New York's elementary and secondary schools are the heart of our world-class education system. Their continuing pursuit of educational excellence is key to ensuring the competitiveness of our state and nation in an increasingly dynamic and complex global economy. New York's K12 teachers are addressing this challenge by adopting lesson plans and employing technologies that promote student-centric learning and development of 21st Century Skills.
Real-life, real-time, network-enabled interactive lessons are the foundation of student-centric learning. To be effective such lessons require capabilities beyond those available in the commercial Internet. In collaboration with New York's Regional Information Centers (RICs), NYSERNet is providing New York's K12 classrooms with the high-performance network connections they need to be successful in making this pedagogical shift.
Through the NYSERNet/RIC partnership and the network connectivity it provides K12, NYSERNet is bolstering efforts by teachers to integrate advanced technology in the classroom. Here are some of the ways New York's K12 teachers and students are using their NYSERNet connections:
- Second graders are interacting with students in a school in London to discover cultural diversity and learn what it means to be global citizens.
- High school physics students are participating in research on the birth of the universe with NASA scientists using data generated by the Large Hadron Collider.
- Middle schoolers are following researchers from NEPTUNE Canada as they use ROVs to explore the mysteries of the world's oceans.
- A jazz ensemble in a Rochester high school performs live with a master trumpeter in New York City.
Research demonstrates that interactive technology engages and motivates students, resulting in increased learning, deeper understanding and higher achievement. More than this, however, using the technology provides students with skills and knowledge they need to compete in the global economy.
The network connectivity NYSERNet provides is essential but not sufficient to achieve this outcome. Educators need help identifying online resources and learning opportunities that support specific curriculum requirements. NYSERNet offers the following assistance to educators engaged in this pursuit:
- A website containing information on resources uniquely available via the global education network fabric.
- A dedicated K12 Program Manager available to work with the RICs and their component schools to inform teachers and students about relevant programs and projects.
- NYSERNet is represented on Internet2's K-20 Advisory Committee, a group sharing best practices and ideas for promoting the use of emerging technologies in the classroom.
For more information on how NYSERNet can support your networking or teaching and learning efforts, please contact NYSERNet membership staff.
