eLearning Collaborative

Finding a Good Videoconference

Today, there are hundreds of programs available from nearly 200 content providers. What a tribute to the impact and appeal of this technology! However, it presents a challenge for receivers who must travel through the “sprawl” of providers and programs to get to really good videoconferences.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Does the program address state or national learning standards?
• Is the program grade appropriate and matched to your local and state curricular frameworks?
• Does the program represent an appropriate use of the technology?

Learning Standards: Utilizing learning media or materials that don’t align to state or national learning standards is simply an unacceptable strategy for teachers in the 21st century. Generally, content providers are well aware of the importance of standards and, consequently, will claim their programs are “standard-based” in marketing materials. Often, information this detailed can only be found in the teacher materials that accompany the videoconference. Some content providers make these program accompaniments available from their website. If you don’t find it there, contact the provider and ask to see the alignment. Another, quicker way to find out if a program is standards-aligned is to use an online videoconference program catalog.

State Curricular Frameworks: Online catalogs and provider websites always indicate the targeted grade levels for VC programs, making it an easy “signpost” to find. What’s not so easy to determine is how accurate the grade and curriculum match actually is. Many school-based VC coordinators report that lessons aren’t always taught at the advertised grade level or that lessons aren’t actually appropriate for the advertised grade level. A videoconference is supposed to integrate into existing curriculum as either an introductory, continuing, or culminating experience. If the description sounds like an overview, the program itself probably will only scratch the topic’s surface. That will be an unsatisfactory experience for all grade levels. If you’re still not sure, contact the provider. Many are willing to work with you by customizing a program to fit your particular situation.

Appropriate use of the Technology: An often overlooked criterion is whether a particular topic is worth addressing via a videoconference in the first place. Are the materials going to be presented in the same way they would if the lesson was done in a traditional classroom with existing media and resources? Or is there something unique here that the students could never experience without a videoconference? The rule of thumb used by Mary Ann Cowan, middle school social studies teacher and VC Coordinator at Saints Cyril and Methodius School, Deer Park, NY, cuts right to the chase. Cowan asks, “What will this videoconference bring to my students that I couldn’t do? If I can do this lesson myself, I can do it better and cheaper.”

If you have any further questions, go here.

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