Virtual Learning Experiences On My Mind...

This morning I did two brief presentations for people in central NY about video conferencing to help my friend, Amy Spath, who had another commitment this morning.

The first group was a small group of teachers and I talked very quickly given the brief time we had together, but hope that they were able to gather at least one or two bits of information about virtual learning experiences that they didn't know before. They were such a great group! I wish I had more time to spend chatting with them...

I did an overview for them about collaborative IVC project ideas and where to find collaborative video conference partners. I also shared information about content providers and basic things to think about when planning a video conference. I was able to share my presentation with them so they can check out the links I discussed with them.

Group 2 was a rather large group of educators from several locations around central New York, which was surprising, but fun! They asked excellent questions and seemed to enjoy the presentation (particularly when my face froze momentarily on the screen in an attractive way, I'm sure, based on the giggles from the audience!).

I enjoy this kind of practice using video conference equipment and think that it is an essential part of improving my presentation style. In fact, that is one of the things that I shared this morning. So, now I plan to share with you all of the stuff that is on my mind where video conferencing is concerned...

If you are going to use video conference equipment successfully, you must practice using it! If you have Tandberg equipment, I have a handout that you might find helpful. Feel free to print it and use it. Contact us for our IP address if you want to connect with us and get help while you practice! DL@gstboces.org

We also discussed the importance of preparing for virtual learning experiences, because that is one very critical aspect of video conferencing. Give plenty of time prior to a connection for planning and scheduling a virtual learning experience. Make sure the equipment is available for all who plan to connect and get it scheduled as soon as possible. All video conferences should include pre- and post-conference activities.

Pre-conference activities could include an intro to interactive video conferencing, equipment basics, and behavioral expectations; along with the vocabulary and prior knowledge necessary for participating in the actual virtual learning experience. This could be done in the classroom, or you could schedule a DL Intro session with us here at GST.

Post-conference activities should include some form of assessment to determine student learning resulting from the virtual learning activity.

If you are responsible for delivering content during a video conference connection, ask someone the best way to present information via video conference. There are some quick strategies you can use that will keep your audience engaged from beginning to end.

Making sure to use a variety of resources, such as a document camera, a (PowerPoint) presentation, or a game can help keep students (and adults) focused. Making sure to switch the back and forth from your peripherals to the main camera periodically so the other end of the connection sees you can help maintain their connection with you as the speaker. Most importantly, keep things moving along. If something isn't working, have plans B, C, and D in place so you can quickly shift gears and continue if the technology is uncooperative for some reason.

Your connection has a better chance to succeed if you practice connecting to the other site(s) and using the peripherals you plan to use during the connection ahead of time! If you need help with this, make sure to ask us!

Feel free to contact us for other presentation ideas if you are planning to receive or deliver content via distance! You can also contact us if you want to talk about ways video conference technology can help you engage your students and enrich your curriculum.

If you and your students are fully prepared prior to a video conference connection, that will make for a much better virtual learning experience!

DL@gstboces.org

Enjoy your weekend!

CAPSpace: High School Collaborative Projects

We're always looking for ways to integrate video conferencing into the secondary curriculum. Below are some possibilities for Spanish and English teachers. Log in to CAPSpace to find out more information about both of these projects.

Title: Spanish Language Exchange:
Status: Open
URL: http://projects.twice.cc/?l=collaboration&id=251
Connections: H.323
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Subjects: Spanish
Description: This teacher would like to set up a VC between her class and a partner class that would allow the conversation in Spanish (as a second language) and share culture and background.
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Title: Facilitator's Choice - English Class:
Status: Open
URL: http://projects.twice.cc/?l=collaboration&id=252
Connections: H.323
Grades: 11, 12
Description: I have a teacher who wishes to allow their students to lead discussions once a week. The collaboration does not have to happen on a weekly basis, but she would definitely like to have more than one connection with the partner class.

This is a Grade 12 English class and one of the expectations and skills is to communicate ideas with a large group.
The format is student lead - student centered discussion of an issue of the facilitator's choice.
VC 1: introduction of classes, share background and goalsVC 2: Discussion 1 from host; Discussion 1 from partnerVC 3: Discussion 2 from host; Discussion 2 from partnerAnd do as many of these as works out for the two classes.

DL Intro Sessions

I had tons of fun with 3 second grade classes from Campbell-Savona on Thursday! The teachers have planned a content provider session with a zoo for their students.

They also wanted to help their students better understand how video conferencing works, so they connected to me at GST and we did an introductory lesson and activities to help practice what they learned. Who doesn't like playing Simon Says! by video conference? Second graders are excellent at following directions

The teachers provided me with 15 vocabulary words and definitions that I used in a review activity to help them practice their video conference behavior - raising their hand to answer questions, standing to give an answer, speaking in a strong voice, etc...

After my connections with Campbell-Savona, I returned to my office and visited with a 6th grade class in Alfred-Almond that wanted to see how the equipment worked. We spent some time showing how we could change the layout of a call and basic information about the remote.

If you are getting ready to do a video conference activity with your class and you think a similar lesson might be helpful, please email us! DL@gstboces.org

Read-Around-The-Planet is AWESOME!

The annual Read-Around-The-Planet project (http://www.twice.cc/read/) wraps up this week and what a whirldwind of testing and connections it has been! Districts across our region have particpated again this year and the students have had a ball. Ms Stackhouse at Spencer-Van Etten Elem always does a phenomenal job of encouraging the classes in her building to participate and this year she's come close to getting every class to partake of the fun! Here's a little snipet from one of the connections she facilitated: "This morning Mrs. Cornell’s Kindergarten Class from S-VE connected to the Guyandotte Elementary School in Huntington, WV. We learned that they can look out their window and see Kentucky and Ohio. They read us a story by an author from West Virginia. Then we read them a story and taught them the song and dance Wiggle Worm by Tom Knight, a local singer/songwriter. Everyone had a great time!"

Earlier today, the event organizers shared data that estimates 53,000 students were impacted by RAP! We extend a HUGE THANK YOU to Janine, Sue and all their support staff for continuing this great tradition! We love it!