CenterNET … A group effort User Group meeting allows site facilitators to share ideas and information
SOMERSET, KY - On Thursday February 10th The Center For Rural Development hosted its’ annual CenterNET Usergroup meeting. The Center’s Technology Staff and twelve CenterNet facilitators came together for a joint effort… sharing CenterNET success stories. The group was welcomed by CenterNET Project Manager, Robyn Phillips before VP-CIO Charley Simpson shared a presentation on the new and innovative ideas for CenterNET and the exciting future in store for video conferencing. According to Simpson, “CenterNET is changing and being rechristened as CenterNET2 with new technology that is being migrated into the current network. This new technology will provide access to content on demand and the ability to incorporate the Internet” For more information on the possibilities of new and unique programming the group connected via video conference to both Julia Heighway, Director of Program Providers, Center for Interactive Learning Collaboration and Janet Zanetis, Director, Virtual School at Vanderbilt and Co-author of Video Conferencing for K-12 Classrooms. The two presenters shared tips on how to successfully deploy video conferencing programming that will benefit their local communities and school systems. The day’s events were highlighted by group discussions that allowed the Center Staff and fellow CenterNET facilitators to hear the success stories of other local CenterNET sites. Whitley County facilitator Susie Hart said Corbin Independent students joined others from around the region for a lesson in history with CenterNET. The connectivity to the Kentucky Historical Society included programming such as Lewis and Clark and the Land, Adena Traders, Kentucky Folk Life and Prehistoric Kentucky. According to facilitator Brandon Reynolds it was a jungle in Rockcastle County as his students were enjoying connections to the San Diego Zoo, while facilitator Virginia Thomas of Garrard County said her students recently discovered the truth behind one of the most popular careers in crime-solving, Crime Scene Investigation. Students met a forensic scientist that explained the rules, the science and the background for this career. CenterNET isn’t just bringing excitement into the classroom it’s also helping local communities in Southern and Eastern Kentucky. Meda Burdette, Monroe, explained how a member of her community recently interviewed for a job via video conference with a company based in Colorado. The CenterNET User Group meetings are organized by Robyn Phillips, CenterNET Program Manager. According to Phillips the goal of these meetings are to allow the CenterNET site facilitators to share ideas and pool resources to aid the success of CenterNET. Site facilitator participants for the meeting included; Barney Judd, Pineville; Virginia Thomas, Garrard; Sharon Whitehead, McCreary; Meda Burnette, Monroe; Darren Ferguson, Morgan; Brandon Reynolds, Rockcastle; Susie Hart, Whitley; Chris Webb, Pike; Dustin Adams, Lee and Jo Moore, Adair.
