Web-Conferencing

Our group web-conferencing was a little slow to get started.  Finding a tool that works for everyone is not always easy.  We tried to use Yugma, but I had trouble loading it onto my Mac because it wasn't identifying my Java plug-in.  I also could not open WebHuddle for some reason, the page was not loading. We were finally able to connect using Vyew.com.  This tool seemed to work like Adobe Connect.  There are echos if you do not use headsets.  I have used Skype, iChat, Facetime, and WebEx before to video conference with people and I prefer these tools only because there is no voice echoing.  It is hard to communicate when you hear your echo in the background.  It feels counter productive to me if the tool is not easy to use.  If I was not trying to test out other tools, I would definetly stick to a tool I knew would work on every one's machines.  I also do a test call to people before I want to conference with, knowing the set up process could create unforeseen issues.


Conferencing in the Classroom:
Web-Conferencing is an important tool in the business world and for students to be exposed to how it works is invaluable.  It can open the classroom up to more engaging, real life learning.  Conference calls are basically virtual field trips.  I have used Skype in my classroom to communicate with teachers and students in Alaska.  My students in California love to see the snow outside the other classes' window and talking to the class live really is engaging for them.  I would also love to Skype with an expert.  Our kindergarten students are taking a field trip to our local zoo and I'm pretty sure we could web-conference with a zoo staff member to help us better prepare for the trip.  Conferencing in parents is also an option.  Some parents find it hard to get away from work, but I think it would be fun to conference them in to a lesson, especially if a parent has some expertise on our curriculum.  Skype is now on the iPad 2 and I'm looking forward to having more mobile calls with the students.  I look forward to exploring the use of web-conferencing for creating collaborative projects between students at different schools.  Our older students (4th &5th graders) are being introduced to more collaborative tools this year.  It's exciting for them and for the teachers.