Videoconferencing Center of Excellence

Transcript

IU1: What prompted you to begin using videoconferencing?

Guise: Actually, the series of conferences that we have had at the IU are what prompted me to start using videoconferencing. During these meetings, we got a lot of really good ideas and different ways of going about to get different videoconferences. Like I said, this series of meetings at the IU has pretty much been the catalyst for my starting to use videoconferencing in the classroom.

IU1: Do you collaborate with other teachers?

Guise: Yeah, yeah, I've collaborated with a couple of teachers in my district at this point in regards to videoconferencing. Because I'm a member of the KITS Team, I've become one of the go-to people when somebody's interested in videoconferencing. Email is probably the best way that I've gotten in contact with other teachers in the district. And over email we've recognized a couple of videoconferences.

IU1: How have your students reacted to incorporating videoconferencing?

Guise: The students really enjoy it. You know, students tend to enjoy watching videos or watching film clips in the first place. So the great thing about videoconferencing is that it's interactive. Not only are the students watching something, but they can ask questions, they can get more information if they want from a specialist in the field. I think that's one of the best things about videoconferencing. It's a way to bring specialists in your classroom without having to bring anybody in physically.

IU1: What advice would you give to a teacher who hasn't begun using videoconferencing.

The advice I would give to teachers who hasn't yet begun to use videoconferencing but is interested in doing it is just to do it. At first I was a little bit overwhelmed by some of the technology and getting other people involved. The key is it only takes one person to get the ball rolling. Sometimes you just need to do it. If you're interested, go talk to your administrators. Talk to the techies in your district. And I think you'll find that they're probably once they hear what you want to do they'll probably be excited about it and asinterested in it as you are.

IU1: What was your best videoconference?

Guise: The best videoconference that we did this year was with COSI Columbus, and it was the, it's called a virtual autopsy where there's a doctor who essentially walks the kids through a filmed autopsy. It was very interesting. That's one of those things where not very many people have the opportunity during their lives to actually get to see a live autopsy, well not live of course, but it gave the kids a really unique experience that I'm sure they'll remember for a long, long time.

IU1: Is there anything else that you would like to share?

Guise: Like I think I already said, it only takes one person to get the ball rolling. I think, I was surprised by how many people were willing to get on board once they found out that I was interested. You know, if you're at all interested in videoconferencing talk to the people in your district, and I think that you'll get a lot of support and you'll find that a lot of people are interested in videoconferencing and the payoff is really with the kids. You know, sometimes videoconferencing may seem like it's a little bit expensive, but providing those unique experiences for the kids is something that they'll remember for the rest of their lives.