Meet in school

BBC World Class showcase: Schools Videoconferencing event across the water

2007-02-14T17:29:00Z

“How do I get children in America to listen to magpies?” That was the thought that ran through teacher Colette Cotton’s mind on a chilly British morning this February. Her class of seven year olds in Kent were in the middle of a presentation to 11 year olds in Mississippi, USA: "Our computer was busy sustaining the video link, so we got another and played the sounds on the speakers". Collette’s pupils have taken part in the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds' (RSPB) 'Big Schools' Birdwatch...(read more)

Grant programme for video conferencing to schools

2007-02-02T08:48:00Z

MLA has launched a grant programme of 32k to enable museums, libraries and archives to provide VC sessions to schools. VC is becoming ever more popular in schools and feedback from teachers is that they would like more opportunities for pupils to VC with museums, libraries and archives. Applications are due by 2nd March. For more information and a (simple!!!) application form, please click this link...(read more)

Megaconference Junior - Register Now

2007-01-29T17:22:00Z

Don't miss this exciting opportunity on February 22, 2007 from 7am EST to 7pm EST (UTC -5) to interact with schools from around the world. The schedule of presentations is now posted. Join over hundreds of sites from countries all around the world including Portugal, Australia, Canada, Japan, Indonesia, England, Spain, Slovenia, Pakistan, and the US in the upcoming Megaconference Jr. 2007! You'll also have a chance to win exciting prizes from the event vendor sponsors so far - Polycom, Center for...(read more)

Hands on Support Videoconferencing event - Cranbrook Cluster

2007-01-29T09:17:00Z

Alison Gaunt, Secondary Hands on Support Advisor for the Advisory Service Kent (ASK) organised a videoconferencing event for the Cranbrook cluster last week. The 3 schools, Angley, Cranbrook and Mascalls have all had high quality Promethean videoconferencing equipment installed in their schools as part of the Promethean Teaching & Learning observatory solution (TLO). The schools asked Alison for some advice as to how best to use it in the classroom for teaching & learning and to also provide...(read more)

Happy New Year

2007-01-02T10:38:00Z

May I take this opportunity to wish you a happy and prosperous 2007. Last year a number of exciting videoconferencing events took place and I am looking forward to seeing how VC will be used in the classroom this year. The BETT show in London next week promises to provide a great platform to investigate the use of videoconferencing in the classroom and to hear and see what Schools around the country have been doing. I look forward to hearing about any exciting VC projects that you have underway....(read more)

An excellent Videoconferencing Site

2006-11-15T09:51:00Z

Birmingham City Council have created an excellent Videoconferencing site that is full of diffferent ways to use VC, tips for videoconferencing and videoconferencing with the National Education Network To visit the website, click this link...(read more)

Useful Videoconferencing advice

2006-10-10T15:28:00Z

The following site provides some useful information about setting up a videoconference, useful resources and guidance on preparing for a videoconference. Video Technology Advisory Service (VTAS) Are there any other useful sites that you use to help when setting up a videoconfernce, or preparing for a videoconferencing project? Post them in the comments section....(read more)

Meet-In School mention on TES Website

2006-10-10T07:56:00Z

The Meet-In School project has been mentioned on the TES website by an MFL teacher who has written a post about the uses of videoconferencing in the classroom. The post mentions that this is a primary project but if fact the Meet-In School project is open to both primary and secondary schools. Joe Dale, the author also mentions other school projects and how they have used VC in school. To read the post click here...(read more)

Videoconferencing helps medics overcome language barriers

2006-09-26T14:59:00Z

I came across an interesting blog article today regarding American medics using videoconferencing to overcome language barriers. Cisco Systems is touting teleconferencing as a way of making US hospital visits faster, safer and less stressful for non-English speaking patients and the doctors who care for them. The Health Care Interpreter Network (HCIN) uses video and audio conferencing to link doctors and patients in three California hospitals with a network of interpreters covering Spanish, Cambodian...(read more)

