Author Archives: Janine Lim

Favorite Videoconference: U.S. Senate

I’m still cleaning our old website, and archiving old things here on my blog. These are featured articles and video clips on our favorite content providers from 2000-2001 and we still love these providers and programs!

Content Provider
United States Senate in Washington, D.C. houses two Senators from each state. Through the power of videoconferencing it is possible to visit a Senator for a unique “Capitol experience.” Arrangements must be made ahead of time by contacting the office of the Senator first; then the videoconference center. The school must sustain any costs of the videoconference.

 “I thought it was wonderful. It was really weird at first because you’re talking to a television. I learned a lot because you get to listen and then ask questions about anything that you don’t understand, which was great.”

-Student
Interview with Your Senator
This program consists of a short presentation by the Senator followed by a question and answer period. The Senator will also have some questions for the students. Students prepare questions ahead of time. Question time will be shared among the schools participating. Video clip from May 15, 2000. Get QuickTime.

Favorite Videoconference: Columbus Zoo

I’m still cleaning our old website, and archiving old things here on my blog. These are featured articles and video clips on our favorite content providers from 2000-2001 and we still love these providers and programs!

Content Provider
Visit the Zoo without ever leaving your classroom! The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium broadcasts videoconferencing programs directly from animal exhibits, and incorporates a variety of hands-on activities into every class. Each teacher will receive a teacher packet upon scheduling a program. This packet will contain information and materials for each session, as well as ideas for pre- and post-visit activities.

“The technology helped in answering questions that we felt needed to be answered.”

Grade 3 Student
Magnificent Manatees
Come with us on a rare underwater adventure as we visit the world of the West Indian Manatee. Students will become scientists as they explore these marine mammals through interdisciplinary activities. Video clip from March 24, 2000. Get QuickTime.

Favorite Videoconference: Center for Puppetry Arts

I’m still cleaning our old website, and archiving old things here on my blog. These are featured articles and video clips on our favorite content providers from 2000-2001 and we still love these providers and programs!

Content Provider
The Center for Puppetry Arts uses the latest technology to offer nationwide Distance Learning programs for K-12. Hands-on puppet building workshops are conducted via videoconferencing and are tailored to specific classroom topics and curriculum. The arts are infused with science, social studies, language arts and other disciplines to create a dynamic, interactive virtual classroom for a virtual field trip experience. Programs complements national curriculum standards in language arts, social studies, science, math and other areas. The Center provides a comprehensive study guide and materials list.

“I loved the videoconference. It helped me get a better learning experience.”

-Student
Butterflies
Each student will construct a Butterfly Marionette while participating in learning activities about the lifecycle of the butterfly, what makes a butterfly an insect, coloring and camouflage, moths, and the similarities and differences between caterpillars and butterflies. Video clips and photographs of the different stages in the life of a butterfly are included. This is a great arts and science lesson all in one! Video clip from May 24, 2000. Get QuickTime.

A New LifeSize Express Arrived Yesterday Afternoon!

Yesterday afternoon we were privileged to receive a grant through Views On Learning to receive a new LifeSize Express system, plus a really cool Ergotron cart and 50 inch display.

Views on Learning, Inc. (VOL) is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation established to provide our Educational Broadband Service (EBS) schools with distance education opportunities that meet the requirements of NCLB and improve student learning.

Thank you to Jeff Gangloff and Les Turner of Views On Learning for coming to install our new HD videoconferencing system! We’re excited to partner with Views on Learning to bring engaging learning opportunities to more students via videoconferencing. I’m looking forward to facilitating the Jazz workshop this summer from this system too.

One of our elementary schools was also able to receive a grant through Views on Learning. You can read more about that here.

Connect with your local veterans

Today we had another full day of Lest We Forget Vietnam sessions. Students from Michigan, Nebraska, New Jersey,  and Texas interviewed our panel.

Major Gary Lulenksi, MD; L/CPL Denny Kime; and Major Jim Taylor

I have shared lists of questions many times before when reporting on these VCs.

Today, instead, I want to appeal to you!

I urge you to make contact with your local veterans and bring them into your classrooms, either in person or via videoconference.

Our veterans appreciate the experience so much!

  • They say it helps them think positively about their experience.
  • Sharing their experience is so helpful.
  • They are so glad that students are interested in their stories.
  • The student thank you letters mean so much to them. Some of our Vietnam veterans were never thanked for their service until they participated in this program.
  • Having young people say “Thank you for your service” is so meaningful to them.
  • They say that they learn so much from the students.
  • They are glad for the opportunity to encourage students to welcome home and support current members of the service. They don’t want veterans of current wars to have the same cold welcome home that they experienced; so they are glad of an opportunity to educate and inspire students.
  • In the words of one veteran today: “You may think this is an imposition; asking us questions. But it’s not an imposition. This process helps us share our good memories.”

