This document provides guidance on getting started with video conferencing. It recommends beginning with observing webcasts or prepared conferences to gain comfort before trying a direct video call between two classrooms. Planning is important - choose a lesson, contact the other school, test connectivity in advance, and review etiquette. Conferencing can be done with other classrooms or outside experts on topics like science, literature, or field trips. A list of potential collaboration opportunities is included between the author's school and others to continue practicing and growing skills with video conferencing.

1. Video Conferencing 101:
Connecting the Dots
for a Global Classroom

2. You’ve unpacked your equipment…
All of the cables are plugged in…
So, now what?

3. Maybe you’re feeling:
and even
concerned nervous a bit
excited?
worried overwhelmed
What do I do next?
What’s involved with executing a video
conference with my own topic?
Will I know those with whom I connect?
How much planning and prep is required?
Let’s get these students and teachers connected!

4. What can I do to get started, then?
Begin with a webcast
or a prepared conference.
Just tune in and watch or call in and
participate.
As you get more comfortable, try a video
conference with one other group.
You can call directly into their equipment, or
they can call you.

5. Can I involve multiple classrooms
in my conference?
Absolutely!
•As your comfort level increases, you
can invite multiple groups to join your
conference.
•You will need to contact Sister Geralyn
to arrange bridging for multiple
participants.

6. The possibilities
The possibilities
are truly endless…

7. Types of
Connection
Opportunities

8. Connect with Experts
•Meet with an author
Physicist at •Discuss principles of Science with a scientist
UPenn—
How is a
cloud like a •Study the stars with NASA
volcano?
What If?
Published
author
discussed
story endings

9. Virtual Field Trips
•Visit a museum to learn
about an exhibit
•Learn about animals at the
zoo

10. Working Together
•Review a book assigned to the class
•Share a virtual storybook
Shared
a project with
•Collaborate on a project based unit of study
Diocese about
famous dates in
October
Discussed a
shared book
with
classroom in
Texas

11. Teaching the Teachers
•Share a lesson plan within the Diocese
•Give specifics of a project that worked for you
•Sharing + learning = SUCCESS!

12. We have the ideas…
Now how do we
make them work?

13. Time to
Get Connected

14. Sharing with Collaborative Learning
1. Choose a lesson/unit to share.
2. Reach out and connect with other schools.
3. Check the Time Zone of your conference.
4. Set up the plan by communicating with
participating teacher.
5. Perform a test call to check connectivity.
1. Do this a day or two in advance.
2. Will ensure a successful, smooth-running
conference.
6. Review conference etiquette with students.
7. Go with the flow!
1. Sometimes, no matter how much you plan,
technology does not always cooperate.

15. Conferencing with an Outside Organization
1. Choose a lesson or unit to enhance with a video
conference opportunity.
2. Research available conferences through: MAGPI,
CILC, Google, or social media contacts.
3. Always check the time zone and cost when
planning.
4. Register for the conference and check for any
preparations that need to be completed by the class
before the conference.
5. Follow host guidelines for pre-conference
testing.
6. Have your students ready for the conference 15
minutes before the scheduled conference.
7. Discuss Video Conferencing etiquette.

16. Download the new
MAGPI Fall Program.
http://magpi.net/Programs-Events
You can search for
opportunities that are
offered FREE for teachers
and students!

17. http://www.cilc.org

19. Grow with Conferencing
In the very beginning, STMM visited the different Polycom
sites listed in the Conferencing Phone Book to connect to
China, Chicago, Japan,
Sister Geralyn was kind enough to test the equipment
with us with a few “play” sessions.
A simple project about important events for days during
the month of October with 5th grade was shared with
Sister and many members of the Diocesan staff.

20. Alternatives to Video Conferencing
Don’t forget about Skype, easy way to connect to one
other person.
STMM has used it to:
-connect to authors,
-visit our priest at his new home for a tour,
-the principal in her office,
-a sick student home recovering from surgery.
Also Webcasts are available through Scholastic, Discovery
Ed, Skype in Education and other educational sites.

21. We Challenge You: Video Conference with Us!
Video Conferencing Opportunities with St. Margaret Mary
We will continue to update this list. Please learn with us!
Time Period Grades Topic Information
Presentation of projects, shared learning
6,7,8 Ancient Greece
Sharing of what STMM does for 100 days
January/Feb 1 100 Day Project and learning what your project may be
Learning about different types of
7,8 Financial Literacy government economies and how they
affect how people live
Oct-Nov 4 Shiloh Discussion of the book
Digital storybook, guiding you through
Oct-Nov 1-8 Storybird creating a digital storybook with your class
March-April 8 To Kill a Mockingbird Discussion of the book
Please contact Mrs.Ciccocioppi@stmmparish.org if
you are interested in joining one of these
conferences!