Resources+for+Connecting+Classrooms

//What is Videoconferencing?//
In a videoconference, two or more people at different locations can see and hear each other at the same time, sometimes even sharing computer applications for collaboration. Videoconferencing offers possibilities for teachers and students to use these systems for a variety of purposes, including instruction (courses, lessons, and tutoring), connections with guest speakers and experts, multi-school project collaborations, professional activities, and community events.  Placing a video call is a lot like placing a telephone call. After you connect, you see the other person in color video on your computer/projector/screen and may even be able to transfer files or collaborate via options such as document sharing or white boarding. It is amazing!

//What are Collaborative Projects?//
In a collaborative project, several groups of learners - usually school classes - from different locations focus on a common topic for a specified time range. They may be exploring a question or contributing to a compilation of materials on a topic. Participating in a collaborative project usually involves communicating with partner classes (through e-mail, chat, or videoconferencing), creating a project or presentation, and sharing your results with the group (via e-mail, web, or videoconference). media type="custom" key="4707791" //This is a video sample of the 2008 KC3 (Kids Creating Community Content) Contest that challenged middle and high school teams to research, develop and present an engaging and dynamic videoconferencing program about their community. Details at []//
 * //See the example project below where students created a presentation about their community to share with other participating classes://**

Videoconferencing Checklists

__Why Use Collaborative Projects?__
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 * Students Using Essential 21st Century Skills (collaboration, communication, critical thinking, problem solving, information & media literacy, leadership, responsibility)
 * Teacher Collaboration
 * Engagement
 * Magical power of voice & video
 * Connect to the real world

Mathmatica Virtual Visit media type="custom" key="4727567" Learning about Tidepools via Videoconference media type="custom" key="6532235" Monster Exchange

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=Planning a Successful Project= MAGPI Collaboration via Videoconference Resources

__What Tools Are Available?__
[|Videoconferences: How Does It Work?]

[|Videoconference Applications and Opportunities]

Skype
Getting Started with Skype

How to Use Skype for OSX

Tips and Tricks for Skype OSX

[|Download Skype]

Skype in the Classroom (Online Community for Teachers)

Learning Beyond Walls: 21 Skype Resources

50 Awesome Ways to Use Skype in the Classroom

Twitter
Twitter 4 Teachers

Videoconference (Polycom)
[|Polycom Users Guide (not exactly our model, but close)]

[|Teach Digital: Curriculum by Wes Fryer]
 * OTHER RESOURCES:**

[|Skype Me--Online Collaboration]

[|Skype in Education]

[|Cool Cat Teacher: Using Skype in the Classroom]

[|Videoconferencing for Learning]

[|OoVoo (Video Chat for 6)]

[|Skype an Author]

Elementary Collaborative Projects

We the Teachers

Follow Me Projects

More Information on Videoconferencing

__Where Can I Go to Find Projects?__
MAGPI Programs

NASA Digital Learning Network

TWICE: Two Way Interactive Connections in Education

CILC: Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (Must Register) Global School House Internet Projects Registry

iEARN: International Education and Research Network

[|ePals]

__What Other Tools Can I Use to Collaborate Outside the Classroom?__
[|Keystone Commons] is a social network for PA educators and students. Wikispaces offers [|FREE educational wikis] for teachers. (Fireflies Collaboration Project) [|EDMODO] is another free private social network for education. [|Kidblog] offers safe and simple blogs for students and classrooms.

__District Project Ideas & Collaboration Requests__
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[| View Collaboration Requests HERE!]