Videoconferencing on a Budget

I support all of our school sites in utilizing videoconferencing equipment in its most effective state – the classroom, with experts, other classrooms around the world (and around the corner!). Over the years we have developed special partnerships with companies like Cisco and Compugen that have brought in some fantastic VC equipment. Yet, not all of our classrooms nor school sites can afford these items AND all students should have access to the opportunity to videoconference with someone/a class outside of their own classroom. There are also organizations that offer free VC programming, you just need to know where to look!

EQUIPMENT

The Logitech BCC950 Conference Cam has a full HD camera, 78° field of view with autofocus, zoom, duplex speakerphone with echo and noise cancellation and an omnidirectional microphone. With 2 USB connections, teachers just plug in this device to their laptop, get on the VC application that they need (Cisco Webex, Google Hangouts, Zoom, Skype, etc.), choose the proper settings and start any VC. When I show this to teachers who have not used this equipment before, they are so excited AND they are ready to go in five minutes.

ORGANIZATIONS

Below are the various organizations that I go to in finding many substantial and relevant videoconference activities (free) for our sites. Yes, there are organizations who charge and do a great job or hosting VC events and if classrooms have the $$ to spend for them that is great too. These ones offer free VC programming and are worth it to check out!

• CILC
• Connected Classrooms on G+
• Discovery Education – must have a license to access
• Empatico
• Exploring By the Seat of Your Pants
• Global Encounters – TIGweb
• Global Schoolnet
• Know My World – Global Education
• National Geo – Explorer Classroom
• Skype
  • A Scientist
  • Mystery
  • An Author
  • In the Classroom
• Streamable Learning
• Twice CAPspace
• Twitter – ask your PLN, search for specific experts/classrooms/teachers

Enjoy your VC journey!

 

All Lines Clear – Videoconferencing in the Classroom

We have a number of our school sites heavily involved in using videoconferencing technology in order to collaborate with experts, other classmates and administrators from around the world. In order to have a great VC experience, our sites got together with students and established a VC Etiquette so that what was illustrated in the above video is eliminated during a class VC event.

Videoconferencing Etiquette

Videoconferencing provides an engaging way for classrooms and schools to introduce, collaborate and learn from each other.

Protocols for ­before, during and after a video ­conference.

BEFORE

• Students may need assigned roles/responsibilities (depends on the goal of the VC).
• Work with students to set up presenting/speaking etiquette and review before each VC.
• Have a camera/iPad/smartphone to take photos/video during the VC to share via Social Media if you like.
• Do a test connection if you are able.
• Remind participants/teacher/guest on what tech tools are available for use – chat, microphone, video, audio, screenshare, etc.

 

DURING

To ensure the highest quality learning environment for all video-conference participants, we ask that  take note of the following:

• Mute smartphones, chromebooks and laptops.
• Be courteous to other participants by sitting quietly and looking at the screen so your audience can see that you are paying attention to them – remember they can see you the whole time. (Within PSD, TelePresence members can use Spark app to chat quickly to one another without interrupting the VC. With outside members, please review how to use Webex chat.)
• Introduce yourself first before you start speaking – say your first name only.
• Speak clearly, one participant at a time.
• Keep body movements minimal.
• Maintain eye contact by looking into the camera.
• Avoid side conversations; even whispers are being broadcast.
• Turn off microphones during periods when feedback is not necessary.
• Make sure you can understand what the other person is saying. Don’t be afraid to ask them to repeat themselves.
• Thank your VC guests.

AFTER

• Reset the room.
• Shut down all the VC equipment.
• Reflect on what was learned. Share in small groups, in a journal or via some other way to recap the learning.