Videoconferencing to Enhance Instruction

Videoconferencing technology used to enhance instruction typically:

• Helps teachers and schools meet some of the state standards in some subject areas
• Requires special planning among the sites, especially a lead time of several weeks
• Requires special planning for the coordinating teacher, including email time and technical consultation;
• Requires the active involvement of each teacher at connecting sites AND their students
• Uses a web interface, such as Washington's LearningSpace site, as a resource and communication vehicle
• Requires considerable follow-up after the videoconference work and presentations
• Requires far-thinking educators who ultimately feel comfortable using the technology
• Often uses a larger, state system, like the Washington State K-20 system
• Requires the use of special technology, such as the Washington State K-20 bridge (KOCO) that must be scheduled ahead of time, or desktop VC hardware.

Examples: Where in WA program and Boiling Water