Video Conferencing Handout

Video Conference Checklist

Videoconference Camera Setup
Camera is setup to face the students
Set mic on a hard surface where students can come to it if possible
All connections are made (See photo for connections)
Turn on camera 15 minutes prior to call time (Blue light on console indicates off;
green light indicates on
Mute the microphone when Home screen appears
Create Presets if needed

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During the Videoconference
Mute the microphone before you move it. ALWAYS!
Keep all paper away from the microphone
Speak loudly, slowly and clearly (Unmute mic to speak and mute after speaking
Follow the set structure of the videoconference

After the Videoconference

Press “Hang Up” on the Polycom Remote
_____ Turn off the unit (Press green light on console until it is blue)

Polycom Unit - Campus Extensions

(For Campus Collaborations)
Campu BPE 732368
s Extension BRE 732343
AE 732394 CBE 732387
APE 732393 CME 732361
BBE 732372 CSE 732395
BGE 732384 CWE 732369
BJE 732345 DE 732398
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EGE 732353 LVE 732606
FES 732414 MBE 732344
HE 732599 ME 732409
HGE 732560 MGE 732390
HRE 731813 MHE 732452
JE 732552 MWE 732359
JSES 675654 OCE 732597
LCE 732375 OLE 732450
LGE 732592 PE 732374
LLE 732447 PGE 732379

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 QVE 732583 SME 732429
RDE 732371 SOE 732365
RGE 732357 SWE 732403
RME 732572 TWE 732386
RPE 732570 WBE 732600
SCE 732370 WSE 732448
SE 732396

Region IV: 168.171.43.24

Collaborative Project Ideas

Adapted from: http://www.remc11.k12.mi.us/dl/media/ProjectsBooklet.doc

Exchange Projects- Participate in scientific demonstrations, explanation of

math concepts, social studies topics, communities, reading or cultures. Have
students present a poem or essay, share a reader’s theater, sing a song, or present
research.

Academic Challenges: Math & Science- Present difficult math and

science problems or brainteasers for any grade level.

Game shows- If classes are studying similar topics, prepare a game show for
the other class to answer questions. Students enjoy playing roles from popular
game shows such as Jeopardy, Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader, etc.

Academic Challenges: Quiz Bowl- Run a quiz bowl on a specific topic,

or on a collection of general knowledge topics, depending on your goals for the
event.

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Mystery Quests- Choose a topic where students would need to guess what is
presented by the other participating class. For example, a geographical location, a
historical figure, a president, an author, a book, a time period, etc.

Descriptive Writing Exchange- Use descriptive writing to practice

following directions or identify something based on the description (monsters, how
to writing, pen pals, etc.).

Data Collection Projects- (Data collection, analysis, and comparison)

Students

collect weather data, compare schoolyard animals and plants, observe tourist data
such

as license plates near their respective locations, count local types of trees, or
analyze

water quality data to practice data collection and analysis skills.

Design Projects- Do you already have your students build something in your
science classes (i.e. a bridge, a rocket, a pinewood derby vehicle, a musical
instrument, an invention, an egg drop cage, or a kite.)? Instead of creating alone,
build the project in tandem with another class and compare results.

Competition Projects- (Poetry, advertising, essays) Any topic where

students create something could be a competition. Poetry slams are popular. Ads on
current issues such as the environment, internet safety are also possibilities.

Literature Circles- Students lead a discussion of a novel.

Press Conference Projects- Choose a topic related to public policy or

current events. Set up a scenario for your students where they are representing a

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company or are legislators giving a press conference on a new product, new policy,
or a response to a current issue. The partner class plays the role of the press.

Television Interview/Role Playing- This format can be used on current

and controversial issues. It can also be used to interview and/or role play people
from history or different perspectives on a subject.

Mock Trials- Mock trials work well for high school law classes, middle school
and high school history classes.

Consensus Building- Choose an issue or subject that is controversial, has

several perspectives and no easy answers. Students “come to the table” to decide
public or company policy.

Product/Solution Development Projects- Choose a subject where

students could play the role of a client and business, creating a product or solution
to meet the needs of the client. One class plays the role of the client and the other
class the role of the business.

