RJ Stangherlin

Keystone Technology Integrator and STAR Discovery Educator

This site is for Mrs. Stangherlin's classes at Salisbury High School.

Ustream or Livestream: That Is The Question

Guest Blogger: William Kennington, junior, SHS
Cross-posted on PA DEN

Last week, on May 27, 2009, four groups at Salisbury High School in Allentown, PA presented their Integrated Project.  IP is year-long endeavor for students who enroll in the courses of AP US History and Honors English 11.  IP is a research-based project that incorporates a final multi-media presentation as well as a stage production that lasts for 45 minutes.  We streamed our presentations using two backchannels, one focused on the stage and one on the projector screen.  We had no problems streaming it, but the recorded videos were corrupt. You can still watch the two separate stream as they were the day we went live, but the downloaded video was buggy. Therefore, a compiled version of the presentation can not be made at this time, but we are working with ustream to resolve this issue. I have tried converting the presentation thus far with vixy.net, zamzar.com, ffmpeg, adobe media encoder, vlc, and other free media encoders. Ustream has been working on a way to convert their video directly through their website, but this feature is still unfinished and unavailable. Hopefully once this feature is implemented (or when we find a way to convert the video), we should be ready to release the compiled video for each of the four IP presentations.  We used Discoverystreaming videos in creating our factual and counterfactual histories, so when we get this problem fixed, we can show you how factual Discoverystreaming videos can be used to make counterfactual scenariors look real.

Interesting and timely, Mogulus, which has often been a go-to choice, has changed its name and website.  Mogulus, now Livestream, always supported multi-camera streaming but didn’t have have high quality resolution, but with the difficulties we have encountered, we might switch to Livestream.  From their newsletter, here’s what’s new with Livestream:

Recently we changed our name from Mogulus to Livestream, and you can find us at our new home at http://www.livestream.com. As much as we loved our old name, it was time for a change that reflects our growth and more clearly communicates what we do. We hope you like “Livestream” as much as we do.

Along with the new brand and domain come a re-designed website, and most importantly for you, another simple way to broadcast from the Livestream website.

This new tool offers instant streaming from any page on our website. Just click the red ‘Broadcast Now’ button or go to your ‘My Account’ section.

Go live with one click from almost any webcam or camcorder, and chat or Twitter to promote your channel, all right within the application.

Of course you can still use Procaster (our downloadable desktop application) for the highest possible quality, but for instant no-fuss streaming, the new broadcaster is great.

Now that we’ve changed, what do you need to do?

In short, nothing!

Your channel pages and embedded players will continue to function just as they did before. You may want to update any links to your channel page (i.e. change from “www.mogulus.com/yourchannel” to “www.livestream.com/yourchannel”), but the old links will still work even if you don’t get around to it.

If you’re using the old logo, we’d appreciate it if you update it to the new Livestream logo. You can download it here.
» More Details

For more info on the change, below are a few links to the press release and related stories. Or, follow us on Twitter @livestreamcom.
Discoverystreaming
Ustream.tv
Livestream
IP (Integrated Project)
Education
Technology
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SHS J8 Team GUIDEs Their Way Into Top Ten in Nation

Guest Bloggers Brandon Aversano and Fatema Rajmohamed

It was an experience that the four of us would surely never forget. It all began when Jennifer Brinson, our Advanced Placement United States History Teacher, informed of us a contest titled J8. The J8 coincides with the global summit held by the G8 countries (United States, Canada, France, Italy, Germany, Japan, Russia, and the United Kingdom) in July, in which the eight leaders of the most powerful countries in the world discuss key issues facing the world today. J8 is a national competition in which teams of four (ages 13-17) create and submit an application to the United States branch of UNICEF. The winning team would spend a preparatory weekend in New York during the month of May, and then travel to Italy in July to join other youth teams from the G8 countries. The J8 conference occurs during the G8 summit, allowing the youths participating in the conference to interact with the most influential and powerful political leaders of our time.

