Texas high school students are traveling the world – virtually – using hosted phone, video and teleconferencing technology.
Whether it is through debates with high school students in other nations or through simple exchanges, students taught by Del Valle High School educator Michael Cunningham learn much more about the world by having live interactions with their peers globally.
“Today we had a moot court with the Czech Republic and then a debate with Sisler High School in Winnipeg, Canada,” Cunningham said in a recent statement. “And last fall we had a video conference about Iran from Pittsburgh at the same time my students were arguing with Kehrad High School of Iran.”
In fact, Del Valle has held debates with Iranian students over five years – a rare opportunity for the Texas students – given that the United States has limited contact with the nation frequently at political odds with America. Not too long ago, an educator from Israel also wanted to take part in the virtual sessions with Texas students.
Because of the diverse locations of these other high schools – the interchanges give Texas high school students “real world” insights into current events.
Another example took place in February, when Cunningham’s students debated issues related to trafficking of illegal drugs with students from a high school in South Australia.
Cunningham first started using video conferencing as part of his classes in 2001. He has involved schools in other parts of the United States, and in locations in Europe, the Middle East and Australia. Thanks to the technology, Del Valle High School has taken part in global educational programs with some 225 schools found in 75 different nations.
Cunningham is trying to encourage other schools to do likewise. In 2011, Cunningham started the Virtual Teacher Exchange. Its goal is to “connect teachers, administrators, and concerned parents from all over the world so that we can create a better school system everywhere for everyone.”
It wants to provide world-class schools “by including every classroom in the world.”
One added advantage is the cost to use such technology is comparatively low, so even school districts of modest means can take part.
BroadConnect Telecom is supportive of the idea. In a blog post, the company points out that the Federal Communications Commission wants to see more interconnected educational efforts in the United States. The FCC (News - Alert) has already committed $2 billion to improving communications networks in schools and public libraries.
Teachers want to see improved connections, too. Pew (News - Alert) Research released a related survey recently which showed that a majority of 2,000 teachers said that the Internet has a “major impact” on their ability to educate students.
“Given the kick start that this vertical very clearly needs to make IP an industry-standard, it’s always welcome news to hear of a classroom taking that first step and paving the way for others,” BroadConnect comments in the blog post.
BroadConnect is also a leader when it comes to business use of hosted phone systems. Companies worldwide can no doubt learn a thing or two about global use of technology from the students’ experiences. Businesses can enhance their Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, mobile device support, video conferencing methods, data collection and employ a hosted service – by taking advantage of BroadConnect technology. It can be used for important business meetings, without the expense of traveling. Large numbers of employees can take, part, too thanks to the technology.
Edited by Alisen Downey