HSD Videoconferencing

Videoconferencing technology has come to Hempfield through low-end technology solutions including Skype and iChat to our high-end technology solutions. A 8000series Polycom room was installed at HHS in the summer of 2007. Through a joint grant with IU13 the district received a mobile 7000series PolyCom unit that can be used in any district building. During the 2007-2008 school year a distance Chinese was delivered daily to neighboring school districts. German classes practiced their dialogues and two third grade classes debated issues for the upcoming Presidential election using Skype and iChat. Sixth grade students at LIC participated in a videoconference about Rome through grant funding from the Hempfield Education Foundation. High school classes interacted with the Football Hall of Fame, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Learning Center for videoconferences on a variety of curricular topics. Videoconferencing was also used for staff development workshops on differentiated instruction with Catherine Brighton and Carol Ann Tomlinson from the University of Virginia’s Curry School of Education. We look forward to expanding the opportunities for students and staff through videoconferencing in the 2008-2009 school year.