Video on Request is one of PeachStar's most popular services to Georgia schools. Have you ever missed a PeachStar broadcast because of equipment failure or other technical difficulty? Or, perhaps you were all set to record a program when the bell for a fire drill rang. Or maybe you just didn't know about a broadcast until it was over. These are the types of problems that Video On Request was designed to remedy. The service allows library media specialists and classroom teachers to call PeachStar and request a special rebroadcast of programs that have been missed for whatever reason. And that's not all; you can also use the service to request customized Theme Packets of programming. Say you are building a lesson plan around the topic of the Revolutionary War. You can call Video On Request, tell us what you are looking for, and we will go through our entire tape library and identify all the programs that pertain to your interest. Then we would blockfeed all of that programming at a time convenient to you.
Making a request is easy - just phone (404) 685-2580 if calling from the Atlanta area. Our toll-free number is 800-222-6006, Ext. 2580.
Before you make a request:
You might want to take a few minutes before making a request to scan the program listings in your current Pipeline, or search the database in the Broadcast Schedule section of PeachStar's web site, to determine whether the programming you are interested in is already scheduled for airing on one of PeachStar's channels in the near future.
Please allow a 72-hour turn around for requests of rebroadcasts. If you are requesting a Theme Packet, it may take longer. Also be aware that PeachStar does not have the rights to rebroadcast some series and programs (for example, the GALAXY Classroom series and Reading Rainbow).
Video On Request is a valuable resource for Georgia classrooms. Please take advantage of it!
Tuesday, November 7, 2000
Tuesday, October 24, 2000
Colonial Williamsburg Electronic Field Trips
Explore our early American heritage through Colonial Williamsburg's Electronic Field Trips. The series uses today's technologies to discover the past. During the live, interactive broadcast events, students speak by phone to historic characters and experts. Throughout the school year, students participate in web site activities and Internet forums.
Georgia schools may watch, record and use the programs in the classroom at no cost. Schools that wish to actually participate in the live broadcasts and access the many support materials must register and pay a fee. (The fee is $100 per school per program. Discount options are available.) Support materials include a Teacher's Guide, including lesson plans, primary source documents, glossary, time lines and historical background; Web site Access, featuring web adventures, discussion forum, online voting, and email; access to the 1-800 number for call-ins during the live broadcast; colorful poster; introductory video; and tips for teacher booklets. To register call 1-800-761-8331 or visit www.history.org/trips/.
Seven live field trips are scheduled to air on PeachStar's Channel 410 this school year. The first is "Missions To America," which airs 1-2 PM, Thursday, October 5. On this field trip, students travel to America's first English settlement, a French Great Lakes trading post and a Spanish mission in the Southwest to explore how different European nations colonized America.
Georgia schools may watch, record and use the programs in the classroom at no cost. Schools that wish to actually participate in the live broadcasts and access the many support materials must register and pay a fee. (The fee is $100 per school per program. Discount options are available.) Support materials include a Teacher's Guide, including lesson plans, primary source documents, glossary, time lines and historical background; Web site Access, featuring web adventures, discussion forum, online voting, and email; access to the 1-800 number for call-ins during the live broadcast; colorful poster; introductory video; and tips for teacher booklets. To register call 1-800-761-8331 or visit www.history.org/trips/.
Seven live field trips are scheduled to air on PeachStar's Channel 410 this school year. The first is "Missions To America," which airs 1-2 PM, Thursday, October 5. On this field trip, students travel to America's first English settlement, a French Great Lakes trading post and a Spanish mission in the Southwest to explore how different European nations colonized America.
Saturday, October 21, 2000
Experiencing Technical Difficulties?
Help Is Available
The PeachStar Satellite Network reaches more than 2,000 locations across Georgia including public schools, colleges, universities, regional public libraries and other state agency offices. All PeachStar sites are provided Help Desk and Maintenance services supporting the operation of the local satellite receiver system. These services are provided through Convergent Media Systems (CMS), a private vendor under contract to PeachStar.
