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Frequently Asked Questions about EstuaryLIVE
What is EstuaryLIVE?
EstuaryLIVE is a series of programs that investigate estuaries around the country, exploring the uniqueness of each individual ecosystem. EstuaryLIVE includes live broadcasts, videos, virtual field-trips, and dynamic presentations by leading educators and scientists covering a wide range of topics related to estuarine and coastal ecosystems. These programs address a variety of relevant estuarine issues such as climate change, food webs, monitoring and data collection, and estuarine ecology.
Live broadcasts are the cornerstone of EstuaryLIVE. These broadcasts provide opportunities for participants to interact with the field trip leaders while on air! EstuaryLIVE is designed for students of all ages and provides classrooms with a wealth of information on estuarine and coastal ecology and educational tools.
We invite you to learn more about estuaries by exploring these amazing ecosystems with us through EstuaryLIVE!
How and when did EstuaryLIVE get started?
EstuaryLIVE was conceived in 1998 by Susan Lovelace (former Education Coordinator for the North Carolina Reserve) and Bill Lovin (founder and president of Marine Grafics, Inc.) to allow students in North Carolina, who could not physically visit the Reserve, to experience the estuary. This approach bypassed the concern about balancing the increased visitation to these fragile ecosystems, with a need to educate and allow for teachers and students to learn first hand, about the estuaries.
In 2001, the NERRS adopted EstuaryLIVE as the feature event for National Estuaries Day. The program now reaches a wide audience from all parts of the country and potentially the world. To date, EstuaryLIVE has featured over twenty different estuaries from around the country.
What equipment will I need to participate?
The best way to participate in EstuaryLIVE via the Internet is with:
- A computer with a high speed connection to watch the broadcast on the Internet
- A digital projector connected to the computer for class viewing
- An additional computer connected to the Internet for submitting questions, and
- An additional computer connected to the Internet for background research (optional).
Click here for more details on technology requirements.
What is the quality of the broadcast?
The quality of the downloaded satellite broadcast should be excellent, similar to live TV. Some facilities can download the satellite signal and route it to their building's video channels, which allows for the highest quality image. The Internet view will depend on the computer and Internet connections being used. A facility with high speed Internet access with relatively good equipment will receive a smoothly moving picture and excellent audio. Slow Internet connection speeds will create a "jerky" video, but will allow for good audio. This is the case also with dial-up connections. It is important that participants use the newest version of software available for the best connection.
How do I prepare my students to participate in the broadcast?
Field trips work the best if the teacher facilitates the trip, asking your students questions and acknowledging good participation, just as you would on an educational field trip. Once you are ready to have your classroom begin asking questions, you will use a form available on the Web site. Many questions will be answered live during the field trip. Others will be answered via email after the broadcast.
We do not recommend that you have your students participate in the program in a computer lab setting where each individual has their own connection. Each computer will stream the field trip at a slightly different rate, making it confusing for students. Also, we have found that our hosts become overwhelmed with questions. This does not apply to individual students who may be participating, for example, as part of an extension program or class.
Click here to find additional suggestions.
How can I get more information?
Send us your questions. We want to make sure that you and your students have a great experience watching the EstuaryLIVE program. |
Last Updated on: 06-06-2008
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