Learning Tools | News

Indiana School Adds Streaming Video to STEM Courses

Perry Central Junior-Senior High School in Leopold, ID has signed on with a streaming video service in an effort to provide a wider range of materials in its science, technology, engineering, and math classes.

The school had previously adopted streaming video but found the service it selected wasn't updating materials often enough or providing materials that were engaging enough for students, according to Nancy Wright, science department chairwoman. The school is now using CCC! Video on Demand by New Dimension Media.

Wright explained that when reviewing information about CCC!, the first videos she was interested in were Disney Imagineering, Bill Nye, and other STEM-related videos.

"CCC! will be exciting for our kids and spark their interest in STEM and other areas of science," said Wright.

In January, New Dimension Media released streaming video focused exclusively on the areas of STEM. It includes more than 300 standards-based STEM programs from such venues as Planet H2O, Disney (including Eyes of Nye and Bill Nye the Science Guy), PBS Nature, the National Science Foundation, and Britannica SmartMath.

New Dimension's streaming services feature:

  • Original high-definition video (H.264), audio, maps, data, graphics, animation, and Flash-based media, and material from partner companies;
  • Hosting on an intranet server placed in the district network; and
  • Ability for school districts to add their own resources.

Wright said she has been using CCC! for approximately one month, and the Disney and Bill Nye videos especially capture students' attention.

She explained that the videos download easily, support state academic standards, and one-on-one technical support is "wonderful."

Perry Central Junior-Senior High School has more than 500 students in grades 7 through 12.

Other schools in the Midwest that have recently chosen CCC! Video on Demand include Western School District in Barry, IL; Southwest Parke Community School Corporation in Montezuma, IN; Darlington School District in Darlington, WI; Weyauwega-Fremont School District in Weyauwega, WI; and Central Public Schools in Norwood Young America, MN.

About the Author

Tim Sohn is a 10-year veteran of the news business, having served in capacities from reporter to editor-in-chief of a variety of publications including Web sites, daily and weekly newspapers, consumer and trade magazines, and wire services. He can be reached at [email protected] and followed on Twitter @editortim.

Whitepapers