Videoconferencing+Opportunities

toc =Videoconferencing and Social Studies= Presenter: Sue Allen, CFF Coach School District: Hempfield Email: susan_allen@hempfieldsd.org

What is videoconferencing?
From [|wikipedia]: A **videoconference** (also known as a //videoteleconference//) is a set of interactive [|telecommunication] [|technologies] which allow two or more locations to interact via two-way video and audio transmissions simultaneously. It has also been called **visual collaboration** and is a type of [|groupware]. It differs from [|videophone] in that it is designed to serve a conference rather than individuals.

Equipment required
Simple setup ~ Computer with Skype or iChat, microphone, webcam, projector Elaborate setup ~ Videoconferencing equipment - Polycom or Tandberg, projector, screen

How does videoconferencing work?
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Uses of Videoconferencing
media type="youtube" key="1mRQjYG4u-U&rel=1" height="355" width="425" Virtual field trips - low prep - photo tours of museums to interactive tours including audio, video and text - can be whole class or individual [|Sample of virtual field trip site] - American History at the Smithsonian Webinars/presentations - medium prep - mostly one way - from speaker to audience with limited audience interaction (usually in the form of question and answer at the end of the session) Collaboration - high prep - two or more classes work together on a collaborative project Sample connection with HHS - distance lab & German class skyping (10:40)

Content providers and collaboration sites
[|Polycom] [|CILC - Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration] [|MAGPI] [|AT&T Education]

Recommended Sites for Further Information
[|Teacher Tube] - search for videoconferencing Blogs [|Blankenblogger] Videoconferencing and collaborative technologies within the CILC Community. [|Videoconference] - Applications and effective uses of eCollaboration by Carol Daunt (Australia) [| The Wired Classroom] - Cooperating School District's Virtual Learning Center. [|Videoconferencing Out on a Lim] - Janine Lim's blog on videoconferencing - #1 videoconferencing blog

Implementation Materials
Videoetiquette do's and don'ts Videoconferencing Release Form Videoconference Checklist (MAGPI document) Tips for an effective VC program