Laura+Lewis'+Video+Conferencing+WIki


 * Video Conferencing--A Powerful Educational Tool **
 * by Laura Lewis**

"Face to face" conferences between two people or several groups are possible today through **Video Conferencing** technology. Hardware and software combine to allow an audio/video conference to occur between two locations via the Internet. A video camera may be built into or attached to a computer, allowing for virtual “eye to eye” contact between the participants. Video conferencing software, at each end of the connection, enables this visual and auditory experience. Software ranges from simple webcams to high quality cameras and studio equipment.

Video Conferencing is an emerging tool in classrooms today. This technology brings a **new dimension to student learning** and can greatly enhance interest and understanding of a subject, **connecting students from different cultures and continents**. As noted by Lever-Duffy and McDonald (2011), “In a classroom equipped with a multimedia computer, a webcam, videoconferencing software (such as the freeware program Skype), and Internet access, students can see, hear, and interact with their counterparts in similarly equipped classrooms around the world” (p. 245).
 * Educational Uses **
 * Students can participate in video conferences with their counterparts around the world, collaborating on global issues and ideas to resolve problems.
 * Children of all ages can communicate with each other, "face to face", sharing insights into each others' worlds.
 * Classes can establish relationships with "buddies" in several countries, communicating and learning together.
 * Teachers in separate geographic locations can plan lessons together for their student learning and enjoyment.

Student **learning is enhanced** when participating in conferences with other students across the country or around the world. **Perspectives are broadened** when students have opportunities to see and hear, via an interactive experience, into other cultures, experiences, and methods. [|Global Schoolhouse] is one example of a website for educators who want to **connect with another school** or join a learning project via video conferencing.
 * Enhanced Learning **
 * Students learn from direct communication with others from another culture, instead of just from books, movies, or direct instruction.
 * Children see "first-hand" into other cultures, environments, and classrooms.
 * Students are motivated to learn further because of the power of this medium.
 * Eyes are opened to global, societal, and cultural issues.


 * Video Conferencing Applications: **
 * [|TWICE]
 * [|Skype]
 * [|Apple iChat]
 * [|Google Voice and Video Chat]
 * [|ooVoo]

Jennifer Horton describes how a video conference to Zimbabwe, and other global locations, can transport a student into that world. Students are further motivated as their level of involvement and experience increases through experiences. This in-depth article goes on to explain how video conferencing works and how it’s set up in the classroom.
 * Articles about Video Conferencing in Education: **
 * [|How Classroom Video Conferencing Works]



Susan Ayers describes the steps in planning for a video conference, including: deciding on equipment; choosing software; setting up software; and determining conference type.
 * [|How to Set Up a Video Conference in the Classroom]



Twelve-year-old Adora Svitak is an author of two books, has spoken at educational conferences around the country, and teaches students daily via her video conferencing programs. In this article, Adora describes five educational uses of video conferencing: connect with experts; virtual field trips; working together; accessing previously unavailable courses; and teaching the teachers.
 * [|5 Ways Classrooms Can Use Video Conferencing]

The Collaborative Learning Center at Yale reports about teaching a course on Race, Class, and Education, using Skype to conduct a videoconference between students and the executive producer of the film, “Hoop Dreams,” Gordon Quinn. This article describes the experience, and includes a technical explanation of the use of Skype.
 * [|Videoconferencing in the Classroom with Skype]

PacBell presents this guide to help educators use videoconferencing. Included are many resources in addition to clear guidelines for set up and use.
 * [|Videoconferencing for Learning]

University of Idaho Engineering Outreach presents a guide for video conferencing use in distance education.
 * [|Distance Education at a Glance]

An article in International Journal of Networking and Virtual Organizations discusses challenges conducting successful international video conferences.
 * [|Critical success factors for video conferencing]

This article describes a study involving American teachers video conferencing with students in Mexico to teach music.
 * [|Video-conferenced music teaching: challenges and progress]

AT&T | Knowledge Network Explorer (2010). //Video conferencing for learning.// Retrieved from http://www.kn.pacbell.com/vidconf/index.html
 * References **

Ayers, S. (2011). How to set up a video conference in the classroom | //eHow.com//. Retrieved from []

Horton, J. (2008). How classroom video conferencing works | //HowStuffWorks.com.// Retrieved from http://communication.howstuffworks.com/classroom-video-conferencing.htm

Lever-Duffy, J., & McDonald, J.B. (20110. //Teaching and learning with technology.// (4th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

Riley, P. (2009). Video-conferenced music teaching: challenges and progress. //Music education research. 11//(3), 365-375. Retrieved from [|EBSCOhost]

Schaffer, J., Tumu, S., & Wickramasinghe, N. (2008). Critical success factors for video conferencing. //International journal of networking and virtual organizations, 5//(2), 121-134. Retrieved from [|Inderscience]

Svitak, A. (2010). 5 ways classrooms can use video conferencing | //Mashable.// Retrieved from http://mashable.com/2010/04/21/classroom-video-conferencing/

[Untitled photograph of videoconferencing in a classroom]. Retrieved from []

[Untitled picture of students videoconferencing in a rain forest]. Retrieved from []

University of Idaho | Engineering Outreach (2010). //Distance education at a glance.// Retrieved from http://www.uiweb.uidaho.edu/eo/dist10.html

Yale University | Collaborative Learning Center (2009). //Videoconferencing in the classroom with Skype.// Retrieved from []