Additionally, a grant from the Florida Cultural Affairs Department for development and replication of the CDs has been awarded to the district so each school in the nine-county area using the museum will have a copy. Apple Computer contributed the QuickTime Virtual Reality development software and the school district paid for a training workshop in Cupertino, California. By looking at Scott and Heather's experiences, we know that students working on these type of projects are learning skills which will make them more employable in today's technology-rich environment. With the advent of newer technologies, also, we have discovered over the past few years that students have the capability to perform to the highest expectations and quality control if given the opportunity and support necessary by their teachers. Teachers are facilitators in this project.
Students learn to find and use resources whereever they exist.
Teachers soon realize their role is less directive, but essentially more important, than it was in a traditional classroom. They often have a more difficult time with this role-change than do the students. However, once they experience the changes that take place in their students and their work, most begin to provide more and more opportunities for this type of instruction to take place in their classes. This project has provided continued growth for the collaborative efforts which the district began with the community several years ago. As more opportunities present themselves for future projects between schools and the community, more teachers and students district-wide will be able and willing to participate, as will more community agencies who see how this type of collaboration can prove beneficial to all parties.