Interactive Activities- Adapted from the Region IV Service Center

Brainstorming Group work

Brief Readings Guest speakers
Buzz Sessions Ice Breakers
Case Studies Interrupted Lecture
Debate Poetry Slam
Demonstrations Problem Solving
Discussions Progressive Identification
Dramatizations Quiz Bowl
Drills Questioning

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 Field Trips Scenarios
Films/Videos Simulations
Games Small Group Projects
Storytelling

Elementary Video Conferencing Websites

Adventure Science Center

Use video conferencing equipment to join in the excitement of a virtual field trip to the
Adventure Science Center. Our dynamic, experienced educators will share fascinating
facts, exciting demonstrations and fun activities to engage your students in active
learning experiences.

Berrien County ISD VC resources

Videoconferences are listed by Michigan Curriculum Frameworks and Berrien County
grade level expectations. Great ideas for correlating specific objectives to vc activities
and ideas.

CILC Searchable Database

Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration
Using their searchable database, you can “access hundreds of dynamic programs which cover
a wide variety of topics and align with national K-12 curriculum standards. For each K-12
program, CILC provides a Program Guide which provides tools and resources to enhance your
program experience."

Cincinnati Museum Center

Cincinnati Museum Center is kicking off its third full year of delivering flexible,
standards-based videoconferencing programs and we are excited to announce that, due

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to the generosity of a local donor, we are able to keep our prices at the 2006-2007 price
levels...just $100 for a 45-60 minute program. We have also added an exciting new
program that explores the economic and geographic significance of the slave trade in
the 17th and 18th centuries, plus we've reworked some of our existing programs to
better address the needs of teachers and students.

Connect2Texas
The purpose of this site is to promote programs offered by interactive videoconferencing
providers in the State of Texas. It is also intended to be used by schools and other
entities to register for programs from one of our providers. This is a great site for
teachers to use, because most providers can call into our unit directly. You just
need to turn the VC unit powered on and plugged into the network (via Ethernet
connection).

CosiToledo
Give your class the opportunity to participate in a live, interactive experience between
your students and a COSI Educator through video conferencing. This award-winning,
entertaining, engaging program is a perfect way to integrate STEM curriculum into your
classroom.

Digital Bridges Content Provider Listing

Nice list of content providers for K-12 videoconferencing in the resources area of the
Digital Bridges site.

Global-Leap
Developing interactive videoconferencing across the curriculum in the UK and around
the world. You can add your school and then you will be able to search schools across
the globe to find someone to interact with.

GlobalSchoolNet
This is the original clearinghouse for collaborative projects from across the globe -
projects hosted by the Global SchoolNet Foundation, other reputable organizations, and
outstanding partner projects conducted by teachers worldwide! Whether you choose to
join an existing project or announce one of your own, GSN's Projects Registry promises
to save you time!

IDeaS Content Series

Programs and events available ONLY through the IDeaS site. The content series
includes authors, careers, sports, and more.

JAZZ

http://www.123vc.net/

NASA Live
Learners at all levels have the opportunity to interact directly with NASA scientists to
gain a new appreciation for the importance of science and education. FREE events.
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New York Hall of Science
Visit and interact with the New York Hall of Science from your school or learning center
using the latest videoconferencing technology. The Virtual Visit will connect your class
with Explainers at the New York Hall of Science, providing a rich, interactive science
learning experience. A Virtual Visit Program consists of exploration of selected areas of
the New York Hall of Science's exhibits, demonstrations and activities illustrating
science concepts. Materials and instructions for a pre and post virtual visit activities are
provided.

NoodleTrip
NoodleTrip is an online directory focusing on video conferencing virtual field trips, tours,
and distance learning courses. This search directory allows members a free search for
specific trips as well as providing a centralized area for providers to advertise their
events.

Polycom Content Provider List

The Polycom Content Provider list gives a sample of nearly 200 potential knowledge
providers to enrich the education experience.

Practical Anatomy & Surgical Education

Distance learning programs focusing on health and science.

Royal Botanical Gardens

Since 1947, Royal Botanical Gardens has offered innovative hands-on programming to
connect children with the world of nature. As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, we’re
launching our newest educational program — interactive virtual field trips.

San Diego Zoo

Videoconferences are available with San Diego Zoo educators on a variety of topics.
Animal presentations by our education staff can cover several animal and conservation
subjects, including:
• Animal adaptations—How do an animal's body parts and habits help it survive in its
environment?
• Animal classifications—What is a bird, mammal, reptile, or insect?
• Endangered Species—What factors are threatening wild animals and plants? What can
you do to help?

