Video+Conferencing



Video conferencing is a meeting between two or more locations at the same time using simultaneous two way audio and visual transmissions. The items necessary for a video conference are a webcam or video camera (video input devices), a computer or television screen (video output devices), a microphone (audio input device), speakers (audio output device), and a digital network to facilitate the transfer of information. ([|Video Conferencing Guide])

Video conferencing can be used in classrooms as well. Websites such as [|MAGPI] offer video conferences on many different topics. Our class participated in a MAGPI video conference on the African folktale Anansi the Spider. In this video conference we were able to see many different elementary classrooms participating in the lesson. The story of Anansi was told and included pictures, afterwards a short puppet play was shown depicting another one of Anansi's adventures. Then instructions were given on how to create our own puppet Anansis. It was very interactive, the story teller asked the students many questions and looked for feedback. The students seemed very excited by this way of learning and it was a new experience for our class as well. Although it is not a tool that can be used everyday, I think videoconferencing is a useful and fun teaching method.