“The possibilities are unlimited – it’s definitely a work in progress,” stated Stephanie Jordan, technology education and broadcasting instruction teacher at LCHS.

Jordan was referring to the fact that LCHS was recently granted the privilege of using the United States Education TV (USEdTV) website or platform at no cost to the school.

Utilizing the latest technology to live stream a variety of events, the system is specifically designed to allow high school and college students to take ownership and program the website, which will serve to connect LCHS to parents, members of the community, and the rest of the world.

A spokesman for USEdTV indicated that the website’s mission is to introduce the world to the high school experience as seen through the eyes of the students, staff, and community.

In addition, the website will provide schools with an opportunity to significantly increase revenues to help off-set budget cuts by taking advantage of public funding opportunities through advertising and memberships.

Once it is up and running, USEdTV will allow the school to:

.. Broadcast all sporting events live, except for football.

“Eventually, we will archive the videos of old games, including football,” said Jordan. “This service will be free initially, but on down the road, we plan to sell memberships. Members will then be able to access the site with a password and replay past sporting events as many times as they wish.”

.. Broadcast events such as musical theatre performances, band concerts, graduation, school board meetings, recognition ceremonies, school pageants, scholastic contests, etc.

These events will be archived immediately for future viewing.

.. Solicit local and area businesses to advertise on the site.

According to Jordan, “The ads would run constantly on the system and contain links to each business’ website if it has one. Commercials could also be embedded in the broadcast of various events, which would allow sponsors to keep up with their advertising commitment in real time.”

Advertising revenues would be used to purchase additional equipment and cameras for the broadcasting class at LCHS.

.. Post announcements concerning upcoming events such as fundraisers, various club meetings, recognition ceremonies, school board meetings, and so forth.

.. Broadcast school news, including student achievements in all areas – academics, band, debate, club competitions, sports, etc.

“Through USEdTV, parents will be able to watch their child doing the morning announcements,” Jordan added.

.. Broadcast programs produced in-house.

The technology teacher indicated that her broadcasting students would like to produce a cooking show with culinary arts teacher Lynn Gay’s class once a week.

.. Use E-catalogue capabilities for selling school merchandise, memorabilia, tickets, and more.

.. Provide real-life training for students exploring careers in multi-media and marketing.

Tech support for the site will be provided free of charge.

“I believe this Internet platform will open doors for our students, allowing them to do things they didn’t know they could do,” said Jordan. “They will learn to plan, write, direct, and edit a production that will be broadcast on USEdTV. They will also be involved in the operational set-up and maintenance of equipment.

“Basically, the website will be a great way for us to get Lincoln County Schools out there – maybe it will help bring some industry here.”

She went on to say, “With USEdTV, we can do everything inhouse as long as we have the right equipment. We still have to get the in-house wiring in place as well as Internet connections at the various athletic fields, the auditorium, and other venues.”

In her remarks, Joann Collins, CTAE (Career, Technical, and Agriculture Education) director for LCHS, said, “I am very excited about our technology department receiving the United States Education TV Platform.

“Through this, we will be able to promote all areas of our curriculum as well as our extra-curricular activities. This type of experience will give our students a chance to interact and communicate with other students and the community at large.”

Along with the USEdTV website, the technology department also has plans to launch RAMP, a Remote Automation Management Project, carried out in conjunction with Moultrie Technical College.

RAMP is unique in that it is a realtime, laboratory-based, interactive platform. High school students and their teachers have direct access to post-secondary mentors for collaborative learning in advanced technical domains.

“Students will be able to receive instruction from college professors to acquaint them with the everchanging world of industrial automation,” said Jordan.

As a result of participating in RAMP, a student could earn college credit during his junior and senior years of high school.

The program will accommodate eight students at a time.

Another new teaching tool this year is an electric car, which will be used in Jordan’s Engineering Concepts Class.

“Students will gain invaluable experience working on the electric motor for the car, which is like a go-cart.”

In other comments, Jordan said she also plans on re-organizing the Technology Student Association (TSA) this year. “Students can compete in TSA events using the projects they complete in class.”

These events include robotics, computer-aided design, and dragster design.

2010 marks Jordan’s first year at LCHS. A 1991 graduate of LCHS, she holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia, a master’s degree from Troy State University, and a specialist degree in administration from Lincoln Memorial University.