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Going Global: Connecting, Communicating, Collaborating

This version was saved 11 years, 11 months ago View current version     Page history
Saved by Roxann Nys
on April 11, 2012 at 12:28:49 pm
 

Added link to paper from the Center for Digital Education on "Video Collaboration in Education" (essential to student achievement and preparing for their future in a global economy!) Some formatting changes

 

Knock down your walls and take your students

anywhere in the world…

No passport required!

 

"Video collaboration expands the reach of education. Walls mean little; oceans even less. Barriers of time and of place are breaking down, allowing students to learn in much different and more profound ways than ever before. Not only is learning more flexible due to mobile video communication solutions, but it can be eye-opening and life-altering as students experience new worlds, new ideas and new possibilities.
 

 

Truly, video collaboration is more than just a ”nice to have” technology in education. Today, it is essential to
improving student achievement and preparing them as professionals in the global economy"

from "Video Collaboration in Education: Building a Foundation for the Digital Age" A strategy paper from Center for Digital Education                 Video Collaboration in Education CDE12+STRATEGY+Polycom_V.pdf

 

One of the neatest things you can do with your students is take them on an electronic field trip. All you need is videoconferencing equipment and your imagination... 

no passports, no busses,

 

no permission slips necessary!

 

 

You and your students can:

 

Watch a live heart surgery and talk to the doctors during the operation

 

Conduct experiments along with a research diver underwater at theGreat Barrier Reef

 

Talk with astronauts on theInternational Space Station

 

Read stories with kids around the world during "Read Around the Planet:

Collaborate with classrooms almost anywhere in the world

 

 All of this and much more is possible with videoconference technology!

 

Why Videoconference?

 

 Students gain essential 21st Century Skills including: 

 

Ø  Visual and Information Literacy-

Videoconferencing helps students learn how voice, video and data are converged into acommon digital format

   

Ø  Cultural Literacy and Global Awareness-

By connecting to others, students gain an understanding and appreciation for other cultures. 

 

Ø   Curiosity, Creativity

Videoconferencing helps students satisfy their curiosity about the world around them by experiencing it firsthand

  

Ø  Higher Order Thinking & Sound Reasoning-

 Many e-field trip providers challenge students to look at the world around them in a new light and use their skills to solve real world problems and answer real world questions.

  

Ø  Teaming and Collaboration-

 Classroom2classroom videoconferencing provides unique opportunities for students to learn important collaboration skills necessary for today’s world.  Check out: Collaborative Projects Template Booklet Created by Janine Lim and Arnie Comer to help teachers design "Kid2Kid Videoconferencing Projects"

 

Ø  Interactive Communication-

By videoconferencing students learn about synchronous communication technologies. 

 

Videoconferencing via IP using H.323 protocol 

 

Videoconference Requirements 

To get started, you'll need videoconference equipment. If  you are in Wisconsin, your district may already have a BCN classroom at the high school.

 

If you don’t have a BCN classroom (or it’s busy or not close by,) mobile video carts cost $5,000 to $10,000, depending on the features, the peripherals (like a document camera or computer), the cart, and monitor you select. Shorenet members may apply for a grant to receive some of the necessary equipment. For ideas about equipment, visit  the CESA 7 Electronic Field Trips page and click on the "Videocarts and Polycoms" link.

 

Next, consider your bandwidth…is there enough for videoconferencing? You may need to implement quality of service settings in order to ensure good video. Your IT department will need to be involved.

 

Finally, let Roxann Nys (920-465-5220 or rnys@cesa7.k12.wi.us) train and support your teachers and staff on the resources available for efield trip and collaboration opportunities. 

 

 

For more resources and information about videoconferencing including a guide to successful videoconferencing, a list of resources to help you find places and people with whom to videoconference, check out the information on  the CESA 7 Educational Technology Services Electronic Field Trips website 

 

Resources to help you find others using IP (or H.323) videoconferencing in their classrooms

Here's a list of some resources where you can browse and/or post requests for collaborative projects (with or without videoconferencing):

 

My two favorite places to search for videoconferencing and/or collaboration possibilities include:

Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC.org)  

Free to use and, although you don't have to register to use it, I do recommend it! On the CILC site, you can search "Content Providers" for electronic field trips and/or search their "Collaborations Center" for classroom to classroom videoconferencing opportunities. You can also post your own request for a collaboration, but you will need to create your free account to do so.

 

and:

TWICE network website

"your one stop source for K12 videoconferencing."  Although this site was designed for use initially for Michigan educators, it's open and available to all. It is free to use and to get the most out of it, be sure to create your own educator account.  Janine Lim, the TWICE network coordinator, also has her own website (more on that below) that has an amazing array of resources.

 

Associated with the TWICE network is a great list of electronic field trips recommended by grade level by the Michigan teachers who've participated in them. Very helpful list, but remember these are subjective recommendations.

