February 2003 — Special Feature

Print this article

Click here to receive your FREE subscription to T.H.E. Journal

Streaming Technology Improves Student Achievement

By Ron Reed, President, United Learning

Several teacher surveys show concern over the time it takes to prepare Internet-based lessons. In addition to shared lessons, more student projects and cooperative learning activities that are student-centered can be developed. "Students assume greater control over the materials, making the learning process proactive. As a consequence, faculty gain more time in and out of class and can concentrate on further improvements to the learning process" (Miltenoff 2000).

Various forms of electronic lesson planners that involve Internet content are now available to assist teachers. In addition, many organizations, includ-ing the Institute for Teaching Through Technology and Innovative Practices in South Boston, Va., are providing training and building model lessons and activities for teachers to use. During the 2002-03 school year, video streaming will move from promise to practice at the classroom level in thousands of classrooms around the United States.

According to Scott Huggins, director of technology for Geneva Area City Schools in Ohio, teachers in his district download video to a server with a folder set aside that has 18 Gbps available for video. Once downloaded, the video is displayed on an LCD projector or 27" TV and used by the teacher in their classroom. Huggings says the feedback has been very positive: "Two of the teachers have said that it is the most valuable technology I have brought into the district."

By Ron Reed
(rreed@unitedlearning.com) President, United Learning

Contact Information
United Learning
Evanston, IL
(800) 323-9084
www.unitedlearning.com