Notes and Things to consider from May 12, 2003 conference presentation

DL = distance learning vc = videoconferencing

Benefits - from www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/vidconf/intro.html

As an interactive communication medium, two-way video stands out in a number of ways. First of all, it's almost like being there. The visual connection and interaction among participants enhances understanding and helps participants feel connected to each other. This goes a long way toward building relationships in a way that e-mail, telephone, or online chat systems cannot. It supports collaboration among traditionally isolated institutions. A videoconference can improve retention and appeal to a variety of learning styles by including diverse media such as video or audio clips, graphics, animations, computer applications. Educators and librarians from around the world report that videoconferencing technology impacts student learning in the following ways:

Heightens communication
"The excitement of using new technology and interacting with other students or adults increases motivation. "We have had students give up recess to do our programs and ask 'When are we doing that fun thing again?' " Kayla Dove, Liberty Science Center, NJ

"Several of our students gave up lunch hour to continue the dialogue and viewing!!!" James K. Tice, Supt. in Strafford, MO

Improves communication, presentation, and "SCANS" skills

Students perceive video guests as important and are more conscious of their appearance and oral communication.
When students plan and implement the videoconference, they learn important communication and management skills.
"Students see themselves on screen and realize that is how others see them. Over the course of the semester I have seen dress change, posture change, poise change, all for the positive." Paul Massmann, Concordia University Irvin

Increases Connection with the Outside World

When a live visit is not possible, videoconferencing makes a face-to-face visit possible and an ongoing relationship can take place.
Videoconferencing is easier than visiting so communication can be more frequent, saving time and resources.
Students have a greater opportunity to form meaningful relationships with others who may be very different from them.
The richness of the communication supports the formation of relationships between learners and mentors/role models.
"By removing the need for either the content provider or the students to travel, yet still providing a two-way audio AND video link, you're providing educational opportunities for interactions that would not otherwise exist." Bruce Betts, San Juan Capistrano Research Institute

"In terms of cost effectiveness, a number of video conferencing systems could be placed into schools and other centres for the same cost of bringing all Highland Council Secondary Guidance Teachers to Inverness for an in-service day. " newspaper excerpt contributed by John Bruce, Highland Council, UK

Increases Depth of Learning

Students learn to ask better questions.
Learning is from a primary source rather than from a textbook.
Students show more depth in understanding.
Necessary planning contributes to a better learning experiences.

"Videoconferencing lends itself to viewing multiple perspectives on an issue and it better addresses the needs of visual learners. Also, collaborative learning is practically automatic with videoconferencing. Videoconferencing helps set up authentic learning situations--students are working on a real-world problem or project and they are communicating with real people involved in the problem or project. This also supports the idea of authentic assessment--you must have your information pretty accurate before you connect with an "expert" and ask meaningful questions." Beth Bustamante, SBC Pacific Bell Education Advocate

"Because of the multiple camera set up we have here, there are times that off-site guests see things better then if they were here." Kayla Dove, Liberty Science Center, New Jersey

Ways to Use DL and VC in your classroom

Collaborations
Project work or research collaborations among classes allow those in different locations to share a visual connection even when a face-to-face visit may not be feasible. Groups from locations around the world can now work together, adding a dimension beyond a text based or e-mail project.

Sharing or informal chats
Showing projects, sharing books read or reading original written pieces can be the basis for rich communication and the formation of relationships between learners or between learners and those mentoring them.

Reporting news
Videoconferencing can be used to show current events as they happen. Eclipses, cyberevents and celebrations such as those which take place during National Science Foundation's Science and Technology Week, and NASA space flights have been broadcast for others to view.

Planning
Planning projects or future events with those in distant locations has been successfully done using videoconferences. Teachers and students can meet to plan their work, a conference, lesson or to touch base on progress towards a goal. Meeting to plan workshops for teachers or to plan with a business partner or university student teacher can all be done via this medium as well. Teachers can form a teaching team with remote teachers and plan lessons or even mentor another teacher during the planning process.

Guest Experts
Scientists, politicians or those with special expertise have been able to visit with students in their classrooms without ever leaving their office. Videoconferencing can give students access to people they might not otherwise have been able to interact with. Distance is no longer a factor in being able to hold a meeting, conduct a panel discussion, meet with an author or receive feed back on a science project from an expert.

Guest Visitors
Costumed guests representing a specific historical or literary figure have been able to interact with students and role-play their character through a presentation and question-answer session. Using videoconferencing in this way adds another level of interaction to an activity which in the past has been successfully conducted through e-mail.

Training
Students and teachers have been able to learn to use new software or techniques during videoconferences. Even learning to navigate the Internet or create a web page can be done during a videoconferencing training session. Businesses have been able to offer job orientations and training to future employees as part of career preparation activities.

Virtual Field Trips
Aquariums, zoos, museums, libraries, hospitals and other facilities have been able to offer tours or specific programs for students. When distance, cost or time factors are deterrents to students taking a field trip to a location which would enhance their study, virtual field trips can often be arranged.

Team Learning and Teaching
Teaching teams made up of students and teachers can be formedto provide experiences for those on the team. Much can be learned from those living in a different area or possessing content expertise. Presentations from various locations made by the teams can be enhanced with the newer features available in some of the videoconferencing packages.

Student Competitions
Spelling Bees, Geography Bees, Trivia Challenges or other types of student contests and competitions can be held on-line allowing students to compete with those from other areas. This could even be a culminating team activity to test or review the information collected during collaborative projects.

Community Events
Libraries, communitiy colleges, and schools can use videoconferencing to support public interest events. Libraries and community centers are seeking ways to partner with local businesses and are recovering their videoconferencing cost by charging a fee for services. Some common uses include: Town hall meetings, government hearings, school board meetings, court functions, and other government-related activities, Public health discussions, Support of special interests or hobbies, Adult education in areas such as English, literacy, job training, Virtual author tours and more.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------