This document discusses the importance of providing rural schools with access to technology and connectivity. It argues that digital tools can enhance student engagement, support independent learning through online projects, and allow cultural sharing to foster understanding. A variety of online resources and collaboration platforms are presented as examples of how connectivity can provide learning opportunities for students. Concerns about access and a "digital diet" are also addressed, along with a call for educators to help students become informed digital citizens.

1. Connecting our Rural
Communities
Making the case for why rural schools need the
best technology available

2. Ginger Lewman
Director, f2f Program
Turning Point Learning Center
Emporia, Kansas
GingerTPLC@gmail.com

3. 12 miles outside town,
population 92
Town burned
down 40
years earlier

4. Who are you?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/russell-higgs/267060301/in/set-72157594379908106/

7. Why connect our kids?
Digital Immigrant and
Digital Native?
STEM skills?
Cultural sharing leads to
understanding?
Student engagement?
“Discover,” not “cover?”
Other?

8. Audience Choice
http://www.flickr.com/photos/49024304@N00/47244105/

9. Tools it is!

10. Poster
Session at
NAGC
http://tinyurl.com/ykal8bt
Skype, FlashMeeting,
Nings, Gifted Ed 2.0

11. So you want Projects!
...for Independent Learning?
iTunes U
LiveMocha (learn a language)

12. More Project ideas
available for you!
Monster Projects (elem - MS) www.monsterexchange.org
Skype in Schools (elem - HS) http://skypeinschools.pbworks.com
Virtual Life Programs: www.teachingwow.org
Composer Project (elem - HS) http://composerproject.wikispaces.com
Digital Poetry Slam (MS - HS) www.kigluaitadventures.com/poetryslam
ArtSnacks (elem - HS) www.artsnacks.org
DrawSpace www.drawspace.com
Skype an Author wiki: http://skypeanauthor.wetpaint.com/

13. Projects requiring H.323
MAGPI (the Mid-Atlantic Gigapop in Philadelphia for
Internet2): http://www.magpi.net/
Global Nomads Group: www.gng.org
Collaborations Across the Planet: www.twice.cc/read

14. Need more ideas?
Get involved in a network, ie www.Plurk.com or
www.Twitter.com or www.giftededucation.ning.com
and ask around or just pay attention. Folks are asking
for collaborations all the time!
Find me on there, GingerTPLC and remind me where
we met. I’ll get you started with a great group of
educators!

15. Access is the concern, huh?
http://unmaskdigitaltruth.pbworks.com/

16. Teach them!
http://digicitizen.wikispaces.com/

17. Lost Generation
(Click to play video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42E2fAWM6rA

18. Digital Diet
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevewilhelm/2675826564/in/set-72157605697472653/

19. Be an oasis of learning for
your kids!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cyberslayer/1308311326/in/photostream/