Getting Started with Videoconferencing

Resources can be found at http://www3.bucksiu.org/ivc

Klinger MS, Centennial SDFacilitated by Pamela Newman

March 30, 2011

Why interactive videoconferencing?

Interactive Videoconferencing University of Delaware

engagementimmersive learning

curricular enhancement authenticityaccess experts

Where do I start?

• Backward Design -What do I want to accomplish?

• Curricular goals and objectives

• What experiences do I want to give my students that I cannot provide with my existing resources or knowledge?

Finding the “experience”

• A content provider is an educator connected to an organization that facilitates a prepared “experience” based on their resources and expert knowledge.

Finding the “experience”

• A content provider is an educator connected to an organization that facilitates a prepared “experience” based on their resources and expert knowledge.

• A collaboration is typically a classroom-to-classroom, student-to-student connection during which the students work on a collaborative project that is determined by the classroom teachers.

Collaborations & Projects

What is the difference?

• A content provider is an educator connected to an organization that facilitates a prepared “experience” based on their resources and expert knowledge.

• A collaboration is typically a classroom-to-classroom, student-to-student connection during which the students work on a collaborative project that is determined by the classroom teachers.

Tying to the Curriculum

• Sessions should be driven by the curriculum

• Supplement to instruction• We can’t be experts in everything.• Replace something that just isn’t working.

Step 1: Start Searching

1. Searchable collections of content providers

http://www.cilc.org

2. Organization websites1. Museums, learning centers, national parks2. Education> Distance learning programs

http://www3.bucksiu.org/ivc/contentproviders

What is CILC?

• Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration• Online database of 250+ content providers for

student programs and professional development• Find collaboration partners• Read teacher reviews• Request a program to begin the booking process• Work directly with the content provider to make

arrangements

Step 2: Talk to the Content Provider

• A good content provider will:– Identify the goals of the session– Have a clear lesson plan– Interact with students – Ask: What are you

going to have my students do?– Be flexible – Ask: Can you tailor the program to

focus on XYZ?– Provide pre and post activities/materials

Step 3: Make the arrangements

• Secure the date with your content provider– Don’t forget time zones!!!!! http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/

converter.html

• Secure funding• Secure equipment

Budgeting• Content Stipends through CILC• Typical session costs $125 to $250• What budget?• Offer to pay for a portion… first $100• Parent-Teacher Organizations• Grants• Student contributions• Some non-profit organizations offer free

sessions• Teacher Demos sometimes offered for free• Bulk discounts

Equipment

LifeSize Videoconferencing Unit– Codec– Camera– Phone (Mic + Speaker)

Projector

More than just plugging a cable into a port…

Media Release Forms

• Ensure that media release forms are in order

• Sessions should not be recorded by content providers without permission

• Districts should not record content providers without permission

• It is easy to move a student off camera– but remember the audio component

Testing

• Most important part!• Test in the room plugged into the port you

will be connecting from• Set up all equipment – ask the far end how

your lighting looks and audio sounds.• Ask the content provider if they will be

sending content (PowerPoint, video, computer screen). If yes, have them test it.

• Stay connected for at least 5 minutes.

The Future

• Maximize resources

• Increase engagement in the classroom

• Prepare students to have communication skills for the future

• Expand the walls of your organization

Contact Info

Pam NewmanInstructional Technology Specialist

pnewman@bucksiu.org(215) 348-2940 x1607

http:///www3.bucksiu.org/ivc