Videoconferencing Lesson Study: Learning from the Classroom

Poster Session: Amy Colucci, Jefferson County Public School with Jeremy Renner

Just stopped by a poster session on the way that Jefferson County Public Schools uses classroom-based videoconferencing systems to facilitate real-time lesson studies without interrupting the classroom instructional.

I talked to Pam Caudill, who is the videoconferencing contact supporting the project. It’s a really cool professional development model. (In case you’re interested, they are using Tandberg equipment.)

So imagine this:

  • The model teacher is in the classroom – and videoconferences back with a group of teachers at another site.
  • She explains the idea for the lesson; prep etc.
  • She teaches the lesson. The teachers at the other site are watching. A mic is on the teacher, and a room mic is used also. Someone in the room unobtrusively manages the camera so the far site sees everything going on.
  • After the lesson, the model teacher debriefs with the teachers at the far site.
  • THEN, the teachers at the far site learn how to use the technology tools they just saw used with the students.

Sweet, huh?!

Think of this:

  • Teachers see the technology tool used WITH kids! BEFORE they are taught how to use it.
  • Teachers see the benefits to learning and how it fits into instruction; and THEN they learn how to use it and develops their own lessons.

Neat use of VC!

0 replies on “Videoconferencing Lesson Study: Learning from the Classroom”

  1. Yes, I totally agree. Show the benefits first. Then they can relax and appreciate the techonology, not just get caught up in which button does what. It reminds me how at trade shows, people are all nervous and awkward at first when the “TV talks.” But it’s amazing to watch these people sit at the LifeSize Conference (for example) and after 2 minutes they are totally natural and relaxed. Adults need more time to adjust than kids!

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