Share Paper: Professional Development: A Rural School District's Experience with Videoconferencing

  1. Karen Fiege, University of Alberta, Canada
  2. Kim Peacock, University of Alberta, Canada
  3. David Geelan, University of Alberta, Canada
Saturday, March 6 10:00-10:25 AM Hanover C

Abstract: Abstract: The Rural Advanced Community of Learners (RACOL) project undertook an initiative to develop broadband synchronous and asynchronous technologies to a rural school district in northern Alberta, Canada. Relying on the recently installed Alberta SuperNet (a high-speed broadband network), the Virtual Presence Learning Environment (VPLE) classrooms were built using various digital and videoconferencing technologies. As of September 2003, four full-time teachers were required to teach varying subjects within these VPLE classrooms. Therefore, a professional development team was formed and nine professional development sessions were conceptualized and delivered. A history and unique qualities of the RACOL project, a review of literature ...