With our ears wide open as Ms. Brinson explained the components of the intense competition, we decided there was no possible way we were going to allow an opportunity such as this one to pass through our fingers. The four of us (Brandon Aversano, Olga Karounos, Fatema Rajmohamed, Melinda Lehman), set to work on an application that would take over a month to complete successfully. We began by downloading the United States application form on the J8 website. With numerous aspects of the application form, each requiring its own special time and attention, we decided to each research and create our own ideas for each category.

Our first challenge was deriving a team name that encompassed our mission and purpose in the competition, as well as the individuality of our members. Spending a good deal of time creating a name, we decided to ask Ms. Brinson for some advice. The team recognized how global the J8 competition truly was, and therefore wanted to emphasize this in the team name. Taking ideas from the categories in the application, we finally arrived at our team name, G.U.I.D.E. The pneumonic device stands for, Globally Unified Individuals for Diplomacy and Ecology. R.J. Stangherlin served as our coach throughout the entire process. Helping us synthesize our information, create a platform with depth and understanding, and allowing us to realize our potentioal, Mrs. Stangherlin was a crucial part to the entire competition. However, as integral as Mrs. Stangherlin was, she allowed the members of GUIDE to complete the project on their own terms, because after all, the J8 was looking for youth voices.

J8 wanted us to create solutions on three pressing issues facing the world today including Climate Change, HIV/Aids and Infectious diseases, and a third topic of our choosing. Each of us researched the topics extensively on our own, and following this, we held morning meetings to compile our information and form conclusions on the best possible route for tackling the momentous problems at hand. Our solution for Climate Change consisted of limiting the amount of deforestation and promoting agroforestry business. Additionally, GUIDE suggested using alternative energy sources to curb the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere. Gathering inspiration from conferences we have attended and even our own personal experience (Lehman’s time in Africa), we had a couple solutions for curbing HIV/AIDS in developing countries. Recognizing the importance and efficiency of microfinancing/microcrediting, we conveyed the very real possibility of implementing such a system in these developing countries to break the cycle of poverty, and therefore reduce the necessity to use prostitution as a means of obtaining monetary relief. The spread of HIV/AIDS would surely decline along with the decline of prostitution. For our third topic, we chose to tackle the problem of insufficient education in developing countries. GUIDE encouraged G8 nations to remove financial barriers (cost of notebooks, textbooks, pencils, pens, calculators) to disenfranchised families in developing countries. The adoption of a mandatory student teaching in developing countries, for students studying education in G8 nations, was also recommended by GUIDE.

UNICEF stressed their requirement for diversity in the application, and our team absolutely fulfilled this requirement! Aversano (17 year old male) brought his Ashekanzi Jewish background and his lingustic endeavors in a second language (Spanish) to the diversity of the team. Karounos (16 year old female) has a strong Greek heritage with comfort in the Greek language as well as Spanish. Rajmohamed (17 year old female) has a practicing Shia Muslim, speaking Gujariti (and Indian language), she brought another sect of language and culture to the table. Lehman (17 year old female), spent many years in Tanzania, Africa, assimilating to the customs and cultures of her surrounding; not only fluent in English and Kiswahili, she has experience with the French language as well. The team clearly embodied diversity, with strong ethnic backgrounds, and linguistic abilities in a myriad of languages.

Stressing our social commitment and love for community, we included the various activities and events the members of the team have completed. Each member brought unique benefits and individuality to the group, creating a diverse and interesting makeup. All the members have participated in different forms of community service, whether it be domestic or abroad, and each member had experience with political and governmental bodies. Encompassing a broad range of skills and talents, GUIDE was easily able to strengthen the overall reliability of the application.

Utilizing technology with the purpose of reaching a larger demographic of people, UNICEF required a piece of writing detailing our experience and ability with various forms of technology, and how we, as a team, would utilized this background to gain a broader audience. Working with modern 2.0 tools such as Google docs and Facebook, our team was able to successfully communicate numerous ways to reach more people. Proposing the creation of a 2 day LCIU course on global technology integration, the team showed how we could reach our community; and therefore our community could reach the world. GUIDE went above and beyond the requirements of the J8 and created supplemental material to submit along with the application. An animoto further emphasizing the points of our application, along with an xtranormal video, created the diverse application that led to an impressive placement in the competition.

After submitting on March 30th 2009, all GUIDE could do was wait in ernest. Receiving a confirmation of reception from UNICEF, we learned we would be informed of our status around April 30th 2009. The morning of the 30th each member anxiously arrived at school waiting to see the outcome of our hard work and anticipation. Unfortunately, the notification did not come. Dejected and tired, GUIDE lost some of the enthusiasm we had possessed from the start. Finally, on May 5th 2009, GUIDE received an email from UNICEF with the results! Excitedly, we opened the email. Inside we learned we had not come out on top, however, we had made the top 10! GUIDE WAS ECSTATIC! Our application had placed us in the top 10 for the entire nation. Feeling successfully and as if the entire process was worth it, GUIDE rejoiced in the outcome. Learning so much, debating world issues, collaborating on a team, utilizing technology, embodying diversity, and realizing the potential of four teens in suburbia, GUIDE felt the entire J8 experience was one to remember!

J8 Summit
Melinda Lehman
Olga Karounos
Brandon Aversano
Fatema Rajmohamed
Top Ten
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What If There Was No News? What’s News?

Join us on May 27, 2009 in real or virtual time (connection information to follow later) as students in Jennifer Brinson‘s Advance Placement United States History and RJ Stangherlin’s Honors English 11 classes present factual and counterfactual history that examines the presence and absence of news in daily life.  This year’s venue is an interactive video documentary that is intersected at different points with a live stage presentation.  Time periods span the 1920 through the aftermath of 9-11.

The following video was created by each team and edited by Meagan Walsh.

What If There Was No News?  What’s News? from RJ Stangherlin on Vimeo.

Our first team, An Era on Air: Brandon Aversano, Chloe Frick, Olga Karounos, Erin Lobach, Dennis Peterson, Meagan Walsh
An Era on Air examines the influence of significant news events from 1920-1933, while capturing the spirit and liveliness of the period.  By deconstructing the era and eliminating the presence of news, An Era on Air portrays the time period through the juxtapositon of life with and without media.

Our second team, Uncovering Cover-Ups: Nadia Daher, Laudi El-Kareh, Hayley Joseph, Kelsey Molseed, Andrew Samy
In the words of Former President Richard M. Nixon, “The American people don’t believe anything until they see it on television.” Is this the only way to Uncover Cover-Ups?

Our third team, Generation X:  Peter Cialkowski, Sky McCarty, My Phan, Fatema Rajmohamed, Hannah Rucker, Courtney Weiss
Generation X explores the eighties and travels through the decade explaining military concepts like the Soviet-Afghan War, social aspects like the outbreak of AIDS, and economic disasters like the one that took place on Black Monday.

Our final team, Broadcasting Terror: Matt Eherts, Sarah Gracely, Josh Gregory, William Kennington, Brandon Lansing, Shanon Safi
Love & Hate; Pride & Shame; Peace & War, co-existing with one another in the heart of one nation.  Terrorists brought the terror but the media did the broadcasting.  Now imagine what would happen if there was no news.

Integrated Project
An Era on Air
Uncovering Coverups
Generation X
9-11
multimedia
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March Madness

March Madness, aka the countdown to Integrated Project presentations in May, adds more than the usual stress to the AP US History and Honors English 11 students.  At Assignment 6 due March 11 and only 2 assignments remaining until the work is a wrap, the pressure is on. In spite of everything, these truly gifted students managed in three days to showcase a commercial promoting their teams’ presentations, a culmination of year-long interdisciplinary research packaged in stage and film format.

My Phan, whose artistic talent and organizational ability is legend at SHS, designed, oversaw, and assembled the Administration Building’s showcase.  But in fairness to all concerned, this extra credit activity was a team venture; these students are aces at collaboration.  At the end of the month, the advertising moves to the high school, where interest in the forthcoming presentation runs high.

This year, the presentation venue will be different--an interactive documentary, with presentations on stage as well as in video segments.  Although nothing has been finalized, we anticipate running one day of team presentations.  We hope that you will join us in May, either in real or virtual time, to see What If There Was No News? What’s News?

IP
Integrated Project
factual history
counterfactual history
what if
365 Days
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Brinson + Stehly + 16 SHS Students + Presidents’ Day Weekend = NAIMUN 2009

What am I missing this weekend?  A best friend and colleague and 16 wonderful students in Washington, DC, at NAIMUN, the largest model United Nations in the United States.  Nothing can replicate the real-world higher level thinking and speaking skills that this UN simulation creates for thousands of students, and our 16 are more than up for the challenge.  From emails between us, Jennifer Brinson tells me that the students have a chance at an award, although competition from other schools who have a Model UN year-long course in their curriculum makes winning a tremendous challenge against the odds. (But more about their experiences in another blog, student written and hosted on my two school blogs).

In the past few years, I have tagged along. Some say that Brinson was bringing her press corps with her, but she is equal to that task alone with the launching of her new blog, Education, Technology, and Fun. This year, for many reasons, I opted to remain behind.  Much good has come from that decision, including launching Katie Stehly as Brinson’s new helper.  And that makes much sense, since Stehly is a history teacher at Salisbury Middle School, and definitely technologically intelligent as a grown digital native (and Salisbury High School graduate).  But do I miss being in the moment--absolutely.  Am I happy with my decision--definitely.  There comes a time when you transition to a place between career and family, and I am finally attempting to do what I should have done a while ago: make family come first.
Jen Brinson
Katie Stehley
Salisbury High School
Model UN
NAIMUN
Education
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My Learning Network

Cross-posted on Learning Curve and Changing Connections

My educational mantra this year is professional learning networks.  Web 2.0, School 2.0, and learning and teaching in the 21st century is about creating an effective learning network.  The strength and quality of your life-long learning relates to the people in your network.  Here’s my learning network (okay, not the baby) and I am so proud to learn from them every day.  [You really want to click on the last link in this paragraph--he’s a fifth grade student keynoter and you want to hear his message.]

Special thanks to Brad Fountain for his TouchGraph photo on Facebook.  I’m so glad to be part of this learning community.

Brad Fountain
DEN
DEN TV
UstreamTV
Facebook
learning networks
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Trolling the (DEN) State Blogs: Boom-De-Ya-Da and LC and National Institutes

Cross-posted at DEN PA and Changing Connections

Here’s the video that NJ, NY, ME, and PA LCs put together on the first day of the DEN LC National Institute. 

A special thanks to Heather Sullivan for posting the video on the New Jersey blog. Having some “free” time on my hands, I decided to troll the state blogs and aggregate some resources and comments shared by other states who attended either the LC or STAR institutes. Arkansas Mary Frazier and Tanya Gray brainstormed 25 more ways to use Discoverystreaming.  Posted by Brett Harvey, CA--home of DENs youngest STAR, Jannita and Laurian’s son, David--is taking a time out from the busy day’s agenda. 

Florida’s post by Cheryl Woolwine shows how the South East Region created with Tennessee their own version of the Discovery Channel commercial, Boom-De-Ya-Da, Here’s “Find Your Match at D-Harmony”:

Posted on the Iowa blog by Jason Cochrane, the Midwest LCs made this video along with Mike Bryant, their DEN Midwest Manager. Get ready for their deconstruction of DC commercial:

Louisiana LC is Green With Envy.  You’ll remember this team from their D-Harmony commercial.  Michigan’s LC were busy posters during the Institute.  Here’s their BDY commercial: 

http://www.teachertube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=c1b7f60a2b741bbf0de4

Working with teachers from Illinois, here’s their DEN-De-Ya-Da video from the second week DEN Institute:

And their slide show from the second week STAR Institute:

From the NY blog, here’s Steve Dembo’s Learning to Speak Native presentation, Ustreamed from the DEN National Institute:

From my new LC Institute friend, Conni Mulligan shares an update on their LC membership. I really applaud all the states’ efforts in maintaining a vibrant LC, but since I had the good fortune to get to know Conni, I know how hard she has worked with her Council to get the NC blog launched as well, so a special shout out to you and your state. Great progress.

NC had 3 DEN STARS at the National Institute:  Judy, Nicole, and Deb. 

Guest blogger Debbie Wrobel represented the Northwest at the National Institute.  Check out her post here. 

If you still haven’t jumped into (teleported, flown, or swum with the sharks) yet, then you are definitely missing out on your Second Life experience.  On July 16, the DEN SL inducted newbies (I was one of them) into their SL, and I can tell you it is an experience of any/either lifetimes. Just do it.

I love reading Elaine Plybon on the Texas blog.  Her Reflections on Day 2 of the LC Institute and her sense of overload strike a resonant chord with me at any DEN function. We always learn and teach at rapid speed, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. And just in case you thought VA wasn’t at the LC Institute, Ruth Okoye has the photos to prove it.  Check out their Institute blogs here.

I’ll end on 3 “I hope’s”:
1.  that I didn’t forget anyone
2.  that I didn’t make too many typos
3. that all the embedded code works...because this is the first time I worked in code mode all the way, and I’m not even going to entertain an edit on this post. Thanks to all the super DEN STAR power out there, for what you do every day to make learning and teaching THE 21st century experience. A super thank you to our Discovery leaders for making our growth possible.

THE SIEMENS FOUNDATION, DISCOVERY COMMUNICATIONS AND NSTA ANNOUNCE MAJOR PARTNERSHIP TO LAUNCH FIRST

Found this press release on Twitter courtesy of wakey1971.

(NEW YORK) – The Siemens Foundation, Discovery Communications and the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) have joined together to inspire student achievement in sustainability through a comprehensive education initiative, the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge. Announced today, the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge is an unprecedented partnership between three industry leading organizations that are committed to educating, empowering and engaging students, teachers and communities in environmental sustainability.

Kicking off the 2008 school year in September, the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge is the first and only national K-12 sustainability education initiative aligned to state education standards and uniquely tailored to match students’ growing comprehension abilities throughout their school-aged years. By partnering with Discovery Education, a division of Discovery Communications, which provides scientifically proven, standards-based digital media tools and resources to classrooms nationwide, and the NSTA, the largest science teacher organization in the world dedicated to improving science education and increasing student learning by engaging all teachers of science, the Siemens Foundation will serve as a pioneer in recognizing sustainability efforts within the K-12 education system.

“As a leader in environmentally relevant businesses, Siemens knows the answers to tomorrow’s critical environmental questions are in the minds of today’s students,” said James Whaley, President, Siemens Foundation. “Uniting with Discovery Education and NSTA complements Siemens’ commitment to the future and to those who are going to create it. We look forward to unleashing this tremendous reservoir of potential through the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge.”

“Education and the environment have always been part of Discovery’s core mission and we are proud to be a partner in encouraging students to learn about and create sustainable solutions through the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge,” said David Zaslav, President and CEO, Discovery Communications.

“The Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge will engage science teachers and allow students the opportunity to think like scientists, learn more about key environmental issues, and to develop critical-thinking skills that will help them to make informed decisions regarding stewardship of the planet,” said Dr. Gerry Wheeler, Executive Director, NSTA.

Designed to equip students in every grade level with the tools and inspiration to develop innovative green solutions for schools, homes and communities, the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge will transform participants into active citizens for a greener tomorrow. The program begins by helping young students understand the basic concepts of sustainability and why it’s important to protect the environment. At each subsequent stage, the concepts expand to engage students beyond their classrooms, into their communities and to the global world.

K-2: My Classroom: Introduce students to the importance of “being green” and provide opportunities for active learning and engagement.
3-5: My School: Inspire students to think beyond their classroom — using science and math skills to take their school “green.”
6-8: My Community: Empower students with tools to apply the Scientific Method to real-world “green issues” in their local communities.
9-12: My World: Connect students with real-world scientists as they tackle today’s “green challenges” — moving from insight to global action.

In September, the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge launches with a national middle school competition where teams of students will identify an environmental problem in their community and will research and recommend a reproducible environmental improvement program. Teams will then provide an explanation about how other communities across the country can launch similar environmental improvement programs.

The Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge will expand to kindergarten and elementary school students in 2009 and to high school students in 2010, complete with standards-based lesson plans and teacher materials, student projects and prizing to foster learning, team work and problem solving around sustainability.

For more information about the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge, visit http://www.wecanchangetheworldchallenge.com.

About the Siemens Foundation
The Siemens Foundation provides over $4.5 million towards science, technology, and engineering and math initiatives annually. Its signature programs, the Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology and the Siemens Awards for Advanced Placement, reward exceptional achievement in science, math and technology. By supporting outstanding students today, and recognizing the teachers and schools that inspire their excellence, the Foundation helps nurture tomorrow’s scientists and engineers. The Foundation’s mission is based on the culture of innovation, research and educational support that is the hallmark of Siemens’ U.S. operating companies and its parent company, Siemens AG. For more information, visit http://www.siemens-foundation.org.

About Discovery Communications
Discovery Communications is the world’s number-one nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in over 170 countries. Discovery empowers people to explore their world and satisfy their curiosity through 100-plus worldwide networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Planet Green, Investigation Discovery and HD Theater, as well as leading consumer and educational products and services, and a diversified portfolio of digital media services including HowStuffWorks. Discovery Communications is owned by Discovery Holding Company (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB), Advance/Newhouse Communications and John S. Hendricks, Discovery’s founder and chairman. For more information, please visit http://www.discoverycommunications.com.

About the National Science Teachers Association
The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) is the largest organization in the world dedicated to promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA works to improve science education and increase student learning by providing resources and training that support and enhance quality teaching. The Association advocates for the importance of science and science learning and works to enhance science education through research-based policy and practice. NSTA’s current membership includes more than 57,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in science education. For more information, please visit http://www.nsta.org.

Vimeo + Video Hosting + Sharing = IP Videos Coming Soon

Cross-posted on Changing Connections

Whenever I really need to find something tech-based fast, I go to my students.  Thank you, ALEX HORN, for suggesting Vimeo.  I tried the video hosting/sharing site, and I love it.  Of its many features, the one that will help me most is its ability to host a long video in unbroken segments (unlike YouTube, StudentTube, TeacherTube, or Curriki which will host a long video but not provide embeddable code).  SO, the VERY GOOD NEWS is that I will be posting all the IP presentations--stage presentations, film productions, and the two nontraditional presentations on Vimeo.  The VERY BAD NEWS: it will take some time since my travel schedule takes me into the third week in July.  But, I will post the videos as I finish them.  Keep checking this website to find your video.  And have a happy, healthy, safe summer.

Technorati Tags: vimeo, video hosting, video sharing, video streaming, video sites

CFF Senate Communications and Technology Committee and Senate Education Committee Hearings 2007

Cross-posted on Changing Connections and Pennsylvania Discovery Educator Network

Ever try uploading a 45 minute video to a Web 2.0 site? I spent days trying to find a host that would upload a film intact. When exasperation set in, I took it to my students and one of them suggested Vimeo. That was before exams and senior week activities, so I finally tried it--and I love it. I wanted embeddable code (Curriki worked, sans code), a fast upload and conversion, and enough space in an account that one upload would not send me in a searching frenzy for another broadcast channel.

The good news: a finished product of the CFF Senate Hearings when Lance Rougeux, Jennifer Dorman, and I testified before the joint Education and Technology & Communications Committees on December 4, 2007. Thanks to Jennifer Dorman and her connections, we were able to get the hearings converted from analog (I know I should have TiVo) to digital, and then finally to a blog format. Here it is, at last.

Classrooms for the Future Senate Communications and Technology Committee and the Senate Education Committee Hearings 2007 from RJ Stangherlin on Vimeo.

While I’m on a commercial roll, let me count the ways I love Vimeo:

1. Can be added to Facebook, Myspace…
2. Badge additions (you can add channels and albums to any Badge you create)
3. Posts to Flickr
4. Avatar feature (clicking any “avatar” aka user image will take you to that user)
5. Spam filters
6. Fast even in high use time (they apologize for a 20 minute wait)
7. Converting time during transcoding: displays time and percent remaining--no high anxiety here.
8. Lots of messages to let you know where you are in the process--great for a first-time user.
9. 500 MBs per week (though not forever, I think)
10. More family oriented.

A special thank you to the DEN team--Scott, Lance, and Matt-- for affording Jen and me the opportunity to represent STAR Discovery Educators and what they bring to education every day in their classrooms.