LEAP also was nominated for the Heller Report's prestigious Pioneer Award, which recognizes unique and innovative uses of technology. It allows us to bring to the most rural areas of the state a master language arts teacher, a master math teacher, and a master social studies teacher. Because the classes are broadcast from a university, the program also has access to artists, scientists, and other professionals not normally found in rural areas. It enables students to actually see and grasp information. In earlier years, students were forced to go to the board and work out situations.
Television cuts out embarrassment and allows each student to get involved.
To take advantage of the television medium, university teachers try to make each lesson a visual experience. We had one teacher keep his head on the table. Another wrote something on the 'board,' and the meeting was held in the 'board' room. By acting out the relationships, we drew a picture students could relate to. Television also allows students to visit places that they might not otherwise see.