Virtual classroom is amazing success
Published on January 30th, 2002
STONEHAM, MA - Kelly Cam. Stoneham schools have taken a giant leap into the age of interactive technology by pioneering a learning tool that reaches out and virtually brings a homebound student into the classroom.
"Kelly Cam" was introduced to the School Committee on Thursday night in the High School Library by Technology and Media Director Robert Hogan with the help of the student who provided the inspiration for the creative tool, ninth grader Kelly Conlon.
This technology is so new that it has no official name as yet, but its nickname seems to accurately define its effectiveness. The School Committee saw first-hand how the system operates as Conlon participated in Thursday's presentation from home.
Conlon has been doing her schoolwork from home as she awaits a double lung transplant. Normally, this would translate into a great deal of missed classroom learning. But with the help of a two-way camera that is situated in her classroom seat, Conlon can access her classroom both visually and audibly from her home computer, and can even actively participate in discussions.
Superintendent Dr. Joseph Connelly called the "Kelly Cam" a one of a kind tool and explained that this first prototype, developed by Hogan and others, was funded in total by the generous donations of many.
"We're very excited about it...This is a very important academic and emotional connection for Conlon,” he said.
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