What Your Help Desk Services Include
All technical problems with the satellite system should be reported promptly to the Help Desk. Technical Service Coordinators are available to provide help by telephone from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. The toll free number for the Help Desk is 1-800-877-7805.
In most cases the Technical Service Coordinator will be able to solve problems over the telephone. In instances where the problem is not resolved by phone, the Technical Service Coordinator may order a field service call.
Field Service Calls
If the Technical Service Coordinator determines that a field service call is required, a technician can be dispatched to the site pending whatever proper approval is required at the local level. Schools may or may not be required to pay a fee for the service call, depending on whether the technical problem and the services rendered are covered by PeachStar's contract with CMS.
What Is Covered:
Under normal wear and tear, the following components are covered for repair or replacement:
* Ku-band LNB
* C-band LNB
* Corotor
* Actuator Arm
* IF and RF cable connectors
* Chaparral or Drake analog receivers
* General Instrument DSR 4200C digital receivers
The service also covers re-peaking, realigning or reshaping the parabolic of the satellite antenna as necessary. All labor associated with repairing or replacing covered items is included.
What Is Not Covered ("Out of Scope" Services)
The following items or situations are not covered:
* Damage due to the installation of any video distribution or satellite-related equipment if that installation was not performed by a CMS technician
* Damage due to servicing of the satellite equipment in any way by other than a CMS technician
* Damage due to renovations or construction
* Vandalism
* Negligence
* Force Majeure or Acts of God (lightning or storm damage, etc.)
Again, if a field service call is ordered, and the service technician discovers that the problem is due to an "out of scope" cause, the site may be charged for material and labor, as applicable.
Help Desk
If you ever have questions about what work is covered or if you would like more information, feel free to call John Fawcett, Project Manager at Convergent Media Systems, at (404) 231-8697 or 1-800-877-7805, the toll-free Help Desk number.
You may also call Bix Doughty of PeachStar Education Services at (404) 685-2566; outside the Atlanta area call toll free at 1-888-501-8960.
If you need help with your satellite receiving equipment, call The Satellite Help Desk. Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at 1-800-877-7805.
The PeachStar Satellite Network reaches more than 2,000 locations across Georgia including public schools, colleges, universities, regional public libraries and other state agency offices. All PeachStar sites are provided Help Desk and Maintenance services supporting the operation of the local satellite receiver system. These services are provided through Convergent Media Systems (CMS), a private vendor under contract to PeachStar.
What Your Help Desk Services Include
All technical problems with the satellite system should be reported promptly to the Help Desk. Technical Service Coordinators are available to provide help by telephone from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. The toll free number for the Help Desk is 1-800-877-7805.
In most cases the Technical Service Coordinator will be able to solve problems over the telephone. In instances where the problem is not resolved by phone, the Technical Service Coordinator may order a field service call.
Field Service Calls
If the Technical Service Coordinator determines that a field service call is required, a technician can be dispatched to the site pending whatever proper approval is required at the local level. Schools may or may not be required to pay a fee for the service call, depending on whether the technical problem and the services rendered are covered by PeachStar's contract with CMS.
What Is Covered:
Under normal wear and tear, the following components are covered for repair or replacement:
* Ku-band LNB
* C-band LNB
* Corotor
* Actuator Arm
* IF and RF cable connectors
* Chaparral or Drake analog receivers
* General Instrument DSR 4200C digital receivers
The service also covers re-peaking, realigning or reshaping the parabolic of the satellite antenna as necessary. All labor associated with repairing or replacing covered items is included.
What Is Not Covered ("Out of Scope" Services)
The following items or situations are not covered:
* Damage due to the installation of any video distribution or satellite-related equipment if that installation was not performed by a CMS technician
* Damage due to servicing of the satellite equipment in any way by other than a CMS technician
* Damage due to renovations or construction
* Vandalism
* Negligence
* Force Majeure or Acts of God (lightning or storm damage, etc.)
Again, if a field service call is ordered, and the service technician discovers that the problem is due to an "out of scope" cause, the site may be charged for material and labor, as applicable.
