1 Kim Breuninger, Chester County IU Scott Bryan, St. Clair County RESA (remote) Dr. Robert Dixon, OARnet, OSU Mike Maison, St. Clair County RESA (remote) Jennifer MacDougall, MAGPI/UPENN Kathy Kraemer, TIES Sue Rutkofske, St. Clair County RESA (remote) Jonathon Tyman, Internet 2 Students from around the World Fall Internet2 Member Meeting Wednesday September 29, 2004

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3 May 6, countries and 29 states participated China, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Canada, Singapore, and the United States Virginia, Hawaii, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Maine, Minnesota, Rhode Island, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Florida, Texas, New Jersey, Indiana, New York, Wisconsin, Missouri, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Washington, Nebraska, Iowa, Arkansas, North Dakota, Georgia, Illinois, Alaska Over 3, 000 viewers “I learned more in that one day about cultural similarities and differences, international music, videoconferencing production, teamwork and the potential of Internet2 than I ever imagined.”

4 Key Facts 85% felt it was worthwhile and educational 50% of the participants stayed connected for more than 7 hours 94% found videoconferencing to be an effective method for holding this event “Our students were astonished and touched that they were able to "reach" children far far away so easily -especially when they were drumming and the little students on the screen began to dance to their music!”

5 Did it meet its objectives? YES “My students (9-12 grade geography) were overwhelmingly impressed with the concept of video teleconferencing. I received many comments regarding their amazement at talking in real time to people all over the world.”

6 Objective 1: To improve students understanding of high speed networks, videoconferencing, and international protocols 80% of teachers said the most beneficial result was an increase in knowledge of videoconferencing 73% said students showed a moderate to significant increase in knowledge of videoconferencing 70% said they felt a moderate to significant in understanding the benefits of high speed networks

7 Objective 2: To enable student communication with others around the world and increase cultural awareness 80% felt that students’ knowledge of other cultures increased a moderate to significant amount. 81% liked the cultural exchanges and information best about the conference 66% felt students’ knowledge of geography increased a moderate to significant amount So cool! Are they really in Australia?

8 Objective 3: To build sustainable collaborative partnerships 72% indicated they wanted to form a collaborative project (16% already have!) MyK20 website expanded to fit the needs of k-12 education –World Language Collaborative Exchange (Pennsylvania, Spain) –Texas Connects: Pearl Harbor Remembered (Texas) –Elementary Ecology/Birds of Prey Project (Rhode Island, Pennsylvania) –Discovering our Global Voice. Connecting via video with students domestically and abroad (North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Belgium) –"You say Keewatin we say Keewahdin"- (Michigan, Canada)

9 What would you say were the most significant educational benefits of this experience? Created an event that made others look more closely at video conferencing as a powerful educational tool International teamwork, new friendships between the schools The demonstrated ability to do worldwide networking Students and teachers learned about the problems associated with videoconferencing “There are not enough words in the world to properly thank you for this awesome day and the wonderful gift you have given our children lives -now and in the future. My sincerest thanks for all you have poured into this professionally and personally.”

10 Northland College, New Zealand

11 Lessons Learned We needed 100 more planning days We needed 100 more planning members There are 1,000’s of people the world over willing to build, foster and sustain educational opportunities that benefit children and the future of our world. “Megaconference Jr. will doubtlessly have a significant impact on education in the 21st Century. As exciting as that may be, consider the personal impact that it may have on today's participants. They will never view the world the same. It was a privilege to be a part of it.” John Branson, CCIU

12 Changes to the Model Originally three committees: –Program –Technical –Outreach “The students were really amazed to be interacting with other students from around the world. One student remarked, "This is so cool... we're talking to people across the world. It's Friday there!" Presenters VJ’s Chatrooms High-speed networking/VC Database/Website Communication/Documentation Cafes/Entertainment 2005

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14 Requested Changes Revise registration and website All participants and presenters are not accepted until testing has been completed Attempt to create zones for bridging Longer planning timeline Create multiple chatrooms: presenters, participants, help desk Provide lesson plans aligned to standards (where possible) “Of course, none of us can truly realize yet how great the accomplishment has been and how far the waves will travel in affecting education and whole world communication - exciting and scary.”

15 Requested Changes (continued) Possible streams based on content or grade More training for video jockeys and some way to notify people of what is coming up Rehearsals must be exactly as presentation will be done, all presenters present Longer café times and a means to communicate with each other offline

16 Megaconference Jr May 5th See you there!