Enhancing and Extending Classroom Learning Through Video Conferencing

Lauren Murphy, @Lauren_Murphy5, Fifth Grade Teacher, Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, Philadelphia, PA, U.S.

With Kim Sivick, @ksivick Coordinator of Technology

http://globaleducation.ning.com/forum/topics/enhancing-and-extending-classroom-learning-through-video

Enhancing and Extending Classroom Learning

Through Video Conferencing

Kim SivickDirector of Professional and Organizational Development

Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools

Getting started

What is your objective?

• Simple social connection

• Gain knowledge from expert

• Presentation to a global audience

• Collaborative learning experience

How will video conferencing enhance and extend your

curriculum?

Find a connection…………. go back to your objective

Is this a simple social video call?

Are you seeking an opportunity for your student's to present globally?

Hoping to gain knowledge from an expert?

Explore all your connections

• Family and friends

• Professional acquaintances

• Social media

• Numerous Skype in education lists

• Look for a school with a similar student body

EquipmentComputerSpeaker

Microphone Camera

Skype download

Test your system and practice with a friend

outside of your network

Planning your presentation

• Try to have a background that is calm

• Choose one centrally located computer

• Use a microphone that students can easily share

• Establish classroom rules for the session

Practice• it’s very important that both parties have

practiced using video conferencing prior to student involvement

• check and double check your equipment

• Confirm the time and time zone

• Plan to communicate and check the system one day prior to student involvement

• check slides/videos

Day of the event• 30 min-1 hour prior, confirm and test

connection

• remind students of the rules

• place the call

• Begin with an introduction, allow a few minutes for the students to get comfortable and ask a few questions

• Relax, it’s a learning opportunity

• If necessary, remind your students to say thank you

ReflectionFor students and teachers

What did you remember?

Can you describe the video conference in 3 paragraphs?

Did you notice any areas that need improvement?

How would you rate yourself as a participant?