in upcoming semesters, please visit the ILO website at http://www.iowalearningonline.org or call Arlan Thorson at 515-238-4765.
The high school courses currently offered for the 2008-2009 school year:
Algebra, Introductory
Algebra I and II
American Government
American History
American Literature
Anatomy and Physiology
AP Music Theory
Biology
British and World Literature
Calculus
Chemistry
Chinese I
Critical Reading and Effective Writing
Earth Science
Economics
English Literature and Composition, Introduction to
English 9 and 10
Fundamental Math
General Biology
Geography and World Cultures
Geometry
German I and II
Ornithology and the Birds of Iowa
Physical Science
Physics
PreCalculus
Skills for Health
Spanish I and III
The Works of Shakespeare
U.S. Government and Politics
World History
Writing and Grammar
