I found this article on learning circuits .org and the title is “Virtual Classroom Starter Guide” by Bob Maiden. Webcasts, Webinars and virtual classrooms are some terms used to describe live online events. These synchronous online events are mostly short in duration, ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours. They are usually led by a live instructor and an assistant to the main presenter. These programs allow hundreds of learners but there tends to be about 25 people. The handouts, manuals or quick reference guides are typically handed out before the event and everyone participating will have the same support tools as in a physical classroom.
What participants will typically see are PowerPoint slides, multiple-choice surveys, websites, live applications such as Word and Excel, whiteboard and electronic flip charts and annotation with tools with arrows, bullets and so forth. What participants will typically do is answer yes/no polls, hands-on practice with software applications, answer multiple-choice surveys, visit websites and much more. Students will also be able to question/comment via public or private chat with participants and instructors.
If your computer has internet connection you will be able to be a participant in a virtual classroom. This type of technology is a great addition to teaching and learning, I feel as though virtual classrooms are another way to make learning more convenient. If students have a lot going on their lives and can't get into classrooms, virtual classrooms are a great way to make their lives a lot easier. I think further research would be necessary because I am curious to find out what kinds of subjects and grade levels are available.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Video Streaming in Education
I found the article, "What is video streaming?" on rhode island pbs.org.Video streaming is an excellent way to display student video projects. Incorporting this technology into classroom curriculum is a great way to access education programming. Video streaming enables the real time or on-demand distribution of audio, video and multimedia on the internet. It is the transfer of digital media so that it is received as a continuous real-time stream.
Finding these videos is easy too, a simple keyword search of the database can locate grade ad subject content. These videos are transmitted and received and can be played in applications such as Windows Media Player and QuickTime Player and in most computers these applications come standard and if not they are easily dowloaded.
These streamed files are simultaneously downloaded and viewed, but leaves no file on the viewer's computer. Also, the files play back the audio and video as soon as enough data has been received. Each video that you can download are indexed which means you can view the entire program of watch a shorter clip.
Some providers of these downloadable streamed videos are Rhode Island PBS and the subscription gives you access to more than 4,000 length and 44,000 clips of indexed main core-curriculum video programs over the Internet.
I think some advantages of using video streaming are the content of the videos will catch the students' attention to keep them focused. These videos are always available from any internet-enabled computer, so if a student misses class they can go back and watch the video that was shown. An advantage for teachers would be that these videos are accessible anywhere so lessons can be planned from home. I think the only further research that I should do is to find out what kinds of videos are out there that would be useful for me.
Finding these videos is easy too, a simple keyword search of the database can locate grade ad subject content. These videos are transmitted and received and can be played in applications such as Windows Media Player and QuickTime Player and in most computers these applications come standard and if not they are easily dowloaded.
These streamed files are simultaneously downloaded and viewed, but leaves no file on the viewer's computer. Also, the files play back the audio and video as soon as enough data has been received. Each video that you can download are indexed which means you can view the entire program of watch a shorter clip.
Some providers of these downloadable streamed videos are Rhode Island PBS and the subscription gives you access to more than 4,000 length and 44,000 clips of indexed main core-curriculum video programs over the Internet.
I think some advantages of using video streaming are the content of the videos will catch the students' attention to keep them focused. These videos are always available from any internet-enabled computer, so if a student misses class they can go back and watch the video that was shown. An advantage for teachers would be that these videos are accessible anywhere so lessons can be planned from home. I think the only further research that I should do is to find out what kinds of videos are out there that would be useful for me.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Podcasting In Education
My article is called "Podcasting" and I found it on learninginhand.com. A podcast is a series of audio or video on the web that can be cataloged and automatically downloaded. Students and teachers everywhere are learning and teaching from audio and video programs on ipods, desktops, and many other devices. Putting audio and vdieo on the web isn't something new but in 2004 a new way of downloading audio and video emerged, called podcasting. A podcast has a news feed that allows to be cataloged in various directories like iTunes and others. A popular directory is Podcast Alley, when you find the one you want to, simply click its Subscribe button.
There are three kinds of podcasts. Audio are usually in MP3 files and are the most common. Enhanced can have images and audio and are AAC file. Video, the last type of podcasts are movies with complete sound are usually MPEG-4 files. Teachers will find podcast episodes for students for listen to or watch.
Creating podcasts also has many educational benefits, students are able to create a product to share with a world-wide audience. Knowing there is an audience gives students purpose and motivation to create a great product. I think having podcasts in classrooms can only help the learning process. Audio and video that relate to the subject being taught can be used in any grade and I believe that it will be effective.
There are three kinds of podcasts. Audio are usually in MP3 files and are the most common. Enhanced can have images and audio and are AAC file. Video, the last type of podcasts are movies with complete sound are usually MPEG-4 files. Teachers will find podcast episodes for students for listen to or watch.
Creating podcasts also has many educational benefits, students are able to create a product to share with a world-wide audience. Knowing there is an audience gives students purpose and motivation to create a great product. I think having podcasts in classrooms can only help the learning process. Audio and video that relate to the subject being taught can be used in any grade and I believe that it will be effective.
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