 

Global SchoolNet.org

Their mission: "is to support 21st century learning and improve academic performance through content driven collaboration. We engage teachers and K-12 students in meaningful project learning exchanges worldwide to develop science, math, literacy and communication skills, foster teamwork, civic responsibility and collaboration, encourage workforce preparedness and create multi-cultural understanding.  We prepare youth for full participation as productive and effective citizens in an increasing global economy. Founded in 1984, GSN is a 501(c)3 non-profit education organization. Let's work together to give youth the skills they need." Get Involved

 

Wisconsin Connects (ePals) 

"Wisconsin Connects is a partnership between the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and ePals to link Wisconsin students with their counterparts in classrooms in over 200 countries and territories.Wisconsin Connects provides students access to high-tech tools that will provide entry to cultures around the world." Lots of ideas for projects and the resources provided are free.

 

Janine Lim's Collaborative Videoconferencing Wiki 

"This wiki is a collection of educator-created templates and projects for collaborative videoconferences. Start by browsing the projects. Then follow these instructions to add your own projects! You may also use the lesson template and the sample agendas." 

 

A great resource for getting ideas: A downloadable booklet, created by Janine Lim of the TWICE network in Michigan. This Word document, called "Kid2Kid Videoconferencing Projects" gives tons of ideas on adapting traditional classroom activities to videoconferencing.

 

Projects by Jen 

Jennifer Wagner, creator of ProjectsByJen, has been successfully encouraging teachers since 1999 to use online projects in their PreK-6 classrooms. Using various ideas, Jennifer will help you understand how online projects will help you make the most of your time in a variety of ways. Winning numerous awards for her creative ways in encouraging teachers to collaborate, her teaching style is very user friendly, creative, and personable.

 

Sign up for our weekly videoconferencing opportunities newsletter!

Email Roxann Nys with the following info: your name, your district, your school and your grade level and we'll sign you up. You can always unsubscribe if you find it doesn't meet your needs. 

 

Using Skype for Videoconferencing

 

Skype now has a special Skype in the classroom center that includes a directory of teachers interested in collaborating as well as many other resources which should make learning about and connecting to other classrooms much easier!

Here's a video of a teacher talking about her project and what benefits she and her students had from incorporating Skype videconferencing into her classroom: 

Kara from Missouri, speaks about finding teachers to connect with on Skype in the classroom from Skype in the classroom on Vimeo.


 

From international projects like Kara’s to classroom matches in neighbouring cities, teachers are coming up with new and amazing ways to help their students learn with Skype. Here are a few of the most popular approaches:

Cultural exchange

Introduce your students to new ways of seeing the world with a cultural exchange between your class and another classroom anywhere in the world.

Language skills

Bring language to life with real-life conversations where students can practice a new language with a class of native speakers, or help English learners practice their skills.

Discovery

Try mystery Skype calls, where classes connect online and give clues to help each guess the other's location. Or introduce your students to a classroom in the location of a book they're reading or a subject they're studying.

 

Skype is a computer based option for videoconferencing. All you need is a computer, a good Internet connection, a webcam and microphone or headset and the Skype software (for Windows, Mac or Linux) that you can download for free. In 60 seconds, here's how Skype works:

 

 

Skype is also now available for many mobile devices, including Windows MobileNokia N800/N810,Skype Lite, iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad and Skype on PSP.   

 

Overall, the video quality is not nearly as good as using a portable Polycom (or similar) unit for H.323 videoconferencing (and you may find yourself getting disconnected if bandwidth is busy or low,) but for the price (FREE!), it's worth checking out. Computer to computer Skype calls are always free. For a fee you can also make computer to land-line phone calls with Skype and save money, especially on overseas calls. Additional services for purchase, including voicemail, SMS (text messaging) are available.

 

Skype has added the ability to make conference calls (Audio ONLY) with up to 25 people (including yourself.) There are MANY other features that Skype offers, most of them for additional fees, but it is NOT necessary to buy any of them to use Skype in your classroom!

 

Be aware that although Skype is easy to use, it also does use a fair amount of network resources (in the form of bandwidth) and some schools ban it or restrict its use. You will also need to be sure to pay attention to time zones and scheduled as you begin to communicate gobally. 

  

Skype has tremendous potential for classrooms. Here is a list of how some are using Skype:

  • Teachers can invite experts and other guests from all over the world to speak to their students
  • Social studies can use it to have their students learn from other students about culture in various countries
  • Foreign language teachers could use Skype to connect with classes in foreign countries
  • Language arts teachers could connect with the authors of works they are reading.
  • A science teacher could demonstrate a lab activity using Skype's video capability or invite a researcher to discuss latest developments in his/her field.
  • Allow students to make presentations about what they are to other classrooms within/outside their district (or different countries)
  • Conduct an intra-district competition for a review of concepts with other classes that are learning the same content. 

 

You can record Skype calls (to a .wav or .mp3 file) with a 3rd party piece of software called "PrettyMay" (for Windows only) but there is a cost of approx. $25. The software can only be associated with one Skype name, but is portable from computer to computer with the same Skype name. There are many other 3rd party extras (for additional costs) that can enhance your Skype experience--none are absolutely necessary just to get started.

