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Telecommunications References and EFT -- Background Discussion
This "course" is more of a technique that can be integrated with
any course and is called the Electronic Field Trip (EFT). It is
based on the concept of Computer-Based Educational Telecommunication
(J.H. Southworth, "Computer-Based Educational Telecommunication
(CBET) for Cooperative National and International Learning, Research
and Administrative Activities." National Association of Laboratory
Schools Conference, Houston, Texas, February 1982.) My first experience in working with the Pan Pacific Education
and Cultural Experiments by Satellite (PEACESAT), an educational
satellite program started at the University of Hawaii in the late
1960s using obsolete weather satellites. (Kingan, G., J. Flanigan,
and J. Southworth). "The Applications Technology Satellite Networks:
Twenty Years of Distance Education in the Pacific Basin," paper
given at World Conference on Computers in Education (WCCE/90), Sydney,
Australia, July 1990.) PEACESAT was open for free, public use to communicate between Hawaii and islands in the Pacific such as American Samoa, Guam, Raratonga, and New Zealand. An early use came in conjunction with the start of the American Field Service International Scholarship Program (AFSIS) in Hawaii that was involved with the international exchange of high school students. The Pacific AFS PEACESAT Educational Communication System (PAFSPECS) was the name of the series of programs that featured travel and living experiences of AFS exchange students in Hawaii, New Zealand and other locations. The multimedia program involved local viewing of duplicated 35mm slides with narration and discussion carried live by PEACESAT. (Southworth, J., "Use of Multi-Media Technology in Cross-Cultural Education," World Educators Conference, Honolulu, Hawaii, July 1977). This grew into a MMN (Multi-Mode Node) communication system that allowed integration of non-compatible electronic systems. For example, in the PEACESAT Computers in Education series involved getting computer message and postings from other parts of the world. These were read over PEACESAT network to others not able to connect to a computer network. Discussion from the PEACESAT sessions was summarized and posted back on the computer network for all to read. (Southworth, J.H., J.M. Flanigan, and G.A. Knezek, "Computers in Education: International Multi-Mode Node Electronic Conferencing," Pacific Telecommunications Council Conference, Honolulu, Hawaii, January 1981.) In the mid-1980's, I worked with the Hawaii Department of Education in starting the Telecommunication Enriches Language Experiences (TELEclass) Project that utilized CBET in linking Hawaii foreign language students with students overseas studying English. (Southworth, J.H., "The Hawaii Global TELEclass Project and Multimedia Computer-Based Educational Telecommunications (CBET)," chapter in the Learning Tomorrow Series, Apple Computer Corporation, 1987). At that time the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI) was viewed as the way to get machines programmed to provide "human-like" responses in Computer Assisted Instruction. I used the term Natural Intelligence (NI) as being the key to creative use of humans through CBET. (Southworth, J.H., "Multimedia Computer-Based Educational Telecommunication and the Hawaii Global TELEclass Project: A Distance Learning - Technology Model for International Education.") An important element in our EFT utilization has been the concept
of using available technology. In the early years we rarely had
interisland EFTs because of the high long-distance telephone costs.
However, we DID have international EFTS thanks to the availability
of PEACESAT and free educational and community service satellite
exchanges they made possible. Another element I find especially
fascinating in these times of rapidly developing telecommunications
resources is the use of a working model and systems. Our first EFTs
at the UH Lab School involved inexpensive (voice only) speakerphones.
Later, during the days of the TELEclass Project, we discovered a
videophone (Lumaphone) that allowed for the addition of still, black
and white pictures to be exchanged by EFT participants. Videoconferencing
technologies now come in color with full-motion pictures that give
almost a live presence to EFT programs. These utilize special phone
lines or now the Internet networks. However, we still use the Lumaphone
in situations were such resources are not available. Sometimes,
I think, a simple, still photo is better in that it stays on the
screen and one can focus on what is being said; photos can be updated
with the push of the button. With the full-motion systems students
sometimes get preoccupied with maintaining their position/view all
the time since the camera captures every second of the activity.
I think this can be distracting to them, sometimes. I really didn't take many courses as I was already involved with
teaching, having been a Peace Corps science and math teacher in
Malaysia just prior to coming to Hawaii, where I first worked in
the Hilo Peace Corps training center and then came to UH Manoa to
complete a masters in Oceanography just before starting to teach
science at UH and later at UH Lab School. Because I was busy teaching, I had to pick up my computer and
telecommunications experience from my extracurricular work with
AFS using PEACESAT. I began to integrate these experiences into
my classes and other educational and community activities. (In the
early 1980's, I worked with CRDG colleagues in helping design the
original Computer Literacy Scope and Sequence and subsequently helped
with the first professional development of DOE teachers.) My Students interact with medical technology educators at UH via
computer e-mail or bulletin board forum. Live teleconference for
Q&A followed by e-mailed/bulletin board discussion and thank
you notes. My students have found the use of EFTs as an interesting way to
bring relevance to my courses. These are really "value-added" experiences
that can be integrated into courses using various strategies from
being a major part of the course to being a single, short-term experience
during the course. While I am looking to develop opportunities for using new technologies
with better voice and video as well as message/data posting alternatives,
I urge the concept of using "available technologies and techniques"
as a way to meet challenges that require adapting to limitations
in not have the ideal, state-of-the-art systems. 9. Development of Current Resources Essentially applying the statement made in 8. Also, look for ways
to collaborate both in terms of getting the basic equipment/services
but in terms of developing links with other schools, teachers, students,
and professionals in the community. That planning for the future and having state-of-the-art systems
is nice but START TODAY with what you have and get experience with
the basic techniques so you can help justify more advanced systems
and will have the skills to make better use of them. The standards met in this course include: Career and Life Skills,
Educational Technology, Science, and Language Arts (and others depending
on EFT topic selected). Participating in professional organizations in education (e.g.
Hawaii Science Teachers Association) and educational technology
(e.g. Pan Pacific Distance Learning Association or Pacific Telecommunications
Council) as well as watching the web for ideas and opportunities
to collaborate. To explore collaborative work with the UH College of Tropical
Agriculture and Human Resources "Student Ambassador" program that
has prepared undergraduate students to go to schools to tell about
college and careers in the various disciplines covered by CTAHR.
Have started to work with them to develop a "value added" component
of using EFTs to allow them to visit a wider number and more distant
classrooms from the UH campus. 14. Benefits of Technology Integration Gaining friends around the world and providing students the opportunity
to have their horizons broadened as they move toward college, career,
and life choices. |
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Acknowledgements
& Disclaimers Last Up-dated on December 22, 2002 |