GCI School Access Brings the Race to Alaska’s Classrooms

“Can we check the race stats?” “Who’s leading?” “Where’s my musher?” “Has she taken her 24 yet?” Students finish their math quickly in hopes that extra time at the end of a class period might provide them with a few minutes to check the race stats. When the Iditarod mushers are on the trail, students are on the Internet any chance they can. Students are also learning curriculum material that teachers have plugged into existing curriculum. Now, a new resource tool brings the race to the classroom like never before! Iditarod Insider. It isn’t just video— it is real time education!

“The most exciting part of our Iditarod unit in my 2nd grade classroom was for the kids to come to the computer lab & be able to see the heli-fly-overs from Insider on the big screen. We also used the virtual map,” commented an educator from Anchorage. “Thanks, GCI!”

Thanks to the sponsorship and partnership with GCI School Access and Iditarod, the students in Alaska have the opportunity to access Iditarod Insider free at schools. Insider is a tool that brought the 2007 Iditarod race directly from the trail to the classroom. The educational materials on Iditarod Insider also supplied teachers with many lesson ideas and activities aligned to Alaska’s content standards, reinforcing the opportunity for teachers to connect the race to existing curriculum through out the entire school year.

Ongoing projects will be featured on the educational materials section of Iditarod Insider, encouraging classrooms around the world to visit the website throughout the entire school year, not just during the race. These opportunities will help teachers enhance classroom education in many curriculum areas. A partnership with NOAA will help teachers teach concepts in science which help communities be Storm Ready. Lessons and resources will help teachers and students be more knowledgeable and more prepared for weather related events. Next fall, Iditarod Insider’s school technology projects will connect classrooms in Alaska and around the world. As a new school year begins and the 2008 Iditarod season gets underway, students will be able to share information about their schools, their communities, and curriculum areas, by being involved in the on line projects. Iditarod Insider will be an important resource for teachers and students.

Thanks to GCI School Access and Iditarod Insider, Alaska’s students are connected by 21st century learning opportunities. Iditarod Insider is a technology tool that enables schools and teachers a resource and practical application of content material. It provides students with real time information about their event, Iditarod. Alaska’s past and Alaska’s present, come together to build on a better future, with the help of GCI School Access and Iditarod Insider in the Alaska schools.

For additional information about how your school can subscribe to Iditarod Insider, contact Diane Johnson, Education Director at 605 228 6071 or djohnson@iditarod.com for additional information. Be a part of this learning opportunity!