Videoconferencing in the Classroom Developing interactive videoconferencing
across the curriculum in the UK and around the world
|
Videoconferencing in the Classroom Developing interactive videoconferencing across the curriculum in the UK and around the world |
“THE VIDEOCONFERENCING
IN THE CLASSROOM PROJECT”
Global Leap www.global-leap.com
in association with
ICT in Schools, The Department for Education and Skills,
UK
A little Communication goes a long way!
(Some practical Do’s and Don’ts for a successful videoconferencing event)
Today’s videoconferencing equipment is very reliable.
Surprisingly, most videoconferencing failures are attributable to human error rather than technical failure.
For Success, you must ensure that your personal communication skills are thoroughly and securely in place.
Make sure your details on the Global Leap Classroom Network are up to date and accurate. No one will be able to contact you or work with you, if your details are incorrect!
Make sure your partner school has your email address, correctly written down.
Does anyone regularly read the emails sent to the address you have given to your partner? Always include your telephone number and identify who you are and where your school is located when emailing.
Confirm times, dates, and telephone numbers in
writing (and check!)
A missing or incorrect digit will mean failure –
you would be amazed how often this simple error
occurs! Include international dialling codes.
Quote all times clearly in GMT. Calculate and allow for international time differences. Use the facility on the Global Leap website (See Meeting Planner/ Time Zones) Remember British Summer Time is GMT +1.
Write down the day and date in full e.g. Monday April 3rd 2003 (in the USA this would be written 4/3/03 which can potentially lead to huge confusion and missed opportunities).
Make a quick test call to the Global Leap ISDN Automated Test Facility 020 8868 8963 to check your outgoing ISDN lines are working.(Your partner can do this too)
Make a brief telephone call 5 minutes before the videoconference link to check systems are switched on and that everything is ready. Don’t assume people have their systems switched on all day just for your convenience. Make clear prior arrangements with your partner about testing.
One designated person must have their mobile phone switched on in the videoconferencing location in case of technical difficulties. This will avoid having to resort to frantic hand signals, felt tip pens and bits of paper if the audio is not working. (a fixed telephone at the other end of the building is of no use on these occasions unless you are really fast on your feet!) It is frustrating for all concerned to watch your far end sitting waiting for something to happen, with their mobile phone on the desk in front of them but switched off!
Do the batteries in your handset work! Have you got spare ones?
Has someone wandered off with your remote control?
Have you sat the group in front of a bright light source or large window with no curtains or blinds? If you have, all your partner will see is dark silhouettes and no faces.
Have you sent your partner a seating plan and the names of the pupils taking part in the conference? This is especially important if your pupils have unusual or similar sounding names. You can spend embarrassing minutes asking people to repeat their names – and still get them wrong!
Is the air-conditioning or heating system so loud
that no one can hear what you’re saying?
Do you always receive telephone messages left at
your school office?
Always follow up and confirm important information
with an email or snail mail.
Can someone cover for you in an emergency?
Remember, too many failed videoconferences – and your partner will give up and look for a more reliable school to work with. Try not to waste each others time. Try to be flexible and accommodate each others timetable needs.
Remember to say Thank You and give constructive feed back and follow up after your conference.
And FINALLY if the very worst happens and the event is unavoidably cancelled, do have the courtesy to contact your partner with an apology and explanation. If you don’t, you really can’t expect them to want to work with you again. They will find another school.
Remember good manners apply to videoconference meetings just as they do in other types of meetings or partnerships.
Please don’t let this list put you off. Although it has been compiled from real experiences, now that you know what can go wrong, you won’t make the same mistakes yourself!
Most videoconferences go really well and everyone involved finds their partnership rewarding, exciting and motivating.
If you do need a little help and advice we can try and help.
© December 2002
"Videoconferencing in the Classroom Project" Global Leap
www.global-leap.com
This page was last modified Saturday, May 20, 2006 by the Webmaster
|
Global Leap, PO Box 446, Pinner, Middlesex, HA5 9AY
 +44 (0)20 8866 6036 mikeg@global-leap.comCopyright © 2006 Global Leap |