Since Wikispaces is closing down, I’m moving my collaborative videoconference projects over to my blog for archiving. Great project formats can still be used and adapted!
Videoconferencing in the Real World: A Computer Class Jigaw Project
Description: This project by Berrien RESA, is designed for 6-12th grade students studying computer technology. Students will use computer technology and distance learning to research revolutionary uses of videoconferencing in society. Students will present their research and their own innovative ideas to partner schools from around the globe.
Flyer: VCintheRealWorldFlyer09
VC Agenda
- Brief introduction of school and projects
- Groups introduce topic and present
- Each presentation will include a two minute question and answer period
- Teachers may choose to alternate presentations from school to school after every other group
- Students may experiment with videoconference equipment
- After all presentations and question/answer periods, students may engage in a general “getting to know you” question and answer session with their partner school
How To
Creating Posters for Videoconferencing
This VC Poster Handout for students gives simple tips for clear presentations via posters.
PowerPoint Tips
- Use a large font.
- Don’t put too much text on the page.
- Don’t use red for background or text.
- Have a good contrast between text and background.
- Blue backgrounds with white or yellow text work best.
Preparation
- Choose which sets you would like your students to work on
- Divide the class into one group for each topic
- Students will use the internet and other sources to research the following:
- Uses of videoconferencing in their assigned area
- Types of equipment and skills required to use videoconferencing in this area
- Advantages and disadvantages of videoconferencing use in this area
- Impact on environment, interpersonal skills, employment, etc.
- Optional: Students may also add their personal opinion of videoconferencing as it relates to the above topics
- Assign student jobs for the videoconference.
- Have a couple students ready to introduce your class and welcome the partner class.
- Have a couple students assigned to facilitate asking and answering questions with the partner class.
Procedures
- Students will organize their research onto no more than 10 Power Point slides
- Keep in mind that each group is only allotted 2-3 minutes; have students practice their presentations for fluidity, adherence to the time limit, and to answer mock questions partner schools may ask about their presentation.
- Students should also prepare questions for their partner school’s presentations
Materials
- Adequate access to computers with internet access and Power Point or similar tool
- Supplementary resources
- encyclopedias, magazine or newspaper articles, media clippings, etc.
- Art supplies (poster paper, coloring materials, glue, etc.)
Resources for Both Classes
Note: I am not maintaining these links. They are here for reference and history only.
General Videoconferencing Information
- Ready for Prime Time: Making Sure Your Subjects are Comfortable and Videoconference-Ready
- Tandberg’s VC Stories Blog
- Tandberg’s video clip collection
- I want my hour back VC ads
- The New Way of Working VC ads
Resources for Class B
Classroom B: Four Groups
Group 1 Educational Uses of VC
- Article: The Dream Factory
- Creative Uses for Videoconferencing In Education
- Type in “creative uses for videoconferencing” in the search box.
- Connect and Communicate In The Classroom.
- You can also connect to links on the left side of the page.
- Videoconferencing In Music Education
- Videoconferencing and Professional Development
- Advantages of Videoconferencing In Education
- Videoconferencing in the Classroom
- Videos: All YouTube may not be available to schools. There are also many other related videos on the page.
Group 2 Uses of VC in the Judicial, Legal Systems and Public Safety
Group 3 Creative Uses of VC and Green Videoconferencing
- Polycom Green ROI Calculator
- Creative Uses of Video & Web Conferencing
- New Ways to Communicate and Collaborate
- The Dream Factory
- General Introduction Of Videoconference Uses and Equipment
- Hotels Use Videoconferencing
- VC Helps a Deaf Mother
- Anybots Telepresence Videoconferencing
- Video: All YouTube may not be available to schools. There are also many other related videos on the page.
Group 4 TV Shows, Movies and Ads
Students research and demonstrate the integration of videoconferencing in television shows, movies and commercials. Students may chose from a variety of creative formats to present their findings including skits, slide shows, video clips, etc. Reference the following link for examples:
- Cisco TV Ads
- Watch your favorite TV show(s) and notice if videoconferencing is used.
Standards
ISTE Standard: Communication and Collaboration
Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others. Students:
- interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts, or others employing a variety of digital environments and media.
- communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats.
Michigan Educational Technology Standards (METS for 6-8)
Main Standards:
- Technology Communication Tools #1: use a variety of telecommunication tools (e.g., e-mail, discussion groups, IM, chat rooms, blogs, video-conferences, web
conferences) or other online resources to collaborate interactively with peers, experts, and other audiences - Technology Communication Tools #2: create a project (e.g., presentation, web page, newsletter, information brochure) using a variety of media and formats
(e.g., graphs, charts, audio, graphics, video) to present content information to an audience
Others also addressed:
- Basic Operations #10: Identify technology resources that assist with various consumer-related activities (e.g., budgets, purchases, banking
transactions, product descriptions) - Social, Ethical & Human Issues #5: discuss the societal impact of technology in the future
- Social, Ethical & Human Issues #8: discuss possible uses of technology (present and future) to support personal pursuits and lifelong learning
- Social, Ethical & Human Issues #9: identify uses of technology to support communication with peers, family, or school personnel
- Technology Productivity Tools #2: use a variety of technology resources, including the internet, to increase learning and productivity
- Technology Productivity Tools #3: explore basic applications that promote creativity (e.g., graphics, presentation, photo-editing, programming, video-editing)
- Technology Research Tools #1: use a variety of Web search engines to locate information
- Technology Research Tools #2: evaluate information from various online resources for accuracy, bias, appropriateness, and comprehensiveness
Facilitator Page
Email Confirmation Template
To: Teachers & techs on both sides, cc janine
Subject: VC in the Real World Project Confirmation: [date]
Welcome to our VC in the Real World project. The goals of this project are for your students to research and learn about videoconferencing, and experience presenting and interacting in a videoconference session.
DATE: [enter here]
TIME: [include time in both partner’s time zones]
Technical Information:
[who] will dial.
[IP address]
If there are problems, please call [phone].
Project Website:
Please visit the website for preparation information and web resources for your students to use in preparation.
http://vcinrealworld.wikispaces.com/
VC Agenda (sessions will be moderated by [name])
- Brief introduction of school and projects
- Groups introduce topic and present
- Each presentation will include a two minute question and answer period
- Teachers may choose to alternate presentations from school to school after every other group
- Students may experiment with videoconference equipment (presets, muting and unmuting, moving the camera, using the document camera)
- After all presentations and question/answer periods, students may engage in a general “getting to know you” question and answer session with their partner school
PARTNERS:
Classroom A:
[teacher name] [grade]
[school name, city, state]
Classroom B:
[teacher name] [grade]
[school name, city, state]
If you have any questions as you prepare for the videoconference, please email.
Thank you for your participation!
Students: Remember your presentation cannot be longer than 3 minutes!!!
Group 1 Military Uses of VC
Group 2 Healthcare Uses of VC
Group 3 Business Uses of VC
Group 4 Dream Team
Students create a unique way to use videoconferencing that was not presented by other groups. Use your imagination and think about how videoconferencing may be used in in daily life, school, home, business, etc.