March 2002 — Applications

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Videoconferencing Exposes Students to New Worlds

Lifelong Learning

Research on how videoconferencing impacts students has shown that it can heighten motivation, improve communication, expand students' connections with the outside world and increase depth of learning. The effectiveness of our program has been measured through evaluation sheets completed by students and teachers after each Salt Marsh Ecosystem connection. Teachers have said they find the program 'exciting and meaningful for students.' They have noted the effect on their students, commenting on the 'lively communication' between students and naturalists. Teachers also said their students have 'enjoyed seeing what they're learning about in the classroom first-hand.' Responses from students also indicate they are fully engaged in the learning process. They welcome the opportunity to engage with experts and visit an environment outside of their home region. The program also heightens curiosity about marine biology and ecology.

The future of distance learning at WMHO is very bright. Last fall, WMHO began offering an 'Electronic Explorations' series for adults on Long Island. WMHO is bringing programs from content providers such as theSmithsonian Environmental Research Center, the Ocean Institute and the Cincinnati Zoo into its facility to introduce videoconferencing to a population inexperienced with this technology. In the process, adults will be provided with lifelong learning experiences. In addition, this year WMHO will launch a new distance learning program called 'The First Long Islanders.' This videoconference will focus on the Native Americans who settled in Stony Brook before the Europeans set foot on these shores. WMHO's Marine Conservation Center broadcast location is next to a Native American site where an anthropological dig unearthed items 3,000 years old. But these distance learning programs are pieces of a much larger picture. WMHO is currently building an 8,800-square-foot Educational and Cultural Center equipped with videoconferencing units and telecommunications technology.

Contact Information

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization
Stony Brook, NY
(631) 751-2244
www.stonybrookvillage.com/mainsitepages/education.htm