Project Lead: Michele Nickels

Contact Information: 715-365-4685

Objective

The objective of this project was to build upon an existing distance education ITV network to provide students, teachers, and their communities with knowledge about current issues facing the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, as well as provide them with hands-on experiences to enhance their learning. The project was designed to reach approximately 880 students, teachers and community members in Crandon, Elcho, Goodman, Laona, and Mercer Tomahawk school districts who are members of the Nicolet Distance Education Network (NDEN) as well as other schools whose participation did not include hands-on experiences. Additionally, the information presented was made available to members of the Wisconsin Association of Distance Education Networks (WADEN) through the 40 Wisconsin Interactive Television Networks located in over 500 schools and communities throughout the state.

Project Management

This project was an extension of an already existing program, thus enabling the project manager to draw upon previous experiences and existing partnerships. Because the project had a large number of stakeholders with each having their own objectives they were trying to achieve, the project manager organized a meeting at the beginning of the project to collect input and create a shared vision among the project stakeholders. In addition they discussed the project’s organization and oversight to ensure transparency throughout its duration. In the following months, the project manager facilitated communication and face-to-face meetings between project partners and participating students and teachers to ensure on-going understanding of the objectives as well as making adjustments as needed due to unanticipated changes in personnel. In addition, the project manager maintained involvement with the school administrators whose support for the project was key to its success.

Technology

The project used Interactive Television (ITV) network already available throughout the region. ITV technology allows for real time transmission of audio, video and data between all participant sites and helps to bridge the geographical distance between communities of learners. The technology was used by project participants to obtain necessary background information and to disseminate project results to other project participants and other interested parties statewide. In addition to the ITV network, the NDEN Web site further disseminates project information along with contact information so communities within the northern hardwood regions can implement similar programs on their National Forests.

Experience to Date

The overall experience of the project team and of the participants has been very positive. The teachers and forest personnel were able to build relationships that will enable them to continue with their projects and gained knowledge not only about forestry but also about the ITV network and its potential. Similarly, the hands-on projects gave students unique opportunity to gain a better understanding of their communities and its surroundings.

The project also reaffirmed the value of existing partnerships and the necessity of on-going communication. As mentioned above, changes in personnel required the project manager to negotiate new objectives and to make changes necessary to accommodate the new expectations. The project also required unexpected amount of materials and time and cost associated with getting them into the correct hands for various projects.

Advice to Others

“Embarking on a project of this scope that involves numerous school districts and resource organizations requires rigorous planning meetings to allow for open dialogue between all participants. This will ensure that the participants have a clear understanding of the project, there is sufficient support to carry out all components of the project and that the project is designed to meet the goals, mission and curricular needs of all parties involved.”