I love video conferencing! In class on Thursday we did a video conference with the Tyrrell Museum and it was fantastic! What a great way to incorporate technology into the classroom. Video conferencing is fun, engaging, and interactive and allows students’ access to learning and activities that would not be possible otherwise. As Colin from the Tyrrell Museum emphasized, innovation, interaction and information are three important aspects of a successful video conference and I couldn’t agree more.
While navigating through some of the sites posted on our course website, I came across some great ideas for incorporating video conferencing into the classroom. One idea I really like is having student debates through video conferencing allowing students to interact with other students around the world. I also found a video conference event in honour of Remembrance Day where students are able to interact with a member of the Canadian Forces. Another great use for video conferencing is using it to connect students with experts around the world. Video conferencing allows students to watch and listen to lectures, to ask questions, to view how experts work in their fields, and to witness events or activities that students would not have the opportunity to learn about without the use of video conferencing. Not only is video conferencing beneficial for students, it is also beneficial for teachers. Through video conferencing, teachers can access a wide variety of professional development seminars as well.
One potential drawback of video conferencing is the cost. To participate in a video conference with the Tyrrell Museum for example, it costs $125.00. While I absolutely believe that the educational value of the programs are worth the cost, many schools are experiencing reduced budgets and cost cuts. If this is the case however, video conferencing activities can be set up between classrooms around the world without cost and video conferencing sessions that are free of charge can also be utilized.
I believe video conferencing is an effective use of technology and I am excited to use it in my own classroom one day! Imagine the possibilities video conferencing opens up for learning in the classroom!