Pluckley test the boundaries with Videoconferencing

2006-09-18T10:50:00Z

Pluckley Primary School organised a videoconference with a Harvard University Lecturer last week in an attempt to test the capabilities of their VC equipment. They watched videos, conversed with the lecturer, viewed powerpoint slides and recorded the whole session. Alan Day, Digital Curriculum Manager was preset at the event. Click here to read his thoughts and to hear about the videoconference event. Headteacher of Pluckley Primary School, Richard Rule, has also created a case study about the VC...(read more)

Astor College for the Arts link to California State University

2006-06-13T10:15:00Z

Last thursday Astor College for the Arts (Dover) used the Meet-In school videoconferencing equipment to link to California State University in the USA. Astor College sent some of their students to California last year to take part in a conference and intend to do the same this year. The students who will be going this year were at the videoconference on thursday and had the opportunity to talk to some of the American students who they will be meeting when they travel to California in the summer holidays...(read more)

Videoconferencing - Sharing & Collaboration

2006-06-08T11:27:00Z

One key aim of the Meet-In School project is to encourage Kent Schools to trial Videoconferencing equipment and discover its potential as a tool to aid teaching and learning. I am contacted regularly by schools who are interested in videoconferencing but are not sure how to start, what places to link to and in what lessons they would see the most benefit. Many schools already involved with this project have taken part in some fantastic VC events and use VC regularly in their classes. I would like...(read more)

Feedback from the schools

2006-06-08T09:57:00Z

The Meet-In School project has been up and running for 2 full terms now and many schools have been involved in some really exciting VC events. Astor college for the arts are linking up with California State University today to talk to the students and are also planning another videoconference during the summer holidays. I would be really interested to hear how all of the schools are doing and would really like to hear about the different videoconferences you have been involved in. If you have any...(read more)

Videoconferencing start up information Sheet

2006-05-24T15:20:00Z

This sheet provides really useful information about how to start up a videoconference.

There is advice about how to make a call, what to do during a call and how to make multiconference calls.

To download this information sheet, open the attachment to this post.

Connections Information Sheet

2006-05-24T15:17:00Z

This sheet provides information about the Codec (camera) used for the 'Meet in School' Project and explains the connections, i.e. where everything needs to be plugged in.

To download this information sheet, open the attachment to this post.

Remote Control Information Sheet

2006-05-24T15:13:00Z

Open the attachment to download an information sheet about the remote control used for the Meet in School project. This will provide information about what each button is used for.

Useful Information Sheets

2006-05-24T15:08:00Z

CDEC have created some useful information sheets to help when using the 'Meet in School' videoconferencing equipment.

There is a information sheet about the remote control, explaining what each button is used for. A sheet explaining the connections on the codec (camera unit) and an information sheet explaining how to start a videoconference (including making a call and advice for during the call)

To download these documents, view the attachments in the posts above.

Happy Videoconferencing!

The E-mission has landed!!!!!

2006-05-16T08:36:00Z

National Space Centre Training Day at St. Edmunds

The National Space centre training day took place at St. Edmunds today. Teachers from a number of Kent Schools attended the day and were involved in an E-mission: Operation Monserat. http://www.spacecentre.co.uk/education/outreach/e-missions.htm

In the morning the Teachers were shown the Teacher and students resources and completed the exercises that accompany the e-Mission.

After a short break for some lunch (which was very nice!), the Teachers got into teams:

The Volcano Team
The Evacuation team
The Hurricane Team

They then took part in a live e-Mission. The teams were responsibile for evacuating residents of Monserrat Island and for tracking the path of the Hurricane. The volcano team were also responsible for monitoring any volcanic activity.

This was a briliant day and everyone enjoyed themselves.

Look in the photo gallery for a selection of photos from the day to see what the Teachers got up to.

Meet in School: Loan Scheme Deadline

2006-05-09T10:38:00Z

The Meet in School project is continuing to be a success. A number of Kent schools have now loaned the equipment and have been involved in some exciting videoconferencing projects.

The next loan period is already half way through and the deadline for applications for next half term is looming.

