“It’s a nice, cooperative learning experience that we normally wouldn’t be able to afford in any way, shape or form,” said Joseph R. Kramer, Jr., Principal of Notre Dame High School.
Notre Dame has partnered with Bethlehem Area Vocational Technical School (BAVTS) to offer ND students distance learning. Currently, all freshmen are taking a class from BAVTS, while remaining at Notre Dame, by using the distance learning equipment. The course is graded on a pass/fail basis. Students are learning life skills – such a public speaking, writing and organization – and will also explore other career options.
This
is only the first phase of the Distance Learning Program. In the second phase, Notre Dame’s
elementary feeder schools will be connected to the program. Service Electric Cable TV is supplying all
the cable and connections required for the project and is
working with the feeder schools to get them online.
Notre Dame’s feeder schools will be able to receive instruction from Notre Dame teachers without leaving their buildings and participate in special events at Notre Dame without the cost of bus travel.
The future of the program offers many options to Notre Dame students. Teachers will be able to take their classes on virtual field trips to any location. They will have the chance to view surgeries, tour art museums or even receive instruction from local colleges – all without leaving Notre Dame’s campus.