Videoconference Guidelines Strategies for Using Videoconferencing Technology in

Videoconference Guidelines Strategies for Using Videoconferencing Technology in the K-12 Classroom

Videoconferencing in the Classroom n n n Connects two or more people in different locations allowing for communication, interaction and sharing of information Ties directly to established distance learning principles and adds to face-toface communication Provides students and teachers with opportunity to expand teaching and learning possibilities – classroom walls are opened to the world

Students Experiences n n Broadens the scope of learning resources Utilizing world-wide resources including experts, professionals, remote institutional resources, and other students Learning in a technological environment prepares students with real world communication skills Provides opportunities in the global society

Impacts on Student Learning n n Improved Presentation and Communication skills Increased connection with outside resources, experts Links to people from different social, cultural, and economic backgrounds Enhanced motivation

Planning and Preparation: Focus on the Learning n n n n Setting the Stage Learning objectives remain the same Develop and review a timeline to be used in the videoconference Assign roles and responsibilities Set participation expectations Provide support materials Assessment Plan

Pre Videoconference List n n n n Practice using the videoconference equipment – perform a pre-session activity to have students interact in the videoconference environment Behavior guidelines – review with students Contact site/sites and exchange planning and information for the conference Practice sending and receiving audio and video Practice sharing documents Develop and review timeline that will be used for a videoconference Assign roles and responsibilities for students and participants Identify and distribute support material to all participants

Student and Teacher Etiquette Guidelines n n n Introduce yourself Maintain eye contact with remote sites by looking directly into the camera while speaking Speak slowly and clearly Indicate when you are finished speaking and set up the next speaker Mute the microphone when you’re not speaking When connecting to multiple sites, avoid confusion by direction questions or commetns to specific site or location

Dos and Don’ts n n n n Do keep body movements minimal Do move and gesture slowly Do maintain eye contact by looking into the camera Don’t shout Don’t carry on side conversations Don’t interrupt other speakers Don’t cover the microphone Don’t make distracting noises

Student Interaction Strategies • Student Self Introductions – should be scheduled at the beginning of session • Question and Answer periods – should be included • Pair Students with far end students on the project outlined for discussion • Plan for interaction – including all students

Videoconference Lesson Plans n n n Dates for proposed VTC session Content/Technology Objectivs Roles during VTC n n n Presentation Method n n n Facilitators/Students at originating site Facilitators/Students at far site Document Sharing (Document Camera) Student Interaction Resources/Provider n Visuals, handouts, web resources, experts

Videoconference Time/Sequence Schedule Time/Sequence n. Instructional Plan n. Facilitator Actions n. Student Actions n. Presentation Methods/Equipment Required §Time Length for each activity – n transition to next activity and/or person speaking §Closing/Next Steps – Planning and Follow up § Thoughtful planning and discussion insures success…

Videoconference Opportunities n Enhance curriculum n Expert speakers n Virtual field trips (zoos, museums, aquariums, government officials) n Partnering with resources in your state, other districts, other schools n Distance Learning courses

Videoconference Resources n n Two Way Interactive Connections in Education – TWICE http: //www. twice. cc/resources. html - one stop shop – clearing house for VTC programs Pac Bell – Videoconference Directories http: //www. kn. pacbell. com/wired/vidconf/d irectory. html#other - Provider list searchable database of sites that provideoconferencing connections