Videoconferences

Benefits

As an interactive communication medium, two-way video stands out in a number of ways. First of all, it's almost like being there. The visual connection and interaction among participants enhances understanding and helps participants feel connected to each other. A videoconference can improve retention and appeal to a variety of learning styles by including diverse media such as video or audio clips, graphics, animations, computer applications. Educators from around the country report that videoconferencing technology impacts student learning through

• Heightened motivation
• Improved communication, presentation, and "SCANS" skills
• Increased connection with the outside world
• Increased depth of learning

From Pacific Bell

"Virtual fieldtrips in our minds, would be a chance for children to meet an expert in a field in a way or place we could not have done in the past. Visit with experts and authors across the country and bring in people that can extend the curriculum. Get us involved and become interactive in the curriculum. Take us to a place we could not have visited before. Take a curricular issue/idea and extend it - and improve upon it.

What we have been able to do is bring people to do things that we as instructors could not have done in the past. There are some things that no matter how curricular you are, how blessed you are with the curriculum, you can't answer. What we can do is take the children to an expert where they can become interactive with an expert and that expert involves us in what we are trying to learn."

Brad Potter,
Media Center Teacher,
Duncan Elementary School

For more information, visit the Pacific Bell site, Videoconferencing for Learning.

The Pacific Bell Knowledge Network Explorer Videoconferencing for Learning Web site supports the effective and educational uses of Videoconferencing technology by providing basic information about the technology and instructional applications as well as resources to help you link with other Videoconferencing teachers, librarians, and content providers.