Mr. Peterson’s combined AP US students took a field trip last Tuesday without ever leaving the classroom.

His C and E block classes came together for a virtual field trip, a personal presentation on the Hudson River School of art by a guide from the Albany Institute of History & Art.

New technology similar to that used during global business conferences was utilized to make this virtual field trip possible. A conference microphone set at the center of the room and a moving web-camera controlled by the tour guide allowed the entire class of 30 or so students to engage in open conversation with the guide, who could in turn see and address the students directly via the camera and a set of television monitors.

Students spent the hour-long session studying the works of such notable 19th century New England painters as Frederic Church, Thomas Cole and Asher D. Durand, revolutionary American artists who defined our country’s art styles of the day by shunning portraiture and emphasizing the beauty of America’s unique landscapes.

Several teachers, administrators and other students turned up for the field trip as well, their interests piqued both by the art as well as by the technology. This event represents a step forward in the way technology can be used in our schools.

Story contributed by Sam Lucci, 11th grade student at RHS