Since I had so many videoconferences yesterday, I’ve been reflecting on the patterns of busy videoconference days, and quiet times in the school year.
Yesterday we had 23 videoconferences:
- 11 classes participating in Turkey Trade
- 4 ASK holocaust expert interviews with Mr. Charlie Sacavage
- 3 classes going to ON, Canada for an extension of their Canada studies
- 3 TWICE ASK Night of the Twisters
- 2 classes connecting to the Cleveland Zoo for The Training Game and Discover Australia
What makes the day before Thanksgiving holiday so popular as a videoconference day?
- It’s a nice culmination for a unit
- Kids are ready for something different and new
- What else?
What makes the week after state testing so popular (lots of Monster Mayhems and ASK programs the last week of October)?
- The pressure of state testing is off, time for some engaging learning experiences
What other times of the school year are busy and popular?
- The week before Christmas (Mrs. Claus and other holiday themed VCs)
- The week(s) of Read Around the Planet (a huge celebration)
What patterns are you seeing?
- Celebration
- Holidays
- Breaks in the routine
- What else?
As I’m reflecting on this pattern, I’m thinking about what other times of the year I could capitalize on this pattern. Particularly the week before spring break which in our service area, is the last week of March.
- What are my classes studying then?
- What might be a celebration of spring?
- Maybe spring break / spring math problems?
I’m still thinking.
What do you think? Do you see patterns of high use in your area? What drives it? Are you capitalizing on it? How? Alternatively… how are you capitalizing or planning around the down times?