Journal #3 NETS-T (5).

Journal #3

Bring the World into Your Classroom by Linda McDermon.

APA Citation:
McDermon, L. (2010, September/ October). Bring the world into your classroom. Learning and Leading with Technology. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and- leading/digital-edition-september-october.aspx

Summary/ Reflection:

“Bring the world into your classroom” is a very interesting article because it discusses how efficient and cost effective is to use video conference at schools. We are in the 21th century; therefore, technology has become a great tool to work collaboratively. If teachers implement videoconferencing programs such as Read Around the Planet and Mega conference Jr. then, students will have the benefits of sharing valuable information with another classrooms around the world. Video Conference is a great program to expand students’ knowledge. One could never imagine before taking field trips without leaving campus, now everyone can do it. Video conferences is a new way in which teachers can incorporate technology, teachers could use video conferences in their classes without having to step out of their classroom.

Question #1:
Explain, how can teachers use video conference in their classrooms?
- One way in which teachers can have video conferences is if they use a video camera and free software with a computer and data projector using H. 323 technology.
- Also, they can use a desktop camera connected to a data projector.
- Another way is to use commercial videoconferencing equipment, such as Polycom or Tandberg.

Question #2:
Would you, as a teacher, be willing to use video conferences as a new interactive way to help students learn?
Yes, I think that having video conferences in my classroom would be a useful collaborative approach to make my students interact with other classrooms around the world.
With video conferencing programs such as Read Around the Planet and Megaconference Jr., my students can learn about anything and they will have the benefits of sharing valuable information with other classrooms. Perhaps, it gives teachers and students the great opportunity to visit museums, parks, etc, without getting out of the classroom. It is extremely beneficial for students, especially, if students attend a low-income school where the school does not have the necessary funds to make field trips.