Help Desk
If you ever have questions about what work is covered or if you would like more information, feel free to call John Fawcett, Project Manager at Convergent Media Systems, at (404) 231-8697 or 1-800-877-7805, the toll-free Help Desk number.
You may also call Bix Doughty of PeachStar Education Services at (404) 685-2566; outside the Atlanta area call toll free at 1-888-501-8960.
If you need help with your satellite receiving equipment, call The Satellite Help Desk. Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at 1-800-877-7805.
Saturday, October 7, 2000
PeachStar's Neighbors
Reminder: Georgia Public Broadcasting is not the only source of quality instructional programming on satellite TelStar 4. South Carolina Educational Television (SCETV) and Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) also use T4, and, thanks to a mutual agreement between GPB and the other states, your IRDs should already be mapped and authorized to receive the South Carolina and Louisiana schedules. To check out the educational programming offered by these agencies, just change the channel on your IRD.
* SCETV channels are numbered in the 300 series.
* LPB channels are numbered in the 200 series.
* SCETV channels are numbered in the 300 series.
* LPB channels are numbered in the 200 series.
Friday, October 6, 2000
PeachStar Survey Summary
Customer satisfaction is extremely important to PeachStar, and we are constantly seeking comments, criticisms and suggestions from educators, to help us determine ways to better serve Georgia classrooms. In March 2000, PeachStar mailed surveys to Media Centers at 1,874 Georgia public schools. The purpose of the survey was to determine use of, and satisfaction with, PeachStar programming and services. More than 1,200 media specialists completed and returned the questionnaires - a return rate of approximately 65 percent. We received surveys from 734 elementary schools, 216 middle schools, 220 high schools, 14 middle/high schools, six K-12 schools and 11 schools whose grade levels we were not able to determine.
* 90 percent of all schools indicated they use the PeachStar Satellite Network receiving equipment which the state installed in Georgia public schools seven years ago. As for the 10 percent who do not use the equipment, three main reasons were given:
1) Their equipment is broken
2) Their school doesn't have the equipment
3) They don't know how to use the equipment.
* According to the survey, Georgia Stories is by far the most popular series offered over the satellite network. Fifty-nine percent of all the responding schools and 95 percent of middle schools use the series. SALSA, Count On It!, Transitions, GALAXY, Integrated Science, NASA Connect, and Teachers' Workshop also fared well in the survey.
* Media specialists were asked to judge how their teachers would rate PeachStar programming. Zero percent said "Poor," 5 percent said "Fair," 32 percent said "Good," 46 percent said "Very Good," and 18 percent said "Excellent."
* Media specialists were asked to judge how their students would rate PeachStar programming. Zero percent said "Poor," 5 percent said "Fair," 37 percent said "Good," 44 percent said "Very Good," and 14 percent said "Excellent."
* Forty-two percent of the responding media specialists said they had used PeachStar's Video On Request service. Of those who had used the service, 2 percent rated it "Poor," 3 percent said "Fair," 20 percent said "Good," 34 percent said "Very Good," and 41 percent said "Excellent."
* Virtually all of the responding media specialists said they received their annual PeachStar Program Guide. Zero percent rated the Guide "Poor," 5 percent said "Fair," 22 percent said "Good," 40 percent said "Very Good," and 32 percent said "Excellent."
* Virtually all of the responding media specialists said they received their monthly bundles of PeachStar Pipeline. Zero percent rated the newsletter "Poor," 5 percent said "Fair," 22 percent said "Good," 40 percent said "Very Good," and 33 percent said "Excellent."
* Sixty-two percent of the responding media specialists said they had visited PeachStar's web site. Of those, zero percent rated it "Poor," 2 percent said "Fair," 23 percent said "Good," 42 percent said "Very Good," and 32 percent said "Excellent."
In addition to answering our specific questions, respondents were asked to write down any comments they wished to offer concerning PeachStar services; nearly 700 media specialists did just that. Some findings:
* PeachStar's blockfeed scheduling format is very popular.
* The ID slates that we have put at the beginning of every program are helpful.
