In this episode, we interview Bruce Markeson to discuss the incredible virtual field trip opportunities offered through the Baseball Hall of Fame. Learn more about the Baseball Hall of Fame and how your students can experience a virtual field trip.

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CA BOCES Distance Learning has continued to offer free college credits to students in area districts participating in the Distance Learning CoSer. September 2 started the Fall semester with many area students enrolled in classes through Houghton University. They have been working hard to get a head start on their college credits. Through the Distance Learning partnership with Houghton University, many of these enrollments are at no cost to the participating districts or the students themselves.

The courses are administered within an online platform and instructed by Houghton professors with support provided to the students from a CABOCES Distance Learning Teacher. What a great way to start accumulating college experience and credits with some extra support!

No worries if you missed this great opportunity in the Fall, another opportunity starts January 3, 2025. Registration for the Spring 2025 semester has started and will continue through 12/20/2024. However, we are expecting the courses to fill up quickly, so if you are interested log onto Houghton Early College page and look over the available courses for the next semester.

The available courses are listed below:

• Business Communication
• Education and American Culture
• Educational Psychology
• Calculus w/ Pre Calc-B
• Enduring Questions: Early Modern World
• History Of Rock and Roll and commercial Music
• Metaphysics, Morality and Mind
• Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood
• Introduction to Sociology
• Introduction to Christianity
• Writing In the Liberal Arts

If you are interested or have any questions, we recommend consulting with your local district Guidance Office but feel free to reach to CABOCES Distance Learning and we will be glad to help and guide you into the right direction to get started.

By: Lisa Scott, Distance Learning Teacher

In an era where technology helps bridge gaps and connects individuals globally, Distance Learning Day 2025 will offer educators and administrators a chance to explore the ever-expanding world of virtual education. Hosted on January 16, 2025 at the Olean Main Center, this day-long event will offer a unique opportunity to delve into the transformative potential of distance learning. Through a series of diverse presentations, demonstrations, and insightful discussions, participants will reimagine education as a dynamic, flexible, and inclusive experience.

One of the highlights of the event will be the CA BOCES facilitator and Educator presentations, which set the stage for understanding the foundational principles and capabilities of the Distance Learning COSER. These sessions will demonstrate how Virtual Learning can be effectively utilized and designed to support both traditional and innovative teaching approaches. Facilitators will share success stories and strategies that underscore the importance of integrating distance learning into educational frameworks, providing attendees with actionable insights. Through these presentations, participants will gain a nuanced understanding of the real-world applications of distance learning.

Another exciting aspect of the Distance Learning Day will be the online course vendor showcases. Vendors will showcase their cutting-edge tools and platforms that support virtual learning. Vendors will demonstrate how their solutions can streamline curriculum delivery, foster collaboration, and personalize learning experiences. This component is especially valuable for administrators seeking to make informed decisions about investments in educational technology. In addition, vendors will each have a table where participants may speak with them further to discuss their options and gain further insight.

The inclusion of early college connections presentations is a forward-thinking feature of the event, emphasizing the role of distance learning in preparing students for higher education. Through partnerships with colleges and universities, COSER 420 enables students to earn college credits while still in high school. This initiative not only broadens access to advanced coursework but also fosters a culture of academic ambition and preparedness. Houghton University will elaborate on how their programs operate, their benefits and offerings, and the ways they empower students to succeed.

Additionally, the day will offer insights into the engaging world of virtual field trips. By leveraging technology, educators can transport students to museums, historical landmarks, or scientific research facilities—without ever leaving the classroom. These experiences break down barriers, making learning accessible, exciting, and relevant. The CILC and Streamable Learning will provide resources and practical tips for integrating virtual field trips into various curricula, illustrating their value as an immersive educational tool.

Ultimately, the Distance Learning Day is more than a showcase of technological advancements; it is a celebration of innovation in education. By exploring the possibilities of the Distance Learning COSER 420, participants will gain the knowledge and inspiration needed to create meaningful, future-ready learning environments. This event is a call to embrace the potential of virtual education, not as a replacement for traditional methods, but asa powerful complement to them. Together, we can shape a more inclusive and connected future for learners everywhere.
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By: Justin Shumaker, Senior Coordinator for Distance Learning

Virtual Field Trips (VFTs) are an excellent resource that utilize technology to immerse students in experiences that are normally inaccessible without leaving the classroom. In addition, VFTs are a powerful tool that provide enhanced accessibility and inclusivity, real-world applications, cultural awareness, and global perspectives. CA BOCES Distance Learning uses two services to provide these opportunities to students in participating school districts throughout the region.

The Center for Interactive Learning & Collaboration (cilc.org) has been utilized for many years and features hundreds of partners from around the world. These partners include renowned museums, zoos, science centers, and other experts around the world. Connections through the CILC are live and synchronous, meaning you and your students can interact with the presenter personally and ask questions. In addition, these connections can be scheduled for a time that works for both your schedule and the vendors. Once you fill out this registration form, we will reach out in order to schedule the desired VFT. As a bonus, each participating district receives 1 free VFT through the CILC for the 2024-25 school year. If you’ve never experienced a VFT before, now is a great time to try it out!

New for the 2024-25 school year are VFTs through Streamable Learning. This service is included in the base cost for the Distance Learning CoSer so incurs no additional cost. Connections through this vendor can be live or pre-recorded, giving the teacher more opportunities that can be utilized today if needed. Streamable Learning also has 100’s of vendors, many the same as the CILC, but their scheduling of VFTs is different. VFTs through Streamable Learning are pre-scheduled for a certain date and time by the vendor. Once logged in through your schools SSO service, a teacher can schedule a live trip on their own by clicking on the desired VFT. As other districts can also join, interaction between the vendor and individual classrooms is limited to the chat, but still afford opportunities for students to have all of their questions answered! In addition, teachers can search and use any of the hundreds of pre-recorded VFTs at any time. Simply find the VFT desired, pre-screen to ensure it works for your purpose, and press play. With this option, you can play the VFT at any time or pause to add learning opportunities along the way!
VFTs are an excellent resource to provide students with opportunities for learning they normally wouldn’t have access to. The Distance Learning team at CA BOCES is here to help you find the opportunities your are looking for to enhance your students education. Please don’t hesitate to reach out! We would love to help!

By: Justin Shumaker, Senior Coordinator for Distance Learning