Video Conferencing Reviewed From Web 2.0
Video conferencing is highly beneficial in many schools and programs; it permits people to visually attend or view an event without travel. On web 2.0, I found it interesting, that for many schools this technology is acknowledged as a tool for students, but unutilized in meetings, and its potential to support parental involvement in a classroom. This technology had several discussions threads, many which relate to having students attend classes that are not in their area.
One of the common uses for video conferencing is creating a school broadcast or news bulletin, that are accessible to every classroom from one main “news room.” I find it encouraging that students use this to report on school events, using visual tools for explanation. This is in contrast to the “old fashioned” use of the school intercom, common when I was in school.
Another well known use was multi-location classes. Students could remotely view a class lecture even from another state. Furthermore, video conferencing allows classes to connect with other classes. The use of pen pals is becoming obsolete; if students can see their distant peers it allows for a more personal understanding.
From my experience of working with special needs or students with short term disabilities; the use of this tool may help students who must stay home from school to “attend”. It would limit the effects of absences, if they can learn a lesson at their own pace and convenience. I have personally, experienced having to miss school for two weeks; the make-up work was nearly impossible to accomplish without the instruction. The benefits of this may not just be for long distance learning but may be advantageous to students around the corner.
The last concern of mine is that it was not mentioned that it may be useful in scheduling IEP’s , Individualized Education Plans, requiring the attendance of the teacher, parents, principals; often the school psychologist, physical therapist, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and sometimes others. The schools lose many useful work hours because of travel required of all these participants, removing them from the students. Districts spend extravagant amounts of money for the use of these specialists and should use their time wisely. While I am not sure of the legality or security of using video conferencing via, iChat , Skype, or Im’s it appears that a lot of money could be saved if it were possible.
1 comment:
Yes, I agree with you. I think that this won't just be good for long distance students but for those who are absent for reasons such as illness, transportation issues, no nanny etc . I think this is a break through!
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