During our September symposium – where we brought together Sarasota County School District curriculum specialists and representatives from local arts, science and history organizations – Safari Montage Live was demonstrated during a panel on technology.
Safari Montage Live is a hosted software program adopted by the Sarasota County School district. The software, along with ActiveBoards in every Sarasota County classroom, make interactive programs possible. Safari Live is a cost-effective way of adding relevant, interesting community content and interaction within classrooms.
This is just one example of how technology is being using to enhance and reinforce connections among classrooms and the larger communities from which students can learn.
Sir Ken Robinson reminds us that we are living in an age of incredible technology but still expect students to stay in their seats and follow sequential curriculum.
Could we be that place that connects students with unimaginable experiences without technology?
Hands on connections – seeing, touching – are still important, but what could we add, enhance and reinforce with the technology schools already have and cultural organizations might afford?
Collecting observations from webcams stationed at the Lemur Conservation Foundation in Myakka City. Talking with Mote Marine Laboratory’s world-class scientists about their findings post BP gulf oil spill. Exploring the mangroves surrounding Selby Gardens or the middens at Spanish Point. Having a discussion with the dancers from the ballet “Anne Frank” and so much more.
These are all examples of experiences that can be enhanced through technology. The Lemur Conservation already has a distance education course using webcams to learn about the animals.
The JASON Project, for example, connects students with scientists and researchers in real- and near-real time, virtually and physically, to provide mentored, authentic and enriching science learning experiences. Here’s a JASON Project scientist’s view: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InUrAHyggDY&feature=related.
The Asolo Repertory Theatre in Sarasota tapes its “Playtalk Panels” and posts them on YouTube. Here is the “Bonnie and Clyde” discussion with the author, lyricist and project director. Wouldn’t it be a great opportunity for our area high school theatre classes to add their virtual participation?
Are you already using interactive classroom/on-site experiences? What applications do you see? Are there disadvantages to using these kinds of experiences in the classroom?
The demonstration of Safari Montage Live at the September Symposium was very exciting to me. While watching Seth Gardner’s music students from Woodland Middle School perform for us in real time using the video conferencing technology, I immediately started thinking of ways Florida Studio Theatre’s WRITE-A-PLAY program could utilize the technology to strengthen our connection with teachers and students. Imagine being able to have our artists interact with teachers and their students on a regular basis.
As I have learned more about the capabilities of Safari Live, my excitement has grown. This technology will be an outstanding addition to the programing we already offer. We will be able to have more direct impact with teachers and students allowing us to deepen and enrich their learning experiences.
The K-5 students who attend our Fall Children’s show, (approximately 10,000) will have the opportunity to meet the playwright , the director, the designers, and be guided through exercises and lessons prior to their attending the show. These students will be primed and ready to experience the theatre in a whole new way. After they have seen the show, we will be able to guide and participate in their post-show learning as well.
Each year, through our WRITE-A-PLAY programming, we encourage students to write and submit plays to Florida Studio Theatre. As the students are creating, writing and editing their plays, the teachers will have the ability to bring our artists into their classrooms. We will be able to interact, advise, and encourage the creative process in a way that has previously been unavailable. The technology allows for many classrooms to be involved at the same time. Students from all over will be able to share their ideas with each other.
The possibilities for community building, collaboration, and learning we have available through the Safari Montage Live program are exciting. I look forward to discovering new ways to connect with teachers and students…and keeping you updated on our progress.
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