Center for Interactive Learning & Collaboration (http://
cilc.org):
Digital Video Transport System ( www.sfc.wide.ad.jp/
DVTS):
ED1VIDCONF:
Global-Leap ( http://global-leap.com/contact/test.
php):
ISTE’s SIGIVC ( www.iste.org/sigivc):
Magpi ( www.magpi.org/programs/index.html):
MUSE ( http://k20.internet2.edu):
Rural Hall School Wiki (http://ruralhallschool.pbworks.
com):
TechQuest4Teachers (http://techquest4teachers.
blogspot.com):
TexasConnect ( www.connect2texas.net):
Two Way Interactive Connections in Education (www.
twice.cc):
Videoconferencing bookmarks ( http://delicious.com/
mcdermon1/videoconferencing):
Videoconferencing Ning ( http://videoconferencing.ning.
com):
schools at the conference could access.
After the students presented the mysteries, the other students at the conference played a Jeopardy-style game
that tested their knowledge.
Get Set Up
There are a number of ways to videoconference in your classroom. You can
use a video camera and free software
with a computer and data projector
using H.323 technology. You can use
a desktop camera connected to a data
projector. Or you can use commercial
videoconferencing equipment, such
as Polycom or Tandberg. If you want
to use this direct-connection learning,
the base requirement is bandwidth.
In our school, we began videoconferencing with a rate of 40 megabits per
second (Mbps). We later upgraded to
60 Mbps, and now all of the schools in
our county have 100 Mbps on a fiber
optic connection.
Teach Valuable Skills
Collaborating using e-mail, websites,
wikis, and videoconferencing will
bring your students to the forefront
of 21st-century learning. Our students
need to know how to find, evaluate, collaborate, and present. When
my generation graduated from high
school and college, we were competing
for jobs with students who lived in our
neighborhoods. Our students will be
competing with others from around
the world. Being able to work collaboratively and present project information
is a skill our students must learn. And
you can give your students valuable
experience using videoconferencing.
—Linda McDermon is the distance learning coordinator at Rural Hall Elementary School. She
is a former classroom and computer lab teacher.
She holds an MEd in early childhood education
and an MA in media and technology.
Coming
Soon
Available in October
Web 2.0
How-To for Educators
Explore the very best online
collaborative tools available
today. Read practical examples
of classroom and professional
applications that help improve
student and teacher learning.
Purchase the Web 2.0 Bundle and Save! www.iste.org/bookstore
