November 2005 — Features
Print this article | Email this articleClick here to receive your FREE subscription to T.H.E. Journal
Creating a Global Classroom
- Videoconferences enable educators in different locations to share information, resources, and any costs involved without traveling long distances. And students in various locations can participate in classroom activities without being physically present.
- Videoconferencing provides access to a vast array of information and resources to better meet students’ individual needs, while encouraging high levels of interaction.
- Face-to-face interaction increases student motivation and participation and facilitates the students’ grasp of difficult or abstract concepts.
- Positive relationships between educators, students, and community members are cultivated through effective utilization of local and distant real-world experts (presenters), who, because of long distances, difficult travel conditions, or busy schedules, are unable to visit schools or classrooms as guest speakers. As a result, schools operate more efficiently due to reduced administrative expenses.
- Conversation and body language enhance communication when educators and students see and hear remote learners in real time.
- Educators can meet and match the educational needs and abilities of their students.
- Various learning styles are considered when emphasis is placed upon long-term, interdisciplinary, student-centered activities integrated with real-world issues and practices (US Department of Education, E-Learning: Putting a World-Class Education at the Fingertips of all Children, 2000). These styles are addressed by a variety of educational materials available through videoconferencing. Animations, audio, graphics, and video clips enhance the visual learner’s learning experience; audio communications appeal to the verbal or linguistic learner; and kinesthetic learners benefit from audio and video communications. Meanwhile, hands-on activities like “Building an Edible Comet” demonstrated via NASA LIVE appeal to all students, including special-needs students.
- Academic and social skills are improved. Through group collaboration and interaction, students develop their communication and management skills. As students prepare, present, edit, and provide feedback on projects, their presentation and speaking skills improve.
- Interviews with field experts, as in “The Nutrition and Exercise Challenge,” provide students with opportunities to sharpen their listening and note-taking abilities.
- Opportunities to learn about cultural differences emerge as students work together with other students and adults throughout the world, promoting cultural diversity and tolerance.
- Synchronous video communications
Sponsored Links
