1. Video Conferencing An Informational Pathfinder Prepared by Laurie LeFever, LMS Frazer Elementary School

2. Introduction

What equipment does the SCSD have?

PowerPlay TMCart Systems from BNI Solutions ( www.bnisolutions.com )

What do they do?

Facilitate simultaneous, immediate communication and/or instruction among multiple locations, schools, and/or classrooms

3. Whats in it for staff/students?

More diverse interactions

Greater collaboration

Easier communication with experts

Heightened student motivation

New opportunities for virtual field trips

Development of communication skills

Expansion of course offerings

Another connection to real-world skills

Means of addressing varied learning styles

Increased in-depth learning opportunities

4. How can I use it?

There are so many great uses:

Courses

Lessons

Tutoring

Virtual Field Trips

Multi-School Projects

Professional Development

Meetings

Team Teaching

Competitions

5. Where can I get more ideas?

Try these sites for starters:

Knowledge Network Explorer:Videoconferen- cing for Learning: Examples and Ideashttp://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/vidconf/ideas.html

Using Videoconferencing in the Classroomhttp://www.fi.edu/fellows/fellow6/nov98/videoclass.html

6. What will my students need to know before we conference?

Discuss/Practice:

• Equipment set-up

• Function controls

• Camera eye-contact

• Virtual participation

• Appropriate dress

• Acceptable gestures

• Camera positioning

• Voice level

• Expected etiquette

TIP:

You may actually want to rehearse before the live conference. This allows you to review your expectations before including another class in your activity. It also allows students to get over the goofy factor!

7. Where can I get morepreparation information?

Try these sites:

CU-SeeMe Etiquette 101 http://www.fi.edu/fellows/fellow6/nov98/videoettiq.html

Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory. Digital Bridges: A Teachers Guide to Video Conferencing. 2000. http:// www.netc.org/digitalbridges/teachersguide/classroom.html

Shutte, Carla. Videoconferencing for Educators.Wired @ School . 1998. http://www.fi.edu/fellows/fellow6/nov98/videomain.html

8. The key to success is planning!

• It is important to:

• Communicate with conference leaders

• Consider location (need network access)

• Stick with curriculum content

• Enhance, rather than replace, classroom units

• Write out your procedure; include measurable goals

• Plan student participation activities

• Give students a print guide to follow

• Abide by copyright laws/policies

• Remember time zones

• Consider costs

• Have a phone nearby

9. A Few Set-up Tips:

Have a phone nearby if possible.

Test equipment ahead of time.

Use care in cable/cord placement.

Consider adding a document camera(also known as a flex cam. or ELMO).

Ensure network access availability.

Check camera/microphone positions.

Vary teaching styles and camera placements to maintain attention.

10. Aesthetic Considerations

Fonts

• Arial, Times, Helvetica, Gothic, Courier

• 30 point or larger

• Consistency

Colors

• Dark background/light font

• Use color to emphasize important words.

Graphics

• Clip Art

• Charts

• Graphs

• Video Clips

Page Design

• Balance all components for clear viewing.

• Preview presentation.

11. More Information on Planning:

• Davidson, Hall. Copyright and Fair Use Guidelines for Teachers. NCCEI. 2002.http://www.nccei.org/blackboard/copyright.html

• Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory. Digital Bridges: A Teachers Guide to Video Conferencing. 2000.http://www.netc.org/digitalbridges/teachersguide/planning.html

• Shutte, Carla. Videoconferencing for Educators.Wired @ School . 1998.http://www.fi.edu/fellows/fellow6/nov98/videomain.html

12. What connections are available?

Most SCSD schools have the equipment. See your library media specialist for a user group list.

Directories exist for:

• Other schools

• Museums

• Universities

• Virtual Field Trip Providers

• Zoos

• Organizations

• Scientists

• Libraries

• And many, many more

Try these: SBC Videoconference Activities http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/vidconf/adventures.html SBC Searchable Directory http://www.kn.pacbell.com/kne_search.html NoodleTrip Search Engine http://www.noodletrip.com/ Digital Bridges Provider List http://www.netc.org/digitalbridges/images/site/pdf/ivc.providers.pdf 13. Dont forget to evaluate and share the results!

As with any lesson, assessment is critical. Did you meet your goals and objectives? Consider:

Student Products

Student Participation

Student Learning

Videoconference Process

Videoconference Facilitation

What will you use?

Rubrics

Surveys

Tests

Projects

Reflection

Discussion

Portfolios

Checklists

Writing Pieces

See:

• Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory. Digital Bridges: A Teachers Guide to Video Conferencing. 2000.http://www.netc.org/digitalbridges/teachersguide/assessment.html

14. This presentation was created using the following resources:

Jobe, Hazel. Desktop Videoconferencing: Novelty or Legitimate Teaching Tool?Education World . (1999). 12 July 2005http://www.education-world.com/a_curr/curr120.shtml .

Jobe, Hazel, Ed. Video Conference. (1998). 12 July 2005http://www.marshall-es.marshall.k12.tn.us/jobe/videocon.html .

Kubena, Kay. Distance Learning: An Instructional Overview. Lincoln Middle School, Syracuse. 13 May 2005.

Microsoft Clip Art.

Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory. Digital Bridges: A Teachers Guide to Videoconferencing. (2000). 20 July 2005http://www.netc.org/digitalbridges/ .

Pressnell, Nigel. A Look at the Future. (2004). 12 July 2005http://www.teachers.ash.org.au/npressnell/ict/yhgfl.htm .

SBC Knowledge Adventures. Videoconferencing for Learning. (1995). 20 July 2005http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/vidconf/ .

Schutte, Carla. Videoconferencing for Educators. (1998). 20 Jul 2005http://www.fi.edu/fellows/fellow6/nov98/ .