Success Stories:
Hall-Dale Japanese

Why did you originally decide to teach your course over distance?
The ATM system struck me as something we need to work on because; 1) Maine is a big state but with low population density which means people, towns, schools are spread out; 2) Japanese is very rare subject in Maine in spite of the popularity of Toyota, Sony, Nintendo and Pokemon, so I thought I could do something to help; 3) an expansion possibility. I hope that in the future, we might be able to connect schools not only in Maine, but also other states, and other countries such as Japan; 4) of course, I like toys... so I decided to get involved.

Before you started teaching over distance, did you have any apprehension about learning the technology? If so, how were those feelings eased?
Yes, I had some nervous feelings but it was not too bad. My great expectation was much bigger than apprehension. I still remember that I couldn’t wait to start to teach using ATM! I also had... well still have a big problem about my English. How can I instruct students and/or give directions over ATM... this is my challenge.

In your opinion, what are some of the unique challenges facing a teacher in a distance learning classroom?
It’s different from a traditional classroom, so we might need to change class work because students are always watching only one display. It is not whole chalkboard. It’s almost impossible to have many students write on the board at the same time. But we can use a different way.

Also we need to have a back-up teaching plan just in case. ATM is unfortunately still not perfect, so sometimes no sounds, static noises, a site has snow-day but not other sites, etc, etc. But it still fun!

How have you had to adapt your teaching materials for the distance learning environment?

I am changing many but I am still able to use old fashioned flash cards using a document camera. I also scan them and put them into hard drive in jpeg format and/or Quicktime movie, etc. We can use many ideas linking with computers and/or digital equipment. This affects my traditional classroom in a very good way.

Can you describe the type of feedback you have received from students at the receiving sites in your course(s)?
It’s not so easy to bond with students at receiving sites. It is also not so easy for students to become friends. My first year, I was lucky because my receiving site was very close and I taught from the receiving site once a week. After that, I teach from receiving sites at least once a trimester. This helps a lot between teachers and/or ATM technicians, as well as between students and me. I also have comments from students. These are great for me to improve my passion...

Do the students who are physically in the classroom with you respond any differently from those at remote sites?
After I started to visit the receiving sites, I am feeling that the difference is minor. I am also trying to attend receiving sites’ activities such as graduation. This works very well because I see students not only in class.

Can you share some examples of strategies for encouraging interactivity that you have used in the distance learning classroom?
Have students from one site pick student from the other site for games, conversations, skits, etc. This works very well. Sometimes I have even asked them to carry on discussions though IP phone during class.

In addition to using the distance learning equipment, what other kinds of technology have you managed to integrate into your course curriculum?
I am trying to use any kind of digital equipment as many as possible such as Smart Board, web pages, Powerpoint, Internet resources, tablet for hand writings, etc. I am using almost all of these in every ATM class.

Are there any additional innovations and features that you would like to see added to the project?
My biggest wish would be for the ability to have “Pin in Pin” feature on our local monitor.

What advice would you offer to someone who is thinking of teaching as part of the Maine Distance Learning Project?
Enjoy! This is fun for teachers as well as students! The teacher should be able to manipulate equipment by themselves. It becomes easier to control the class.

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