Distance Learning Network

For more information contact Tony Abbatiello, Distance Learning Coordinator
Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES 5980 South Street Road Auburn, New York 13021-5699
Phone: 315-253-0361 Ext. 150 Fax: 315-253-8757
E-Mail: tabbatiello@cayboces.org
Web page: http://www.cayboces.org/distancelearning.htm

Cayuga-Onondaga Distance Learning

The Cayuga-Onondaga Distance Learning Network is an interactive, fiber-optic linked communications network between seven of our component school districts, the BOCES campus, and Cayuga Community College. Each site has a classroom that is equipped with technology which allows teachers and students at one location to communicate with students at up to three other locations with full video and audio capabilities. The network was built in 1996 with the help of a Federal grant, and is operated on a shared cost basis with all network members. The network allows member schools to collaborate to offer educational opportunities for students that previously would not have been available. The member districts are Auburn, Cato-Meridian, Jordan-Elbridge, Port Byron, Southern Cayuga, Union Springs, Weedsport, Cayuga Community College, and BOCES

Goals of The Cayuga-Onondaga

Distance Learning Network

The mission of the Cayuga-Onondaga Distance Learning Network is to create and maintain an interactive learning resource at each site, and make this resource available to the whole community for education and training activities. The primary goals of the Network are to:

Goal #1: Create and support the technological systems and procedures needed to connect educators and life-long learners across the region.
Goal #2: Establish and cultivate communication and cooperation among the various partners in the community: students, teachers, administrators, business and industry, community organizations and the general public.
Goal #3: Encourage and support the use of learning modes and resources which will help children and adults to better understand the concepts, subjects, relationships and access information that will enhance prospects for individual and organizational success.
Goal #4: Develop a model for continual evaluation of technological tools and educational processes.

System Capabilities

Each distance learning classroom is equipped with, microphones, video cameras, and monitors that allow continuous real time visual and audio interaction between teachers and students. Each site has redundant monitors that allow constant visual contact no matter where an instructor is located in the room. Interactive communication can be achieved between four sites simultaneously. The network can be used for full teleconferencing needs with our ISDN video gateway. The system can also transmit one way broadcasts from any one site to all others in the network. Scheduling of the Distance Learning Network is accomplished by computer software. Within minutes of a request the classrooms can be linked to one another with full interactive capabilities.

Teachers and students also have at their disposal peripheral equipment that is integrated with the system to enhance information transfer. Each operator’s station is equipped with a computer with Microsoft Office and Internet access, a document projector which can display any written media including transparencies and three dimensional objects, and video tape recorders which can be used to record a session or playback information. All peripheral output signals can be transmitted on the network.

The system is controlled by a touch sensitive panel which brings all functions of the cameras, microphones, and peripheral equipment within fingertip reach of the operator. The operator can also move freely about the room and still be in constant visual contact to the other sites using either a hand held remote control unit or a special transmitter/collar that is linked to the remote tracking teacher camera or both.