Using Videoconferencing

1
Using Videoconferencing
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What is videoconferencing?

• Using the internet to connect people together in
  different locations
• Using web-cams enables you to see and hear each
  other and hold a virtual conference
• Software available FREE to schools from e2bn
  which includes a secure link (vital for use in
  schools)

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What did we do?

• Worked with a local primary school and used a
  year 10 post GCSE French group
• Developed speaking and listening activities for
  both the primary and secondary students to
  improve their language skills
• Activities included QA sessions and role-play
  Bingo

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How did we do it?

• Planning and preparation
• working with the primary school to develop ideas
  and activities
• setting up a timetable
• face to face meetings
• virtual meetings to practice using the equipment
  (internally and externally)
• pupil practice sessions in English
• pupil practice of activities without web-cam
• pupil practice being in front of the web-cam

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Managing a videoconference

• Behaviour Management
• Give all pupils a focus (peer assessment sheet)
• Using additional adults (ICT support, members of
  Dept.)
• Preparing other activities to complete
• Groups useful
• Confidence with equipment
• Videoconferencing Etiquette
• Format/script for what happens when
• Managing change-overs
• Communication in case of equipment failure

6
What ICT help do I need?

• Very little!
• Room with IWB, PC, speakers and web-cam installed
  (available from ICT)
• Register with e2bn to get an account and book a
  videoconference session
• Guides available to help
• Ask us or ICT for support

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Why should I do it?

• Skills as well as subject specific skills it
  also builds the following
• personal presentation skills
• public speaking skills
• ICT skills
• independent learning skills
• trouble shooting skills

8
Why use a feedback survey?

• Reinforces skills gained in pupils minds
• Overview of pupil feedback for teacher
• What is the impact on teaching and learning?
• What did we learn?
• Pupil feedback was positive!
• 89 were keen to use videoconferencing again
• Elements of survey teamwork linguistic skills
  confidence relevance to skills needed future
  careers
• Good use of VLE

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What advice have we got?

• Does take some preparation
• Builds lots of skills beyond own subject
• It is fun and excellent use of ICT
• Can build community links
• Another way of getting an adult into the
  classroom
• Have a go!