Building Deeper Connections Through Technology

What better way to learn about what you are studying than by going there!? As part of their study of habitats and geography second graders at Ventana Vista Elementary School participated in a Live Dive with park rangers from Channel Islands National Park in California. School CTI, Mr. Noah Mickey-Colman, collaborated with the park rangers to schedule the session, create learning goals that aligned with CFSD's standards of learning, and to ensure the technology was set up and working correctly.

The classes participated in a video skype with park rangers who were simultaneously scuba diving and giving them a tour around the kelp forest in the marine sanctuary of the park. Students were able to deepen their learning about habitats, adaptations, and geography "virtually travelling" to the place they had been studying and by creating their own personal connection. Students were deeply engaged in the session! In addition, they were engaging in the Deep Learning Proficiencies of Communication, Citizenship, and Creativity and Innovation.

Educational technology involved in this experience is amazing to think about and reflect on! Students and teachers were deeply engaged and fascinated with the experience and it is one that we won't soon forget. Just look at the faces of the students as they participate by watching video summary of the experience below.

Are you interested in extending learning beyond the walls of your classroom too? We can find something similar for almost anything you are studying in your classroom!