Office of the Governor
For Immediate Release: Friday, April 5, 2002
For More Information: Nicole Nordbye 773-3661, Tammy Bauck 773-6118, or Jim Gentile (ARI) 219-391-4138

Digital Dakota Network Submerges South Dakota School Kids in the Waters of the Great Lakes

(Pierre) – The state Department of Education and Cultural Affairs is using the Digital Dakota Network (DDN) to take students into the depths of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior by partnering with the Aquatic Research Institute of East Chicago, IN. Students in grades 3-8 will link, via the DDN, with experts in Indiana for "Diving into History – Great Lakes Shipwrecks."

Students will learn about and see video of ships that went down in 1884, 1909, and 1954. All are preserved because of the cold, fresh water of the Great Lakes.  Divers, who have explored the ships, will discuss the vessels’ history, as well as Great Lakes shipwreck lore from Native American canoes to modern steel freighters.  Students will also learn how Great Lakes shipping influenced America’s westward expansion. The program integrates distance learning within current classes and addresses South Dakota content standards.  

“This kind of unique, learning opportunity is exactly what the Governor envisioned when he connected the schools and created the Digital Dakota Network,” said Ray Christensen, Secretary of the Department of Education and Cultural Affairs.  “It would be impossible to take South Dakota schools kids on a field trip to the Great Lakes, yet this program gives them the experience without ever leaving their classroom,” he said. 

Here is a list of schools scheduled to participate as of April 4, 2002.
 
April 11:  1:00-2:00 pm CT 3-5th grade
Big Stone
Bristol
Britton
Custer 
Garretson
Geddes

April 11:  2:00-3:00 pm CT 6-8th grade
Britton
Canistota
Gregory
Jones County
Shannon County – Rockyford Elementary

“Diving into History” is part of the Aquatic Research Institute's Project AquaQuest series, an interactive distance learning curriculum. AquaQest is a standards-based program that provides students and educators with opportunities to extend the traditional student - teacher relationship beyond the walls of the classroom.

The DDN is the state-supported technology network that allows South Dakota schools to connect with one another through the Internet and Video conferencing, as well as to outside resources such as the Aquatics Research Institute.  The DDN also provides e-mail and Internet access to more than 600 school buildings across South Dakota.

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