It would be a way to get your students to listen
to another educator with another method of teaching a particular grammar or essay concept.
Using teleconferencing would take place instead of costly field trips and the headache of scheduling a face-to-face meeting. Also, using it to meet with several professionals, who are already working in their field, all in one day is possible.
It would save time and money.
Kirsten,
What a fantastic opportunity for your friend and his/her class of students! I am sure many educators would be intimidated, contacting researchers at CERN- kudos to your friend for reaching out!
Theresa Schmitt
We designed an online course for learning Arabic Language that incorporated Skype like teleconferencing for the instructor to listen to the students speaking. Not only can she hear them, but she can see how they are pronouncing the words.
Recently a high school physics teacher friend was able to utilize teleconferencing to set up a live feed with researchers at CERN. News of a "groundbreaking" result had turned out to be incorrect due to measurements. The class was able to talk with these scientists at the large hadron collider to discuss the value of rigorous testing in science. Interestingly, the scientists said that this small high school in Milford, CT was the only school to contact the research facility in Switzerland. I think this speaks to educators under-using this tool.
It's difficult to get speakers to agree to travel to our school in the Pacific Northwest, away from the Seattle area. Getting them to do a videoconference may be a good option. It would just need to be able to display other multimedia for it to work, and not just showing the speaker. Not sure how to make the speaker demonstrate what's on his or her screen if they're showing how to use a particular computer program. (Painting demos on Painter or Photoshop)
Unfortunately, because of technical limitations and institutional barriers I see teleconferencing as an addition to , not a replacement for class time.
rebecca,
I would ask your campus Dean about that. Marking students present when they are not physically in class may pose numerous problems for your school, so you would need to be sure the attendance was logged as distance learning or independent study/off-campus status.
Yours in learning,
Theresa Schmitt
Teleconferencing could help students meet with speakers around the world who work in the field that they are interested in. Teleconferencing also allows for additional insight and personal experience from someone else's perspective rather than just that of the instructor.
Students and instructor can discuss information from an expert in the field without having to travel. It is inexpensive and draws the students into participation.
Could teleconfrencing be useful to students who are not able to come to class due to sickness? Possibly this method of communication has benefits for students with physical difficulties
Deborah,
As an instructor, I have "Open Skype Time" in which students can call during scheduled hours twice a week when I am sure to be at my computer at home. I can answer questions, review grades, or just provide general guidance on an as-needed basis.
Yours in learning,
Theresa Schmitt
I only see my students one day a week. By using teleconferencing, I have the ability to meet with students more often, if needed. This is better than just sending them an e-mail. We can have a live discussion which is much better.
Sherry,
I think this would be an excellent experience for your students. Understanding how algebra is actually applied in-field is crucial so it is not all about memorization- it makes the experience more meaningful. I live in Florida and the public schools are adopting common core (https://www.fldoe.org/schools/ccc.asp). Through these new standards, students will be doing just as you discuss here so they understand the why behind the how. The teachers I know are very positive when discussing these new initiatives, embracing a renewed focus on comprehension.
Wishing you success with introducing teleconferencing into your curriculum.
Theresa Schmitt
I teach Math at my institution and sometimes it is very hard to emphasize to the students why they need to take Math. I think teleconferencing would be a great way to get guest speakers from the chosen fields that we offer at our college. Therefore the guest speakers could identify all the ways that they use Math in their chosen fields and that way the students could actually see why Mat is important to them.
One major practical benefit in incorporating teleconferencing into the learning environment is that students are introduced to a technology that they will undoubtedly encounter in the workplace. Teleconferencing is used by many professionals, so exposing students to this mode of communication before they are actually professionals has value. Another benefit is that students are connected to other experts through teleconferencing. There are fewer logistical obstacles to overcome when organizing a teleconference. Organizing an actual conference can be expensive and time-consuming.
Sheryl,
I am happy to hear you may incorporate video chat into your curriculum. I find students are very inspired by talking with graduates who are now successful in their field. Some of the websites mentioned in the sharing learning materials portion of this class are also great resources when seeking out guest speakers. Publishers such as Pearson and Cengage are also helpful when seeking out speakers. I have found they have a great network of professionals who are willing to present to both small and large groups.
Wishing you continued success in the classroom.
Theresa Schmitt
THE SUBJECT MATTER THAT I TEACH CAN BE FAR MORE INTERESTING BY OPENING THE DOOR TO NEW EDUCATORS AND ARTISTS FROM DIFFERENT STATES AND COUNTRIES. THIS IDEA IS VERY INTERESTING TO ME. THE PROSPECT OF RE INTRODUCING FORMER STUDENTS WHO HAVE RE LOCATED AND ARE WORKING IN THEIR COUNTRIES IS ANOTHER WAY TO UTILIZE THIS TECHNOLOGY.
Teleconferencing can bring in guest speakers from around the world at a limited cost to the institution.
Marietta Carter-Narcisse
students will be motivated to learn as well as being excited to engage.
