|
8/3/2007
An August 1, 2007 article from USA Today reports that several zoos across the nation utilize video-conferencing systems to allow students to observe animals without ever leaving the classroom. Last year, over 85,000 students benefited from this technology. In addition to seeing the animals, students can also talk with zookeepers and staff veterinarians via video-conferencing. Teachers and school districts benefit because they can concentrate on specific animals that are part of their current lessons, while avoiding the costs and liabilities of traditional field trips. Depending on the zoo's system, classrooms from multiple schools can sometimes connect to the same broadcasts. Most educators agree that use of technology should complement, rather than completely replace, traditional field trips.
The article is available at the USA Today Web site.
|
