Video Conferencing

Video conferencing is an example of iste.nets.t standard 3c: Communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital age media and formats.

It is also relevant to standard 3d: Model and facilitate effective use of current and
emerging digital tools to locate, analyze, evaluate, and use information resources to support research
and learning.

Video conferencing provides a much more flexible way to communicate with my students, their parents or my peers in that we need not be physically present to discuss topics. This is an excellent example of using 21st century media to overcome potential obstacles such as travelling distances, coordinating varied work schedules and bad weather.

An example of this would be my vacation to Hawaii. I'm a volunteer tutor and would still like to keep in touch with one of my learners, should she need any assistance. We set up a Google account, including the hangout option, on the facility computer so that I am available if needed.


Here is a brief youtube example of video conferencing at a school in Texas. I particularly liked the ending in which they talk about connecting to students in other countries as well as other facilities like the Smithsonian Institute. This is a powerful learning tool that will help enrich the learning experiences of our students, and ourselves.