* Some schools receive PeachStar print materials late. (Based on this response, the print and distribution schedule for Pipeline has been revised. We hope every school is now receiving Pipeline well before the first of the month.)
* There is a need for more programming designed for grades 9-12. (This will be a priority for us as we begin to line up programming for next year.)
* A special thanks to the 91 folks who simply told us to "Keep up the good work!"
We appreciate everyone who took time from their busy schedule to complete the questionnaire and return it to PeachStar.
* 90 percent of all schools indicated they use the PeachStar Satellite Network receiving equipment which the state installed in Georgia public schools seven years ago. As for the 10 percent who do not use the equipment, three main reasons were given:
1) Their equipment is broken
2) Their school doesn't have the equipment
3) They don't know how to use the equipment.
* According to the survey, Georgia Stories is by far the most popular series offered over the satellite network. Fifty-nine percent of all the responding schools and 95 percent of middle schools use the series. SALSA, Count On It!, Transitions, GALAXY, Integrated Science, NASA Connect, and Teachers' Workshop also fared well in the survey.
* Media specialists were asked to judge how their teachers would rate PeachStar programming. Zero percent said "Poor," 5 percent said "Fair," 32 percent said "Good," 46 percent said "Very Good," and 18 percent said "Excellent."
* Media specialists were asked to judge how their students would rate PeachStar programming. Zero percent said "Poor," 5 percent said "Fair," 37 percent said "Good," 44 percent said "Very Good," and 14 percent said "Excellent."
* Forty-two percent of the responding media specialists said they had used PeachStar's Video On Request service. Of those who had used the service, 2 percent rated it "Poor," 3 percent said "Fair," 20 percent said "Good," 34 percent said "Very Good," and 41 percent said "Excellent."
* Virtually all of the responding media specialists said they received their annual PeachStar Program Guide. Zero percent rated the Guide "Poor," 5 percent said "Fair," 22 percent said "Good," 40 percent said "Very Good," and 32 percent said "Excellent."
* Virtually all of the responding media specialists said they received their monthly bundles of PeachStar Pipeline. Zero percent rated the newsletter "Poor," 5 percent said "Fair," 22 percent said "Good," 40 percent said "Very Good," and 33 percent said "Excellent."
* Sixty-two percent of the responding media specialists said they had visited PeachStar's web site. Of those, zero percent rated it "Poor," 2 percent said "Fair," 23 percent said "Good," 42 percent said "Very Good," and 32 percent said "Excellent."
In addition to answering our specific questions, respondents were asked to write down any comments they wished to offer concerning PeachStar services; nearly 700 media specialists did just that. Some findings:
* PeachStar's blockfeed scheduling format is very popular.
* The ID slates that we have put at the beginning of every program are helpful.
* Some schools receive PeachStar print materials late. (Based on this response, the print and distribution schedule for Pipeline has been revised. We hope every school is now receiving Pipeline well before the first of the month.)
* There is a need for more programming designed for grades 9-12. (This will be a priority for us as we begin to line up programming for next year.)
* A special thanks to the 91 folks who simply told us to "Keep up the good work!"
We appreciate everyone who took time from their busy schedule to complete the questionnaire and return it to PeachStar.
Thursday, March 16, 2000
PeachStar Programming in Georgia Classrooms
Two months ago Pipeline invited Georgia educators to write a short essay telling how their schools use PeachStar programming to enhance classroom instruction. We received several excellent responses and would like to share a few excerpts with all our readers.
"Chestnut Log Middle School has used PeachStar as a major component of our science program for over three years. We tape Integrated Science each week for three 20-minute segments for each grade level. Each segment presents instruction and demonstration interspersed with graphics, animation, and live action.
Our Spanish students enjoy reviewing vocabulary and pronunciation using the elementary SALSA programs. These 15-minute programs use puppets and animation to tell classic children's stories. In exploratory, our student media and career teacher is using segments from several new programs being broadcast this year to encourage students to look to their future in a more positive and open way. Selections taped are The E in Me/The Entrepreneur in You, Against All Odds, Only in America, World of Work, and Great Black Innovators.
