Videoconferencing Out on a Lim is about one distance learning coordinator's experiences, curriculum thoughts, and technology rants related to k12 videoconferencing. I coordinate videoconferencing for 18 school districts in southwest Michigan. We have 70 Polycom units and we also have Tandberg infrastructure (MPS, Gateway, Gatekeeper and TMS). We've been doing videoconferencing since 1999. You can read about our program online here: SouthwestNet Distance Learning.
The growth in this area indicates a market that has strong growth potential for the coming decade. Schools are investing in this area and are in need of help creating successful interactions.
"K-12 Learning Management Systems" shows how this crop of LMS application is augmenting the teacher and student interactions as well as the social learning interactions between children.
The Technology Integration Matrix (TIM) was developed to help guide the complex task of evaluating technology integration in the classroom. Basic technology skills and integration of technology into the curriculum go hand-in-hand to form teacher technology literacy. Encouraging the seamless use of technology in all curriculum areas and promoting technology literacy are both key NCLB:Title II-D/EETT program purposes. The Inventory for Teacher Technology Skills (ITTS) companion tool is designed to help districts evaluate teachers' current levels of proficiency with technology and is also used as a professional development planning and needs assessment resource. The TIM is envisioned as an EETT program resource which can help support the full integration of technology in Florida schools.
What is in each cell?
Each cell in the matrix will have a video (or several videos) which illustrate the integration of technology in classrooms where only a few computers are available and/or classrooms where every student has access to a laptop computer.
Transformation
The teacher creates a rich learning environment in which students regularly engage in activities that would have been impossible to achieve without technology.
Active
Indicator: Given ongoing access to online resources, students actively select and pursue topics beyond the limitations of even the best school library.
Collaborative
Indicator: Technology enables students to collaborate with peers and experts irrespective of time zone or physical distances.
Constructive
Indicator: Students use technology to construct, share, and publish knowledge to a worldwide audience.
Authentic
Indicator: By means of technology tools, students participate in outside-of-school projects and problem-solving activities that have meaning for the students and the community.
Goal Directed
Indicator: Students engage in ongoing metacognative activities at a level that would be unattainable without the support of technol
Another web based tool for screencasting. I've never used it but it is by Citrix (the people who bring you Gotomeeting.com) so they understand web conferencing and video.
Another screencasting tool. Jing is by TechSmith who makes Camtasia (the best tool but $300). Unfortunately/fortunately Jing limits screencasts to 5 minutes. Really forces focused video production which is actually a good thing.