Tips for an Effective Videoconference Field Trip

Before the Videoconference

. If at all possible, orient the students to the technology beforehand so that they are less distracted by it and ready to learn from the videoconference.

. Have the students practice speaking loudly and clearly when asking questions.

. Set a preset to show the whole room and start the videoconference showing the whole class.

. If the site supplies materials, do all the pre conference activities as suggested. The more your students are informed about the material, the better it will go. If the site doesn't supply materials, then have your students prepare questions ahead of time.

. If students ask questions about the topic before the videoconference, suggest that this might be a good question to ask the presenter/author.

. Invite your principal to drop in to watch the videoconference.

During the Videoconference

. Teachers: resist the urge to talk! Often students will quit talking when the teacher makes a comment or asks a question. Let the presenter lead the discussion. Save your comments for your students after the videoconference. UNLESS! Sometimes students are shy, and you could suggest questions for them to ask. Or if you are in a videoconference with more than one school, use the "mute" time to prompt students if necessary.

. Set the camera so it shows the whole room. If possible for lower elementary students, have a designated question area close to the mic and have students move there to ask questions. Set a preset on the mic area.

. Don't make the students take notes, unless the presenter is asking them to write something. This can distract them from the interaction.

After the Videoconference

. If any post activities have been provided by the presenter, do them with your students as a follow-up.

. Have the students write about what they learned and react to/evaluate the session.