The cornerstone of our eighth grade social studies videos has been the Georgia Stories series. With a new emphasis and a new curriculum this year, teachers have needed materials on U.S. history and government. Eighth grade has requested The Story of the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, American Revolution, and Westward Expansion. Other grade levels have used Geography Skills and Great Cities of the Ancient World.
This month, math teachers have requested Want This Job? Do Your Math. So often students complain, 'Why do I have to learn this? I'll never need this!' These programs will show our students interesting high-tech jobs where science and math are necessary.
Although we tape and show many other PeachStar programs, this sample shows many ways the programming enhances and supplements our regular curriculum."
Susan Bissell, Media Specialist, Chestnut Log Middle School, Douglas County Schools
"... I feel that all children need to be exposed to other cultures. For them, learning another language, like Spanish, is not only fun, but it allows them to develop a sensitivity to others. I have used SALSA since its publication to enhance my third grade classroom's goal of learning a Spanish phrase or word each week. I choose words or phrases within a content area and focus on them. SALSA adds native reinforcement and enhancement to my classroom curriculum. For a city school system as small as mine which can't afford a foreign language program, SALSA is a wonderful supplement for a bilingual teacher who would like to share the gift of a different culture."
Candace Oliver, Third Grade Teacher, Commerce Elementary School, Commerce City Schools
"At Camp Creek we have some science and social studies teachers who faithfully look through PeachStar Pipeline each month and send us requests to tape selected programs for them to supplement their curriculum topics in areas where our school and county video libraries are lacking. We are also a special education center for our half of the county, and we are able to obtain elementary videos from PeachStar for many of our hearing-impaired or autistic self-contained students and other special education students. We have two full-time Spanish teachers for our middle scholars, and they both teach a 6th grade exploratory class and a regular Spanish I class (for high school credit) for 7th and 8th graders. The Spanish teachers came and asked me to request the free SALSA set for their classroom use. They are both imaginative and creative teachers who I am sure would make excellent instructional use of the series in their classrooms."
Lynn Bradley, Media Specialist, Camp Creek Middle School, Fulton County Schools
For taking the time and trouble to write to us, each of the schools noted above (plus others that responded) will receive a free SALSA I video set. In addition, we are now offering to give away a limited number of Irasshai Explorer Kits to schools that send essays. Please check out the "PeachStar's Spring Sale" notice on page 4 of this Pipeline for details.
"Chestnut Log Middle School has used PeachStar as a major component of our science program for over three years. We tape Integrated Science each week for three 20-minute segments for each grade level. Each segment presents instruction and demonstration interspersed with graphics, animation, and live action.
Our Spanish students enjoy reviewing vocabulary and pronunciation using the elementary SALSA programs. These 15-minute programs use puppets and animation to tell classic children's stories. In exploratory, our student media and career teacher is using segments from several new programs being broadcast this year to encourage students to look to their future in a more positive and open way. Selections taped are The E in Me/The Entrepreneur in You, Against All Odds, Only in America, World of Work, and Great Black Innovators.
The cornerstone of our eighth grade social studies videos has been the Georgia Stories series. With a new emphasis and a new curriculum this year, teachers have needed materials on U.S. history and government. Eighth grade has requested The Story of the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, American Revolution, and Westward Expansion. Other grade levels have used Geography Skills and Great Cities of the Ancient World.
This month, math teachers have requested Want This Job? Do Your Math. So often students complain, 'Why do I have to learn this? I'll never need this!' These programs will show our students interesting high-tech jobs where science and math are necessary.
Although we tape and show many other PeachStar programs, this sample shows many ways the programming enhances and supplements our regular curriculum."
Susan Bissell, Media Specialist, Chestnut Log Middle School, Douglas County Schools
"... I feel that all children need to be exposed to other cultures. For them, learning another language, like Spanish, is not only fun, but it allows them to develop a sensitivity to others. I have used SALSA since its publication to enhance my third grade classroom's goal of learning a Spanish phrase or word each week. I choose words or phrases within a content area and focus on them. SALSA adds native reinforcement and enhancement to my classroom curriculum. For a city school system as small as mine which can't afford a foreign language program, SALSA is a wonderful supplement for a bilingual teacher who would like to share the gift of a different culture."
