Amy Garrett
Park Ranger/Education Coordinator
Homestead National Monument of America
8523 West State Highway 4
Beatrice, NE 68310-1308
Ph:. 402.223.3514
Fax: 402.228.4231
Amy_Garrett@nps.gov
Seminar Title:
"Distance Learning & Interpretation:
Issues & Opportunities"
Ms. Garrett will discuss her application of distance learning technologies to curriculum-based education programs in Nebraska. Her efforts were so innovative and successful that she received the National Park Service's highest honor in November 2003, the National Freeman Tilden Award. Ms. Garrett will engage participants in a dialogue to explore opportunities and practicial considerations for implementing distance learning-based approaches at interpretive sites nationwide.
Biographical
Sketch:
2003 National
Freeman Tilden Award Winner
Amy Garrett has worked in Yellowstone NP and Death Valley NP and has been involved with a variety of interpretive programs and techniques.
For the last three years Amy has served as the Education Coordinator for Homestead NM of America in southeast Nebraska. During her time at Homestead she has pioneered a new distance learning program that enables the park to reach students outside the commuting distance to the park and provide curriculum-based enrichment activities for students across the state of Nebraska. This distance learning technology is Internet Protocol (IP) based and uses a broadband connection to carry both audio and video across the internet. This allows for a real-time, on-demand system that provides access to park resources that are normally not available to students.
The distance learning technology is mobile and is capable of being used outside on the 100 acres of restored tallgrass prairie. In May 2003 the distance learning cart was used during the annual prescribed burn to show, in real-time, the fire on the tallgrass prairie. While the fire was burning wildland firefighters were able to discuss with two high schools the tools of wildland firefighting and the ecology of fire on the tallgrass prairie ecosystem. Students remarked, "It was so cool to be a part of the action, but without the smell of the smoke."
Another example of how the technology is used is providing a live, virtual tour of the Palmer-Epard homesteader cabin. Students are able to see and ask questions as artifacts are observed in location. Being able to compare and contrast a 19th Century home with a 21st Century home allows for a greater understanding of how pioneers lived and some of the challenges they faced. Additionally, the distance learning cart is used during the annual Heartland Storytelling Festival held at the Monument. Students are able to interact with the professional storytellers and also interact with other students.
With the advent of distance learning technology new curriculum was devised to be given across the technology. More resources are used, but the use of the technology is limited only by imagination.
Today, distance learning
at Homestead NM of America is applying wireless technology to provide
greater access to more resources. With the wireless application a connection
can now be made from the historic one-room Freeman School that is part
of the Monument. Also, Amy is working with other partners in distance
learning to bring the technology to other NPS sites.
.