Seatrek.org
Our programs feature real scientists working in the field with interviews showing how
their interests led them to their careers. Each program is supported by a free,
downloadable, companion curriculum, aligned with National and Sunshine State
Science Education Standards.

School Voice
Video Conference Opportunities In Classroom Education: This database is a collection
of content providers for K-12 videoconferencing programs. This database can be

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searched by subject area, grade level, transmission standard, free or fee, and by the
content provider's name.

Space Center Houston

http://www.spacecenter.org/distancelearning.html

TWICE
A collaborative videoconference project gives you and your students an opportunity to
learn with another school or classroom. There are many possibilities. Some projects are
planned by educational service agencies, and others are planned by teachers and tech
coordinators.

ATT Videoconferencing Collaboration Collage

Oh, the places you will go while using interactive videoconferencing! Students and
teachers can see and hear each other simultaneously whether across the state or
around the world. The technology is ideal for virtual fieldtrips, meetings, collaborations
and community events.

TRECC

This site provides visitors with a comprehensive information source on videoconferencing for K-
12 with links to articles about planning and preparing for videoconferences, and directories of
videoconferencing providers and fieldtrips.

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 Videoconferencing Etiquette
Videoconferencing presents its own challenges with its own set of manners and
etiquette. The camera and microphone can magnify poor clothing choices, makeup,
gestures, and bad manners.
Speaking
Because of the one second audio delay, use a brief pause between speakers to assure
the full audio signal has been transmitted. Two people cannot speak at the same time,
and you should avoid interrupting other speakers. Also use a pause to allow time for
others to answer or make comments. Use your normal voice, but note that it does help
to speak more slowly, especially with a strong accent. As with any meeting, try to limit
side conversations.

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Audio
The microphone can magnify sounds that are normal for a classroom. Be aware of the
microphone placement and be careful not to put papers or other objects on them. Do
not rustle papers or tap on the microphone or table. Eating is not appropriate. Listen for
other environmental noise such as fans, open windows, pens clicking, and papers
shuffling that might disturb your audio quality.

Body movements
Keep body movements to a minimum. Avoid distracting movements like swaying,
rocking, or pacing. Try to limit turning back and forth in your chair, wiggling your foot,
and playing with your hair or earrings. Move and gesture in a fluid, natural way.

Mute button tips

 Use when your location is not talking
 Use when shuffling papers, sneezing or coughing, or when making other
distracting noises
 Use during multipoint (bridge) conferences
 Use during side conversations

Do’s and Don'ts of videoconferencing

Do pre-plan Don’t make distracting sounds

Do speak clearly Don’t make distracting movements

Do keep body movements minimal Don’t cover the microphone or move when
talking

Do move and gesture naturally Don’t interrupt other speakers

Do maintain eye contact Don’t carry on side conversations

Do dress appropriately Don’t wear noisy jewelry

Do be yourself! Don’t arrive late

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 Overview

Skype is free software that allows you to make free calls to anyone
in the world that also uses Skype. Making calls is not the only thing
it does. The program also allows you to chat with up to 99 other
people!

Download Now
Visit http://www.skype.com in order to download the free program.
This program does run from your computer, not the internet. You
do, however, need internet access for it to work. The first time you
open the program, you will be asked to fill out your contact information. Once you
have, you will be able to immediately use the program.

Find Contacts
Click on New > New Contact to begin putting in the
people for this workshop. You can add by name, e-mail,
or Skype name. After the program searches, you will
have an option of people (or person) to choose to add to
your Skype contacts. Send them a message and let them know you are there!

Chatting
Double-click on the person’s name. This will open a new window where you can
start chatting. To add more people, simply click on the Add people button. Once
you exit out of the chat screen, you will disconnect yourself from the chat.

Groups
To create a new group, first you must go to ContactsCreate New
Group.
A new Skype window opens. Drag and drop contacts
into the designated space.
Click the Group button to save a new group.
Enter a name for the group. An invitation will be sent to them to join the group.

Personalize
You can easily personalize your Skype profile. Click on your name.
Click on Personalize and you will get a menu of options.

Privacy
Skype allows you to keep yourself private from the general Skype users. Click on

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SkypePrivacy and you can select to receive calls from only people in your contact
list. Make sure you add the people you want to chat with to your contacts!

Sign out
If you will be working on different computers, you will need to make sure you
Sign Out of Skype before trying to log on to a different computer. You can
also change the start up settings (to start Skype upon log in) by clicking on
ToolsOptionsStart Skype when I start Windows.

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