1. CRB Distance Learning Project Teaching Assistant Survey 2003 – 2004 School Year... BOCES Distance Learning Program Quality Access Support

2. CRB Distance Learning Project Teaching Assistant Survey 2003 – 2004 School Year... BOCES Distance Learning Program Quality Access Support 2. What did you like about the Distance Learning experience? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ I was fortunate to be in Sign Language a new experience. Duanesburg students enjoyed interacting with the other students and so did I. It gave the students a learning experience they normally would not have received during a typical school day. I was able to see the extra effort most of the students put in their work and responses. I like interacting with other schools and watching the students get more confident on camera. The equipment at our home site worked well once we got used to the equipment. The course including information far beyond the scope of the course to introduce real life experience. Mr. Patzarian made class interesting. Different school and classroom participation. - I feel strongly that some of my students benefited from the exchange because our students are in the country and other students in the suburbs - great exchange of thoughts.

3. CRB Distance Learning Project Teaching Assistant Survey 2003 – 2004 School Year... BOCES Distance Learning Program Quality Access Support 3. What did you dislike about the Distance Learning experience? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________.. THIS - by the time our students arrived host at Cohoes and BKW were knee deep in discussions! When not the host school sometimes our students felt slighted that the conversation was one-sided and that the teacher spoke mainly to her students. I feel [the teacher] did a very poor job in utilizing the room to teach the class. He did not interact very well with [our students]. Rarely involving them in class discussion. The students had only 30 min class. With the time difference sometimes it is an inconvenience. If there is a test for example and it is not faxed over in time. Obviously any technical problems. - All the little problems that shut the system down from classroom time. - The distance also prevented some of our students from accompanying their classmates on field trips. Sometimes its hard to watch (when) the other schools get the most teacher time.

4. CRB Distance Learning Project Teaching Assistant Survey 2003 – 2004 School Year... BOCES Distance Learning Program Quality Access Support ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ Calling the toll free number was a ray of sunshine for me. The person(s) on the other end, whom ever it was, was always cheerful and very helpful. Really couldn't do enough for me. I had no difficulty getting through when ever difficulties arose. Always helpful! I didn't need to at all this year. 4. Did you feel comfortable calling the DL toll free number for technical support? All those who responded said,“Yes, I did.” Comments:

5. CRB Distance Learning Project Teaching Assistant Survey 2003 – 2004 School Year... BOCES Distance Learning Program Quality Access Support ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ Your support team that I have dealt with was always there to help me out. If they couldn't help me they found someone to help me. Eileen was very helpful and she took the time to go over the main controls with my fellow aides and I. They assisted us with everything that we needed. Very much so, we would call and either the problem was fixed right away or communication was made if problem could not be fixed immediately. 5. Were you satisfied with the assistance of the BOCES support team? All responded,“Yes, I was satisfied.” Comments:

6. CRB Distance Learning Project Teaching Assistant Survey 2003 – 2004 School Year... BOCES Distance Learning Program Quality Access Support 6. What changes would you offer to improve the DL program? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ Suggest to all teachers with time differences that they fax all material prior to start of class…too much time wasted for material being copied. Teachers that stay on course and keep students interested, involved in the class so that most students feel a part of the class and will pay attention and participate. More organization, preparation of materials, less free time between course and school schedule. The teacher should go to the different sites to teach at least one time. Work on the time schedule more…Create a criteria for students selected to take the classes and address the issues with field trips between schools. Somehow check out any new teachers and how they teach. Some are just not able to teach using distance learning. It might be that they don’t know enough about how the room works or what things they may do in the room.

7. CRB Distance Learning Project Teaching Assistant Survey 2003 – 2004 School Year... BOCES Distance Learning Program Quality Access Support 7. General Comments ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ A very positive experience! Both teachers did their very best to meet the student's needs. The sign language course was excellent. The students had the opportunity to meet hearing impaired students and sign with them. Require each teacher to do at least one visit to each school that is involved in that class and to teach from that site. I feel guidance dept should be more selective when putting students in DL Classes. Only responsible, mature students should be allowed to take these courses. The students were able to have an honest interaction with the teacher. I was impressed by the teacher, his methods and the children's reaction to him. Also I found the subject matter interesting. It was a wonderful experience and the students did well. The class trip …was the best, we went to NY police Academy Forensic Lab. This is useful as a stepping stone for students who want to pursue a career in forensics. It gives them insight.