Using Video conferencing to support teaching and learning.
Video conferencing allows people in different locations to see and talk to each other. It may also support the electronic exchange of files, sharing of computer applications and whiteboards.
Some of the key benefits for using video conferencing include
- enrich all areas of the curriculum;
- facilitate learning from primary sources;
- connect learners to experts, other communities, and other experiences;
- accommodate learners of all ages and abilities;
- appeal to a variety of learning styles;
- promote multi-school project collaboration;
- set up authentic learning situations;
- enhance the motivation of pupils and teachers;
- improve the self-esteem and self-confidence of pupils;
- promote the enjoyment of learning;
- raise the awareness and appreciation of cultural diversity;
- improve communication and presentation skills;
- provide experience of the global classroom;
- provide experience of a new and stimulating technology;
- give a meaningful focus for the practice of IT skills;
- promote educational and social inclusion
Key research evidence from BECTA about video conferencing in teaching and learning shows that video conferencing can have positive effects in these areas:
General Benefits
Subject teaching can be enriched by input from experts or practitioners
Collaboration with schools where the pupils come from different cultures leads to the development of multicultural relationships and understanding, while enriching traditional activities
It supports distance learning by linking up tutors and students, particularly in minority subjects
It provides enhanced opportunities for language students to interact with native speakers
Benefits for students
It offers an alternative outlet for expression by those normally hampered by poor literacy skills
Students can develop communication and social skills by collaborating with their peers in other institutions
Students who normally stay in the background participate more; they are motivated to take part in video conferencing.
For students not in traditional school setting s it offers a means of reassurance and social contact
Benefits for teachers
Academic aspirations are raised amongst those students communicating with more assured students, who become positive role models
Strong relationships are fostered with peers when working with other schools on collaborative projects
The audience for courses can be increased by teaching face to face with one group and simultaneously transmitting to a second centre elsewhere
Clips from sessions may be used as material for evaluating and modifying lessons
Benefits in initial teacher training
Students can observe teaching practice without being present in the classroom
Students may use video clips of their classroom experiences to share ideas and teaching resources
Students on teaching practice feel 'a safety in distance' when using video conferencing to communicate with their supervisors, resulting in a more frank interaction
Benefits for students with special educational needs
Support can be provided to children with complex physical and communication difficulties without professionals or families spending lots of time traveling
Students may overcome feelings of isolation and develop social skills by associating with peers who have similar needs
The video conferencing context acts as a focus for some students, helping them to organizethe way they think and act
Curriculum examples
Modern Foreign Language lessons can be brought to life, as children can hold 'real' and meaningful conversations with native speakers, dispensing with the need for rather reluctant and artificial conversations with a teacher.
Children's life experiences can be furthered without them ever having to step out of the classroom. Video conferencing can transport children to other parts of the world, allowing them to find out 'first-hand' about other countries and their cultures, religions and traditions. This will promote learning far more effectively than a traditional geography or RE text book ever could.
As far as history is concerned, though video conferencing cannot transport children back to the past, it does facilitate access to museums all around the world, allowing children to see real artifacts watch re-enactments of events in history and ask an expert for information.
Similarly, science topics become more meaningful. Although a video on habitats may be preferable to a text book, with videoconferencing, children can 'accompany' scuba divers diving off the Coral Reef in Australia, for instance, and interact with them. This brings more meaning to them than a video ever could.
With music, videoconferencing again opens up a whole new world of possibilities for enhancing teaching and learning. Schools can now link up live with the London Symphony Orchestra and pupils can take part in a master class with members of a world class orchestra, where they can ask questions and learn real tips from the experts.
- A useful guide to planning your video conference lesson
Video Conferencing in the classroom publication
A 'how to get started' guide for teachers on video conferencing in the classroom, published by Devon Curriculum Services. This book sets out to explore the wide range of practical video conferencing activities that are already being undertaken in classrooms across the country. As well as exploring curriculum applications of video conferencing, there is advice on equipment, explaining the technology in simple terms and giving hints and tips to ensure successful use. There is also advice on finding partner schools to video conference with and linking with expert providers. The publication includes a number of detailed case studies teachers who have been using video conferencing in their schools to support teaching and learning and professional development.- Click here for details about purchasing the publication
- Click here for details about downloading this publication
- Getting started
- Preparation for a video conference and the conference itself
- Some ways of using video conferencing in the classroom
- Making contacts
- School contacts list
- A selection of organizationsoffering educational video conferencing activities
- Video conferencing technology in more detail
- Video conference equipment manufacturers
- Glossary
- Where next?