Breakthrough technology enabled the Swans to conduct a virtual excursion for students from 15 public schools. It was the first hit-out for new wireless equipment for the Department of Education and Training’s Connected Classroom Virtual Excursion Program.
As far as the students from:
• Alfords Point Public
• Botany Public
• Cudgegong Valley Public
• Culcairn Public
• Gilgandra Public
• Jerilderie Public
• Killarney Heights Public
• Mathoura Public
• Mona Vale Public
• Nulkaba Public
• Oaklands Central
• Portland Central
• Tahmoor Public
• Thornton Public
• Windsor Public
were concerned it was certainly kicking goals.
Not only did the wireless camera allow the virtual excursion to venture further than was possible with the previous technology, Bolton took the inquisitive students to places only visited by the privileged few.
Perhaps he even ventured to a few places the students should not go.
That is if Swans coach, Paul Roos was not displaying tongue-in-cheek fury as he rushed Bolton and the camera crew away from the tactics board on his office wall.
Coaching co-ordinator John Longmire told the students they were lucky to be taken into the real inner-sanctum of the club.
As the camera scanned around, students quickly discovered that there is more to a strong Swans team than the 22 players who run onto the field.
They also learned that being a top player depended on more than being physically fit and kicking a ball well.
Club Champion Ryan O’Keefe talked about nutrition, Henry Playfair shared how he needed determination and persistence to overcome injury, Nick Malceski spoke of enjoying what you do and Lewis Roberts-Thomson hoped that he could motivate and encourage people to make the right decisions.
Department of Education and Training Rural and Distance Education Manager, Mike Tom was thrilled with the success of the first round effort with the new virtual excursion equipment.
He anticipates that dozens of schools around the state will be logging on to watch the highlights package and expects excursions to the Swans inner-sanctum will become a regular fixture.
While the Virtual Excursion Program was principally developed to target students at remote and regional schools, all students from public schools anywhere in NSW can access the educational opportunities it offers.
