Adventures in Distance Learning
Skyping with the Maryland Historical Society
March 2013
• analyzed curriculum needs (CCSS)• analyzed what resources
would be available (we chose Skype)
March 2013
• looked for partners that would fit curriculum needs:• Maryland Historical Society
(www.mdhs.org)• National Park Service (Fort McHe
nry) (www.nps.gov/teachers)
• Historic St. Mary’s City (www.hsmcdigshistory.org)
• Virginia Historical Society (www.vahistorical.org)
• Skype in the Classroom (education.skype.com)
• analyzed the possible programs and formally requested a partnership
April 2013
• built a lesson with our partner• created a list of
considerations (time constraints, logistics, dates)• developed a planning and
implementation timeline
April 2013
• conducted technical testing with partner and another classroom in the building:• camera, microphone, and
speaker quality• Internet connection and
software installation• physical arrangement and
lighting of the room
• discussed student expectations• built student background
knowledge• prepared necessary handouts
May 2013
• students read primary source materials to identify the various reasons that people colonized Maryland• students categorized the
painting “Settlement of Maryland by Lord Baltimore” as a secondary source by analyzing details• students drew their own
interpretation of a primary source description of a Native American
May/June 2013
• reflected on our experience (included our partner in the conference)• discussed a continuation of
the partnership
Continuation
• repeated the Skype experience with new students from October 2013-January 2014• continued to analyze
primary and secondary sources with MDHS through Twitter
