Attending school while staying home: technology makes it possible

ELDRED, NY — Eldred High School student Emily Grimm, depicted on the screen at rear, attended the March meeting of the Eldred Central School Board (ECS) via new videoconferencing technology established by the school district in conjunction with the Sullivan County Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES).

Robert Dufour, director of pupil personnel services, described the complicated process of implementing the new technology, which allows Grimm to attend classes two days per week from her home. Grimm faces special challenges related to heart transplant surgery she underwent in 2006.

“This required the work of a lot of people,” said ECS superintendent Berneice Brownell. “It was not an easy thing to accomplish.” Such videoconferencing will enable students who become unable to attend classes to continue receiving an education.

When asked for her opinion of the new technology, Grimm said, “It’s pretty good, but I’d rather be in school.”