So I urge and encourage you! Connect with your local veterans organizations and bring this real-life learning to your classrooms!

ISTE Early Bird Registration Ends May 1

Are you going to ISTE this year? Need a reason to?

Early bird registration ends May 1!

Join the SIG IVC pirates – on site in Philly – or via distance!

Participate in the ISTE Videoconference Playground!

Here’s a snippet from Roxanne Glaser, Lead Pirate and Planner of this amazing experience:

Work has begun on the Video Conference Playground at ISTE 2011. Last year, I led a band of pirates as we shared our passion for video conferencing with others in Denver. Here are some of the pictures from last summer.This year, in Philly, the playground will be even bigger with more connections and equipment for you to learn about in a fun, hands-on environment.

We are looking for more people to help us create an exceptional learning experience for attendees who want to learn more about the power of video conferencing in the curriculum.

Read the full post here and get involved!

2011 Teachers' Favorite Awards: Vote by May 19

Thank you to everyone who has already voted! If you haven’t, please vote soon!

Berrien RESA is hosting 6th Annual Teacher’s Favorite Awards to select the Best Content Providers for the 2009-2010 school year. Results will be shared via the Berrien RESA VC Content Providers Database and the videoconferencing listservs.

Many of you use the Berrien RESA VC Content Providers Database.

Polycom has chosen to do a drawing for prizes to random participants of the survey to encourage participation. If you wish to be included in the drawing, add your contact information at the end of the survey. Polycom will select the winners randomly.

Click this link to vote for your favorite content providers in each category

You must complete the survey by May 19, 2011 to be included in the drawing but voting will be open through June 3.

Please share this announcement with your local videoconferencing colleagues. We welcome entries from teachers, even if they vote in only one category/subject area.

Thank you for taking the time to vote!

Showing Off VC at a School Opening

Earlier this year we had one of the coolest VCs that we’ve done. It was very simple really, but it was who attended that made it cool!

Her Royal Highness, The Princess Anne, was attending a school opening at one of our collaborative partner schools in Wales.

The school officials wanted Princess Anne to see a videoconference IN SESSION while she was touring the school!

So our class worked with one of their classes to prepare a very simple VC:

  • Introductions on both sides
  • Info about our communities
  • Some question and answer time

We had to submit info about our school for security to check us out ahead of time.

Our students prepared a special greeting for Her Royal Highness.

Think about it!

  • How do you promote videoconferencing in your school?
  • Have your administrators seen a successful, powerful engaging videoconference?
  • Have you invited parents to watch a videoconference in your school?
  • Who else might be interested and therefore willing to support (financially and otherwise) the videoconference program in your school?

I was very impressed with our colleagues in Wales who found videoconferencing important enough to show off to an important visitor!

Hooking Teachers on Videoconferencing

The perennial challenge of videoconferencing is to get teachers to use it! They have so many good reasons to resist using it! If you’re just getting started, here are some ideas to get past that first block.

Select a Couple Teachers

Think about who you could start with. Pick someone who:

  • Willing to try something new
  • Flexible
  • Based on content/what’s available

Ask Teachers Questions

As you try to find videoconferences that meet curriculum and teacher interests, ask your teachers these three questions from Linda McDonald.

  • Ask what about the critical target objectives based on testing data.
  • Ask about areas of curriculum that teacher think are important but don’t seem to have time to teach.
  • Ask which content students struggle understanding.

Plan on a Progression of Support

Start off with a very high level of support, and then slowly teach your teachers additional skills so they are more independent.

  1. In the first year, or at least for the very first videoconference, do everything for your teachers. Register for them, give them prep information and help them know how to prepare, remind them a few times before the VC, connect for them and run the camera / remote for them.
  2. As soon as you can, teach your teachers how to do their own registrations.  Keep assisting with connections  and using the remote.
  3. Next, start handing the remote to the teachers and have them mute/unmute, move the camera, and use presets during their VC. Help them set the presets before the VC.
  4. Finally, teach them how to dial on their own too!

Through all of this progression, staying available to assist is critical for the sustainability of the use of videoconferencing in your school/area.

Your Turn

What about you? What tips do you have for hooking teachers on videoconferencing their very first time? Think of the last teacher you got started with VC. What was it that caught his/her interest? Please comment!

TxDLA: Skype vs. Standards-based VC: The Showdown

Here are links and resources for my second TxDLA presentation today (Skype vs. Standards-Based VC: The Showdown):

Links:

H.323 Desktop VC Options (a few… please comment to add more)

Hybrid / Cross-Over Solutions

  • Vidyo (send a link to anyone to join your VC; also connects to H.323)
  • Blue Jeans Network (connect Skype, phone, H.323 etc. all in the same conference)

Previous Blog Comparisons

Please feel free to comment, add additional resources, or share different views!