Classrooms around the country are adopting video conferencing despite recent cuts in funding because it provides unique opportunities and experiences that can enhance the quality of education.
For example, Physics students at Southampton Intermediate School recently had an opportunity to observe the Brookhaven National Laboratory via video conferencing. During the session they were able to follow scientists from the National Synchrotron Light Source lab while they checked oysters from Southampton waters for toxic metals.
“It’s a very valuable program,” Brittany Tusa, a Southampton High School senior who helped to organize the event. “Beyond getting your feet wet in the scientific community, you also make a lot of connections with local researchers.”
Students at Tropical Elementary in Florida recently got to experience the Iditarod, the 1,100-mile sled dog race in Alaska, without ever leaving their warm classroom.
“It’s really neat because we’re far away, but they’re right there and you can see and hear them,” said Abbey Sims, 12.
To learn more about how to integrate video conferencing into lesson plans, check out the new book Interactive Videoconferencing, published by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE).