What is a videoconference?
Our distance learning programs use the internet to bring our lessons directly to your classroom. The live programs are performed by museum teachers at Fenimore Art Museum and The Farmers’ Museum. The teachers can be seen and heard by students in your classroom, and vice versa, through the use of an internet connection, a web camera, and a microphone. These programs are interactive and fulfill New York State and national learning standards. Programs last 45 to 60 minutes and are available Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 3:00pm EST. Programs are $100 per lesson, plus connection fees.

Before the Videoconference
When interested in one of our programs, please reserve at least one month before the program is to be held. Once your program is booked, a test connection will be scheduled to make sure that a smooth connection can be made to your institution. You will also receive a packet in the mail with program information, connection information, and pre- and post- activities for your students. This information can also be downloaded in PDF format from this website. Depending on the program you sign up for, you may also receive a supply of materials for the students to use during the program (for example, the Meanings of the Mask program will include a supply of feathers, construction paper, and other materials used for making masks).

On the day of the program please make sure that the distance learning equipment in your room is up and running 10 to 15 minutes before the program begins. As often as possible we like to make a connection early so that any technical problems can be worked out before the program begins. If possible, please set up the camera so that the entire group of students can be seen.

During the Videoconference
As a teacher, please do not leave the room during the lesson! There will be times when the museum teacher will need you to distribute things to the students, and you will also be needed to help students answer questions and for disciplinary reasons. While our museum teachers will be ostensibly leading the class during the program, we can’t do it without the teachers physically in the classroom!

If a connection problem occurs, we will have provided you with a phone number to call (and we will also ask for your phone number at the school/institution) so that you can speak to the museum teacher and our technical advisor in hopes of correcting the issue.

After the Videoconference
We provide post-activity sheets and ideas that can be used in the classroom to reinforce the lessons taught during the distance learning program. We would also appreciate any feedback you have for us regarding the experience in your classroom during the distance learning lesson. Were the students engaged in the program? Did the program meet your curriculum needs? Would you take part in another distance learning program? You can leave your feedback here (hyperlink to Feedback page).

Contacts
To book a program or for more information, please call 1-88-547-1450, ext. 410.