Gladewater, TX |
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Gladewater County Line Independent School District |
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What is Distance Learning/Videoconferencing? |
A videoconference is a connection which allows two or more sites to interact via two-way video and audio simultaneously.These sites can connect through ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) or IP (Internet Protocol). ISDN is a circuit-switched telephone network system, designed to allow digital transmission of voice and data over ordinary telephone copper lines. The GISD classrooms connect through IP. For the local classrooms to connect to an ISDN site, it is necessary to use a bridge from a service provider. Texas Education Telecommunications Network (TETN) can provide such a bridge for GISD classrooms for a fee. |
Equipment Used in Videoconferencing:· Codec—a device which decodes the transmission for viewing · Microphones · Cameras—a document camera, a teacher camera, and a student camera · Televisions/Monitors · Other useful equipment: fax/copier/printer, computer, VCR, audio cassette player, telephone
Uses of Videoconferencing in the Classroom:· Field Trips—trips to zoos, museums, NASA, etc. · Collaborative Projects—Read Across the Planet, etc. · Training/Professional Development · Dual Credit College Courses |
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Videoconferencing (VC) has a unique atmosphere. It has been said that VC is the “next best thing to being there.”
At the beginning of the session, the teacher at each site will be asked to identify and to introduce their classes. The teacher is responsible for calling on students to ask and to answer any questions during the VC.
The success of videoconferencing is in interaction. Students interact with other students and presenters at the remote sites. One advantage of VC is that the level of interaction is as close to face-to-face instruction as it can be. Participants see and hear everything at the 2-3 remote sites and vice versa.
It is important that students ask questions, participate, contribute to discussions, and take the initiative to be involved in what is happening in the VC.
In the local classroom, the facilitator takes care of setting up the rooms and handling the technical troubleshooting before and during the connection. The teacher should know how to use the equipment needed to do his/her program if presenting.
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What Happens During a Videoconference? |
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Multipoint Videoconferencing Modes:
Continuous Presence—All sites can be seen at the same time.
Voice Activated—Remote site which produced the most recent audio will appear on the monitor. All other sites will be invisible until they produce audio. The GISD classrooms are voice activated. Students and teachers will see the local classroom or data being presented locally on the right monitor at all times. NOTE: There is a 2-3 second delay before the camera switches to the site where the audio is being produced.
Microphone settings are critical in Voice Activated mode. They should be muted when not needed to prevent cameras from switching due to insignificant noise such as paper shuffling, sneezing, coughing, whispering, etc.
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