Videoconferencing 101

Getting Started

• A Teacher's Guide
• VC Introduction
• VC Glossary
• Presentation Tips
• Collaborative Wiki

Searchable Databases

• Connect2Texas is sponsored by ESC XI in Ft. Worth, Texas. These are mainly Texas providers with programs aligned to Texas' standards. Most have 2-3 years experience with videoconferencing. All charge fees except for the National Archives.
• NASA Digital Learning Network is the network of ten NASA centers. All videoconferencing content can be searched and scheduled through this link. NASA programming requires a 30-day in advance registration. Most materials are available as downloads from the website.
• Polycom Searchable Database housed at BCISD, Michigan
• Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration located in Indianapolis, IN features a searchable database and a collaboration center.

Sample Online Videos

• Collection of sample videoconferences from Southeastern Wisconsin Instructional Network Group (SWING)
• MysteryQuest
• ASK Programs
• Monster Match
• Distancelearningville
• Singing With Shane
• Global Nomads
• Favorites from BCISD includes videos and blog entries

VC Bloggers

• Andrea Israeli~ New York
• Janine Lim  ~ Berrien County ISD, Berrien Springs, Michigan
• Paul Heironymous ~Avon, Ohio
• Rebecca Polityka ~Cooperating School Districts, St. Louis, Missouri
• Roxanne Glaser ~ ESC Region 12, Waco, Texas

Best of the Best Content Providers

• Teachers' Choice Awards from Berrien County Intermediate School District (BCISD) in Michigan~these awards are voted on annually by teachers who have participated in videoconference programs from providers throughout the United States.
• COSI Columbus features Surgical Suite($290, $240)), In Depth: Autopsy($265), and Gadget Works ($210)
• Mariners' Museum ~ Sailing into Thanksgiving and Talk Like a Pirate (Connections are $75 per class)
• Cleveland Museum of Art provides interdisciplinary programs that are highly engaging.
• Cleveland Institute of Music also an interdisciplinary provider. This is an excellent provider to partner with if you get a grant. They have like partnerships and working with more depth and rigor than a single event can offer.
• Mote Marine is the home of Sea Trek and one of the most engaging science presenters in the interactive videoconferencing industry. Kaci is AMAZING!

Best of the Best Projects and Collaborations

Link to BCISD Kid2Kid Projects compiled by Janine Lim at BCISD.

• PreK-K:
  • See You, See Me ~ classes will meet point to point and practice poems, familiar stories, following directions, read aloud, Who Am I?
  • Holidays Around the World
  • Monster Match
• Kindergarten
  • Sing-along ~ partner with another class and teach a favorite song to each other
  • What sound do I make? Show animals, letters, etc to the partner class and they can make the sound.
  • Down in the Deep~ collaboration between Kindergarten classes in Texas and Michigan.
  • Monster Match
  • Holidays Around the World
• 1st Grade
  • 100th Day of School
  • Seuss-a-palooza
  • My School
  • Monster Match (and follow-up comments)
  • Holidays Around the World
• 2nd Grade
  • Landmark Challenge (use MysteryQuest format with landmarks...limit 3 sites)
  • Community Exchange
  • Snowman Match (use Monster Match format, but with snowmen in January)
  • Math Marvels
  • Presidential Who Am I? (Students research and present presidential clues to 3 connecting schools.)
  • Monster Match
  • Holidays Around the World
• 3rd Grade
  • RegionQuest (read comments)
  • ASK: Stellaluna
  • Monster Match
  • Holidays Around the World
• 4th Grade
  • Texas History Mystery
  • Read comments after the TxHM Event.
  • Bluebonnet Conference
• 5th Grade
  • MysteryQuest USA
  • Bluebonnet Conference
  • Monster Math (for math)
  • Math Marvels
• 6th-8th Grade
  • Bluebonnet Conference
  • ASK Programs
  • MysteryQuest World
  • Texas History Mystery
  • Math Marvels
  • Community Exchange