Candace Oliver, Third Grade Teacher, Commerce Elementary School, Commerce City Schools
"At Camp Creek we have some science and social studies teachers who faithfully look through PeachStar Pipeline each month and send us requests to tape selected programs for them to supplement their curriculum topics in areas where our school and county video libraries are lacking. We are also a special education center for our half of the county, and we are able to obtain elementary videos from PeachStar for many of our hearing-impaired or autistic self-contained students and other special education students. We have two full-time Spanish teachers for our middle scholars, and they both teach a 6th grade exploratory class and a regular Spanish I class (for high school credit) for 7th and 8th graders. The Spanish teachers came and asked me to request the free SALSA set for their classroom use. They are both imaginative and creative teachers who I am sure would make excellent instructional use of the series in their classrooms."
Lynn Bradley, Media Specialist, Camp Creek Middle School, Fulton County Schools
For taking the time and trouble to write to us, each of the schools noted above (plus others that responded) will receive a free SALSA I video set. In addition, we are now offering to give away a limited number of Irasshai Explorer Kits to schools that send essays. Please check out the "PeachStar's Spring Sale" notice on page 4 of this Pipeline for details.
Wednesday, March 1, 2000
News Flash! The GALAXY Classroom is Now Online!
Beginning immediately the GALAXY Classroom Web Site is available to expand teacher support and offer new dimensions for student learning. Through the web site GALAXY Classroom hopes to provide an expanded gateway to the world of teaching and learning. Now participating in GALAXY is a great reason to be on the web. Special areas have been set up for teachers as well as students. In the teacher area you will have access to literature connections, additional hands-on investigations to enhance your classroom inquiries, newsletters and monthly calendars, and direct access to GALAXY curriculum staff via e-mail. In addition, you can register to be a part of the GALAXY teacher listserv, which makes communicating with teachers throughout North America as easy as sending an electronic letter!
In the student areas students will find scores of opportunities to expand their investigations. A separate area is set up for each curriculum. Your students will have access to the characters on the programs through "fan e-mail." Even parents will find take-home investigations that relate to what their children are doing in their GALAXY Classrooms at school. Student work from all over North America is posted on the site, providing an exciting opportunity for students to see their work as well as the responses from their peers all over the GALAXY.
To enter the web sites you will need the user names and passwords listed below. Log on and see for yourself how dynamic the GALAXY web site is:
TEACHER AREA >>
user name: galaxy
password: learn
STUDENT AREAS >>
S.N.O.O.P.S. -- 5th grade science
user name: galaxy
password: weird
The House -- 4th grade language arts
user name: galaxy
password: read
Fixer Uppers -- 2nd grade science
user name: galaxy
password: whatif
Finders Seekers -- kindergarten and 1st grade science
user name: galaxy
password: science
Visit the GALAXY Classroom web site and get GALAXY information delivered directly to your desktop.
In the student areas students will find scores of opportunities to expand their investigations. A separate area is set up for each curriculum. Your students will have access to the characters on the programs through "fan e-mail." Even parents will find take-home investigations that relate to what their children are doing in their GALAXY Classrooms at school. Student work from all over North America is posted on the site, providing an exciting opportunity for students to see their work as well as the responses from their peers all over the GALAXY.
To enter the web sites you will need the user names and passwords listed below. Log on and see for yourself how dynamic the GALAXY web site is:
TEACHER AREA >>
user name: galaxy
password: learn
STUDENT AREAS >>
S.N.O.O.P.S. -- 5th grade science
user name: galaxy
password: weird
The House -- 4th grade language arts
user name: galaxy
password: read
Fixer Uppers -- 2nd grade science
user name: galaxy
password: whatif
Finders Seekers -- kindergarten and 1st grade science
user name: galaxy
password: science
Visit the GALAXY Classroom web site and get GALAXY information delivered directly to your desktop.
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