Distance Learning is really a catch phrase for two new sets of tools teachers can use to expand the walls of our classrooms. The first tool is video conferencing. This allows people from multiple locations to interact with each other using live, real time video and sound. Anyone with video conferencing ability can connect to anyone else with compatible video conferencing ability anywhere in the world - or out of this world as some teachers found out when they video conferenced with astronauts on the International Space Station. The second tool is online or remote classes. Students or teachers can access the course offerings of other districts and colleges by using video conferencing equipment or the internet. We can also offer classes to students outside of our district by these same venues. This blog is about video conferencing. My next blog will take a look at the initiative that has been started by the eTECH Ohio to create a Distance Learning Clearing House of online and DL classes that will be offered by schools throughout the state, for a fee, to students throughout the state.
There are two ways to video conference. The first is by using a webcam. You may have seen these in the store. They are designed to mount on the top of your monitor and capture live images, either pictures or video, with or without sound, that can be viewed by another person immediately or saved and uploaded to the internet. Webcams are also used to create "windows" to other places. By logging into someone else's webcam site, you may be able to watch fish swimming around in the Shed Aquarium in Chicago or see who is walking on the beach in Isle of Palms, South Carolina- something I like to do when I am stressing over technology! A webcam can also be used with interactive communication sites like SKYPE. You can download Skype software and make video conference calls to anyone over the internet, anywhere for free. Skype also has an instant message function. If you want to learn more about it, check out the Skype homepage .
The second way to video conference is by using an IDVL system like Polycom. This is what we have in our Distance Learning Labs in Fairview. The FHS/LFM lab is located in room 214 of the high school. The Gilles Sweet Lab is in the loft of the library. This system allows us to connect with any content provider, school or other location that has a compatible system. Many of these interactions are free. Some content providers , like a museum, might charge a fee, which you can pass on to the students as a "fieldtrip" cost.
The system has three parts.
1. A monitor that allows us to see us and a monitor that allows us to see the remote location we are working with.
2. A camera and microphone system with a remote control. This allows us to not only control the cameras in our lab, but we can also control the camera at the remote location if we need to.
3. A document camera (elmo) that allows us to show the remote location objects, documents and diagrams up close.
The best part of this system is that it is EASY to use! Really, I'm not kidding :)
Our Distance Learning Lab is supported by the staff of the Lorain Distance Learning Consortium. Their website details all the current distance learning opportunities that are available to our district. They also have a listing of teachers and classes who are looking to team teach using the IDVL equipment. Currently I am working with Alison Pettit from Gilles Sweet. My ninth grade science class is partnering with her fourth graders to do virtual science and some real science down in Bain Park. In addition to classroom applications, our IDVL can be used to do staff/ professional development. You can sign up to take classes through area universities for credit. You are also able to participate in the professional development opportunities offered through the Lorain Distance Learning Consortium. Upcoming offerings include using digital storybooking in your classroom and using TeacherTube and other video online resources in your classroom. Kathy Ingersoll, Mark Weidus, Gayle Dill, Laura Hall, Janice Baker, Bryan Weir and I can all help you use the equipment.
Video Conferencing technology is a way to move beyond our traditional classroom space. It is a way to take fieldtrips without having to figure out how to fund the bus. It is a way to expose our students to scientists and poets, to children from other states and other countries, to places they may never have the opportunity to go themselves.
If you would like to learn more about our IDVL, please email me or put a note in my mailbox and I will be happy to help you get started. Check out the Lorain Distance Learning Consortium page for lists of opportunities that are available now or for the remainder of the school year.
eTech Ohio Distance Learning Clearing House http://www.etech.ohio.gov/web_services/dlc/index.jsp
Live Webcams you can use with your classes http://www.earthcam.com/
Wikipedia page on webcams http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Webcam
How Stuff Works description of webcams http://computer.howstuffworks.com/webcam.htmSkype homepage http://www.skype.com/getconnected/
Lorain Distance Learning Consortium http://www.pageflakes.com/LCDLC.Ohio/12258169/Lorain Distance Learning Consortium professional development calendar http://www.lcdlc.org/TechnologyToolbox.htm
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