Shared Classes

SchoolAccess DLS can be used to deliver classes to a school that either does not have a qualified teacher on staff or does not have qualified teachers who are readily available. Classes are taught by a highly-qualified teacher from a central location with assistance from a local facilitating teacher. Teachers use videoconferences for direct instruction and a web-based course management application for indirect instruction. Shared classes typically offer semester/quarter credit for students and meet state and district graduation requirements. Examples of shared classes are highlighted below.

• Do the Math: Algebra I and Geometry - The Lower Kuskokwim and Southwest Region school districts offered specialized math classes to students throughout their regions. Specifically, Lower Kuskokwim connected one centrally-located teacher three times a day for Algebra I and Geometry classes. Overall, the program connected approximately 145 students in 18 villages.

Collaborative Learning

SchoolAccess DLS can be used for collaborative learning between students and teachers in different locations. Collaborative learning events may occur once, or may occur multiple times over several weeks or an entire school year. Specific examples of collaborative learning programs include the following:

• Battling the Books with Distance Learning - The Lower Yukon and Bering Strait school districts engaged in a "Battle of the Books" through a series of 23 videoconferences. The districts used this as practice for a statewide competition as well as to conduct inter-district practice sessions.

Enrichment Opportunities

SchoolAccess DLS can also bring enrichment opportunities to the classroom. Many schools use field trips to enhance and reinforce learning in the classroom. Videoconferencing allows teachers to take their students to locations outside of the village (city), state and country that they otherwise would not get to visit. Below are several examples of enrichment opportunities.

• Shooting for the Stars with NASA - The Southwest Region School District used distance learning technology to link the Manokotak School with the crew of the International Space Station. The Bering Strait School District likewise participated in three distance learning missions with NASA's Johnson Space Center Distance Learning & Education Project, including one on robotics in space.

Student Services

SchoolAccess DLS can connect deaf students to sign interpreters; a juvenile delinquent with his/her parole officer; or low incident disability specialists with special needs students and their teachers. Many student services that cannot be provided within a student's community can be delivered via videoconferencing. Arrangements must be made with the district office and/or external service provider agency, but all of these services are being provided by videoconferencing today.