Videoconferencing (VC)

 

The Concept
Videoconferencing can be a powerful way to bring experts to your classroom, to take your students to remote places, to connect with other schools, or to experience the nearly impossible. From live surgery viewing to conversations with jazz musicians, this technology is like Star Trek's warp speed path to engaging content.

The Possibilities
Below are just a few vc providers, broken down loosely by discipline, with tested favorites indicated by double asterisks. Videoconferencing is booming, so check frequently with your favorite resources and institutions to see if conferences are available. If you search on the web for others, try synonyms such as distance learning and VTC (video teleconferencing). Also try lists of providers like the PacBell Database or compilations of sites. Don't forget, too, to consider collaborations with other videoconferencing schools. We've enjoyed photography critique with advanced photo students at the Ross School in East Hampton, New York.

When you're searching for good content, stay flexible. The Cleveland Museum of Art, for example, offers videoconferencing on the archeology and science behind art: Examining the Authenticity of Museum Objects where students test metal density and explore properties of matter; Extending the Senses where, using the electromagnetic spectrum, students investigate the use of ultraviolet as well as x-ray diffraction in probing works of art; Restoring Works of Art: Chemistry to the Rescue where students simulate cleaning delicate objects as they study properties of various solvents and how they react with different paints and varnishes; and Paper Chemistry and Conservation  where students investigate paper chemistry and conservation and are introduced to the uses of chemical processes in printmaking.

Arts
Cleveland Museum of Art **
Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM)
Globe Theatre (UK)**
Indianapolis Museum of Art
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (follow link to Education Department, then Distance Learning)
Manhattan School of Music
Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)
Philadelphia Museum of Art

English
Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM)
Globe Theatre (UK)**
Library of Congress**
Walden Theater

Elementary School
Cleveland Museum of Art **
Discovery Center
Indianapolis Museum of Art
Intrepid Museum
Louisville Science Center
Mote Marine Laboratory **
Walden Theater

History
Global Education Motivators
Global Nomads Group **
Indianapolis Museum of Art
Intrepid Museum
Library of Congress **
Museum of Tolerance
NARA

Languages
See art museums in the Arts section above
Global Education Motivators
Global Nomads Group **
Indianapolis Museum of Art (Check out the Speak to Learn foreign language program)

Math
Aquatic Research Interactive
Indianapolis Museum of Art
Louisville Science Center

Science
Aquatic Research Interactive
Cleveland Museum of Art **
COSI ** (including live surgery)
Discovery Center
Indianapolis Museum of Art
Louisville Science Center
NASA Johnson Space Center
National Aviary
National Science Center

The Process
One of the myriad joys of videoconferencing is that the content providers do all the work. You need know nothing of the technology to utilize its power. All you really need is the equipment and a "technician" who is usually a network administrator or tech support staff member to help out. You'll want to keep in mind a few things as you browse for a begin to setup your videoconferece:

• Cost: While some offerings are free, most video conferences from non-school institutions cost around $100 per session. Few independent schools would balk at such a fee, but it's important to share your experiences with colleagues and tech folk so that the school builds relationships with providers that are worth the money.

• Schedule: Sometimes, videoconferencing blocks are pre-scheduled and may not always align with a particular class bell or daily rotation. Try to give ample notice to colleagues when students will miss parts of other classes. Keep in mind, too, that many of the big-name providers are booked fairly well in advance.

• Maximizing the experience: Consider pre- and post-videoconferencing activities to maximize your experience. If possible, tape or record the videoconference for in-class viewing later.

• Etiquette: You can do three things to make your tech support person's life easier as they assist you in videoconferencing. First, check to make sure that the vc room is available during the the time you're hoping to interface. Second, have available for the content provider the name, email address, and phone number of the technician as well as the schools videoconferencing number. Finally, give your technician at least a week's warning so they can schedule a test call to the remote site. Trust me that these steps will help ensure a smooth conference.

Click here to see some of CCDS's students in action.
http://wwwf.countryday.net/challenge20-20

Video of Cleveland Museum of Art