 

Getting Started with Skype in the Classroom

 

Vicki Davis ("Cool Cat Teacher") has an outstanding blogpost where she shares her experiences and tips for using Skype. She includes a video step by step guide on how she taught her classes about Skype and a great video about Skype that explains the process of getting started.  Details on Vicki's video is a little hard to see, but the tips she includes make it worth listening to. I highly recommend subscribing to Vicki's blog and following her on Twitter. She's always leading the way when it comes to technology in the classroom.

 

Skype also has a comprehensive set of user guides on their website which are very helpful.

 

Janine Lim's Collaborative Videoconferencing Wiki 

"This wiki is a collection of educator-created templates and projects for collaborative videoconferences. Start by browsing the projects. Then follow these instructions to add your own projects! You may also use the lesson template and the sample agendas."

 

Resources to help you find others using Skype in their classrooms

 

A nice start of a directory by state of teachers using Skype.  Join the wiki to add your own information to the charts created by the wiki owner. This is one of the more organized options I've seen.

 

You can search for classroom to classroom collaborations on two excellent web resources:

  1. CILC.org's collaboration database. You can search for past (for ideas) or present collaborations by keyword without registering. However, in order to post your own, you will need to sign up for a free account. When you register, you can also sign up for an automatic newsletter so you know whenever someone posts a collaboration in your curriculum/grade level.
  2. TWICE (Two Way Interactive Collaborations for Education) Network's Collaboration Center. The site's homepage has a wealth of resources and links to collaborations posted by teachers, many of them in Michigan, but anyone who is registered as a site member can post their own requests. Registration is free. You will have to register to view the postings.
  3. Wisconsin Connects (ePals) The state of Wisconsin has launched an online initiative called "Wisconsin Connects." The initiative aims to provide a safe learning environment for K-12 students and to enable students in Wisconsin to connect and collaborate with other students from around the world. The project is focused on mail (email or snail mail) but would also be a great place to post a request for a videoconference collaboration. You can join for free and read stories from WI teachers about successful online collaborations.

 

Skype an Author Network provides K-12 teachers and librarians with a way to connect authors, books, and young readers through virtual visits.  Another great article that gives a step by step for Skyping with authors how to as well as a  list of authors who will Skype for free (usually for 20 minutes) is posted by the School Library Journal.

 

"50 Awesome Ways to Use Skype in the Classroom" lists a number of ways to take advantage of Skype, including inclusion for students who might be homebound. You will also find a comprehensive list of resources to help you make connections with others interested in using Skype in their classrooms.

 

 Sue Waters set up a page on Edublogger to help you make connections with classes in other countries who are interesting in having Skype conversations with other classes. You can contact each person by clicking on their name or using the information they’ve shared. This list was started 12/08 and is updated pretty regularly.  However, due to the nature of this type of list, and when it was started, people’s contact details or position may have changed.

 

Global SchoolNet.org

Their mission: "is to support 21st century learning and improve academic performance through content driven collaboration. We engage teachers and K-12 students in meaningful project learning exchanges worldwide to develop science, math, literacy and communication skills, foster teamwork, civic responsibility and collaboration, encourage workforce preparedness and create multi-cultural understanding.  We prepare youth for full participation as productive and effective citizens in an increasing global economy. Founded in 1984, GSN is a 501(c)3 non-profit education organization. Let's work together to give youth the skills they need." Get Involved

 

Janine Lim's "Videoconferencing Out on a Lim" has a great page containing a variety of Skype resources.

 

For ideas and guidance about classroom to classroom collaborations, be sure to check out  this collaborative projects template booklet "Kid2Kid Videoconferencing Projects" created by Janine Lim and Arnie Comer.

 

Collaborative Projects Wiki Yet another Janine Lim creation. A global collaborative videoconferencing community! This wiki is a collection of educator-created templates and projects for collaborative videoconferences

 

Read Around the Planet Information about the current year's plans for celebrating NEA's "Read Across America" project including flyers, coordinator and teacher packets and how to involve all your students.

 

"11 Interesting Ways to Use Web Conferencing in the Classroom is another good article with ways to use Skype.

 

"Tips for Using Skype in the Classroom" by David Wetzel, includes 25 Collaborative learning strategies, teaching tips and techniques, and classroom management techniques are provided to assist teachers and students using Skype.

 

Another great blog "Langwitches Blog" shares Reasons for Skyping in the Classroom. From links in the blog, you can also read about other teachers’ experiences and the logistics of setting up Skype. 

 

Still not convinced of the potential skype holds beyond a “video phone call?” Watch  Brian Crosby’s class on this powerful video, created by his students about how they used videoconferencing to connect to a homebound classmate.

 

Skype In the Classroom's Facebook page is a very helpful resource. You can also follow them on Twitter if you prefer. Lots of great ideas as well as many opportunities to connect and collaborate are posted regularly.

 

 

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