Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students PORTS Distance Learning Program

Seventh Generation-The Strategic Vision of California State Parks, 2001 Increase Diversity-“There is a need to improve the visibility and relevancy of the Department for a large portion of the public we serve.” Utilize Technology-“The Department must expand opportunities in the utilization of technology to accomplish its mission.” Why PORTS? A New Vision for California State Parks, 2014 Our vision is of a system of parks that expertly protects the state’s iconic landscapes, natural resources, and cultural heritage; is accessible to all Californians; engages younger generations; and promotes the healthy lifestyles and communities that are uniquely Californian

PORTS Distance Learning Program A Bold Approach A Bold Approach Target Audiences Urban and underserved communities. PORTS provides access to park resources and professionals regardless of geographic location or economic status of students. FREE Program Infuse Interpretation and Technology Online Units of Study Interactive Videoconference Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards taught in the context of California State Parks From our teacher survey… Our school has little money for field trips, and students come from low‐income families that rarely travel to places such as state parks. From our teacher survey… Our school has little money for field trips, and students come from low‐income families that rarely travel to places such as state parks. From our teacher survey… Berndt came to visit me and he was willing to help us get started. Without that support I would not have attempted it. From our teacher survey… Berndt came to visit me and he was willing to help us get started. Without that support I would not have attempted it. Coordinated Outreach County Offices of Education School Districts Educators/Administrators Technology Specialists Professional Organizations From our teacher survey… (PORTS) Enhances learning experiences using "real world" situations and technology supports additional learning modalities. From our teacher survey… (PORTS) Enhances learning experiences using "real world" situations and technology supports additional learning modalities.

PORTS Distance Learning Program

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PORTS Distance Learning Program Partnerships

We Know There’s a Need Were you able to go on a field trip to a California State Park with your class this year? PORTS 2014/2015 school year teacher survey 239 responses through 4/26/2015

PORTS Distance Learning Program …The presenter did a fantastic job of zooming in close on things like the carvings/poetry on the wall, the grids on the windows and the photo hanging on the wall so that we could have a better idea of what we were looking at. It was a very powerful presentation for our students! …The interpreters are all very knowledgeable and friendly. The way LuAnn engages the students while covering important elements of the Common Core standards is second to none… …Ryan was fantastic and we so enjoyed his enthusiasm with each videoconference. Students were engaged and learned so much about state parks, water and fish conservation. It was well done…. Personal and Engaging Park Experiences …Virtual trips are extremely engaging and provide students with the opportunity of a clearer understanding of the topic that books alone provide. My students and I loved the presentation...