Polycom sponsors massive video conferencing project for schools

Polycom and TWICE (Two-Way Interactive Connections in Education) are sponsoring the Read Around the Planet 2009 project, which will link up more than 1,750 classrooms and some 52,000 students from five countries with video conferencing sessions.

A fourth-grader in Berrien Springs, Michigan shares artwork and a story with fourth graders in Carthage, New York over video conferencing as part of ‘Read Around the Planet.’

Designed to promote reading and the opportunities for classroom collaborations in education, the Read Around the Planet program will run between Feb. 23 and March 6, 2009 and is timed in conjunction with NEA’s Read Across America Day on March 2 — the birthday of children’s author Dr. Seuss — and World Book Day on March 5.

Each class registers for the program and is matched with a class in another state or country based on student age and curriculum interests. The two classes connect by video conferencing and each call is unique with content and activities determined by the teachers.

“Our involvement with the Read Around the Planet program began six years ago and since we have had many exciting connections with schools in other states, as well as other countries including Wales and Alberta, Canada,” said Linda McConville, a fourth grade teacher with E. P. Clarke Elementary School in St. Joseph, Michigan. “The students love the interaction and think it is a ‘cool’ way to learn. During our collaborations, each class shares special things about their community, then we participate in an activity where we read and act out stories or silly poetry, and then students get a chance to ask each other questions and learn what they have in common. It’s a great activity to enhance our curriculum and we look forward to more participation in years ahead.”

“Since launching the Read Around the Planet program eight years ago in conjunction with NEA’s ‘Read Across America,’ the project has grown from less than 200 U.S. classes to nearly 1,800 classes from five countries,” said Michael Maison, president of TWICE. “TWICE embraces this project as it continues to grow every year and Polycom’s investment in the CAPspace program has been instrumental in our ability to scale the program. Seeing students unite, share, collaborate and learn from each other is a wonderful experience for everyone involved.”

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Tags: polycom, video conferencing

Category: Applications, Green corporations