The Vanderbilt University Virtual School was founded in 1991 with support from the Nashville business community. Over 30,000 teachers in the state of Tennessee had their first hands-on experience with the Internet through the Vanderbilt Virtual School and its widely adopted training model.
Today, Vanderbilt University Virtual School develops programs to integrate technologies in teaching and learning, builds virtual learning communities, and focuses on the use of videoconferencing to enhance K-12 curriculum and teacher professional development. Working in collaboration with K-12 schools, universities, informal educators, and the community, the Virtual School matches curriculum needs with national educational standards and links K-12 classrooms to resources beyond their four walls via real-time, interactive videoconferencing using H.323 IP and Internet 2 technology.
Collaborative videoconferencing projects from Vanderbilt Virtual School include literature studies, author/book talks, art, music, modern explorers, science, social studies, democracy, Holocaust studies, mental health, nutrition, space, Black History Month studies, humanities, history, Women's History Month studies, special education, career exploration, character education, community interests, health/physical education, performing arts, problem solving, life skills, technology, Race for the Presidency studies, cultural awareness, and current hot topics.
Vanderbilt Virtual School encourages schools to make the best use of videoconferencing technology to enhance learning by connecting students and teachers to experts, by assisting schools in planning videoconferences with other sites, and establishing collaborations with other schools.
