A Teacher's Digital Handbook
Strategies for Using Videoconferencing
Technology in the K-12 Classroom:
A Teacher's Digital Handbook
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This section provides the background to build understanding of the place videoconferencing holds in an educational plan
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Videoconferencing technology connects two or more people at different locations so that they can communicate, interact, and share information. This connection is accomplished through audio and video links which enable face-to-face and voice-to-voice communication. Connections are made using specialized equipment and those connections are carried over wiring using the Internet, satellite connections, or microwave signals. The locations of videoconferencing units, and people using them, can be as close as the room next door, or as far away as a continent on the other side of the world. These digital connections allow live communication across vast distances. The technology enables people to see and hear each other at the same time and carry on a conversation with full motion and sound. Additionally, it is possible to share computer applications for collaboration and make changes or edits in real time. This technology allows students in classrooms to connect with other students, experts in a variety of fields, and people around the world. Students and teachers can obtain information and make contacts with people from public and private learning institutions such as universities, libraries, museums, public agencies as well as businesses.
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| What
are the Foundations of Videoconferencing?
Videoconferencing ties directly to established distance learning principles and adds the enhancement of face-to-face and voice-to-voice communication. Distance learning has a long history and has gone through a series of refinements. Early distance learning can be traced back to 19th century post office delivery of instruction. Today's models of distance learning instruction have evolved from the original print based instruction, to the use of radio and television, and on to the utilization of web-based instruction and on-line resources. |
| Why
Videoconferencing?
Videoconferencing provides students and teachers with the opportunity to expand teaching and learning possibilities. Students and teachers will no longer have to rely exclusively on the resources available within their districts. Schools who have traditionally been limited by the walls that encompass the schools as well as remote locations now have the opportunity to expand beyond those walls to access information. With emerging technologies, schools have the opportunity to tap resources around the world Students using videoconferencing will have experiences:
Videoconferencing can provide administrative benefits in addition to student learning benefits. Teacher in-service training, staff organizational meetings, collaboration with other districts, connections to university classes, and other uses can enhance the efficiency of the school system.
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| How
Does Videoconferencing Impact Student Learning?
New technologies open opportunities for student learning and this communication tool offers students unique possibilities for accessing information. Videoconferencing goes beyond the interactions offered through traditional e-mail, telephone, or on-line chat systems. The video system adds the combination of visual and auditory information that puts the collaborators in an experience that closes the distance gap and helps the participants feel connected to each other. As libraries, museums, colleges, schools, government agencies and other information resource facilities add videoconferencing, students will be able to connect with experts, collaborate with other students, work in partnership on projects, and participate in world wide activities. These activities, using videoconferencing, build relationships and encourage active learning. Collaboration using this two way technology makes the experience almost like being there. Impacts include:
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| This videoconferencing communication is facilitated
in Jerome School District through the use of a system of videoconferencing
units placed in each of the schools. These units are accessible to
all teachers for classroom instruction and are located in common spaces
such as libraries or computer labs each building.
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conniepepper@cableone.net |