If you are interested in loaning the high quality videoconferencing equipment please fill out the application form attached to this link: http://www.clusterweb.org.uk/advisory/ict_lead_meetinschool.cfm and return it to digital.curriculum@hotmail.co.uk by Friday 12th May.

If you would like any advice on how to get started with videoconferencing please email digital.curriculum@kent.gov.uk or alternatively have a look at the videoconferencing pages on clusterweb: http://www.clusterweb.org.uk/advisory/ict_video_conferencing.cfm

National Space Centre Videoconferencing training at St. Edmunds School Dover

2006-04-27T09:12:00Z

St. Edmunds RC School in Dover is hosting a Videoconferencing training day on 16th May.

Tim Bundy from the National Space centre will provide training in the use of videoconferencing to theTeachers who attend, and will also explain the National Space Centre E-mission.

Any schools who are interested in attending the FREE training day, please email Digital.Curriculum@kent.gov.uk and we will forward your information on to St. Edmunds RC School.

At the end of the training day, Schools will have the option to purchase an 'E-Mission' at a cost of £250.00

‘E-Mission is an exciting simulated mission delivered through live video conferencing and dedicated web pages. Students in a classroom anywhere in the world and the Flight Directors at the National Space Centre’s e-Mission Control can link up using the latest video conferencing and Internet technology.

e-Missions provide the excitement of the mission scenario to inspire students and encourage the use of new technology in education. The event is aimed at KS3/4 and focuses on using Science, Maths, ICT and Geography in a fun, interactive way.’

For more details on the e-Mission visit:

http://www.spacecentre.co.uk/education/outreach/e-missions.htm

We look forward to your responses

FREE Videoconferencing training and the Chance to win a National Space Centre ' E-Mission'

2006-04-27T09:07:00Z

‘Meet-in School’ - Connecting Learning Communities – FREE Videoconferencing training for teachers and the chance to loan videoconferencing equipment for FREE for 6 weeks, plus win a National Space centre 'E-Mission'

Digital Curriculum have been running the ‘Meet in School’ videoconferencing project since January 2006 and have loaned VC equipment to a number of schools across Kent.

We have decided to organise some training days to enable schools who have not used Videoconferencing before to receive FREE training in videoconferencing and possibly win the chance to loan the VC equipment for FREE for 6 weeks (usual cost £150.00).

The training will be provided by Tim Bundy from the National Space Centre. Tim will train all attendees in the use of videoconferencing and will also show the National Space Centre’s latest ‘e-mission’.

‘E-Mission is an exciting simulated mission delivered through live video conferencing and dedicated web pages. Students in a classroom anywhere in the world and the Flight Directors at the National Space Centre’s e-Mission Control can link up using the latest video conferencing and Internet technology.

For more details on the e-Mission visit:

http://www.spacecentre.co.uk/education/outreach/e-missions.htm

At the end of the training day the names of the schools that have sent representatives will be put into a hat. The school pulled out will be able to loan one of the ‘Meet in School’ videoconference kits for 6 weeks for FREE and will also be given a National Space Centre e-Mission day (normal cost £250.00)

If you are interested in attending the FREE training then please email your contact details, along with a paragraph about your experience of videoconferencing and how you would use VC equipment in your school, to digital.curriculum@kent.gov.uk alternatively send your information to:

Miss Rebecca Chapman, Digital Curriculum Officer

Room 2.30 Sessions House

County Hall, Maidstone ME14 1XQ

Videoconferencing training for 'Meet in School' Project

2006-04-24T19:12:00Z

Four Schools who joined the 'Meet in School' project this term, took part in our first Videoconference training Session. Each of the 4 schools had their kit installed last week and today they all dialled into a Multipoint conference. This enabled all four schools to receive the videoconference training from Neil Sampson (CDEC representative) who was in one of the schools.

This highlights the benefits of videoconferencing right away. No one had to travel miles for their training, they simply had to walk to the classroom, dial into the call and listen to Neil. It was also a great way for the Teachers to practice making a call and to play around with the remote and camera.

All 4 schools made a contribution in the question time section and 2 Teachers even linked up to arrange a History Lesson.

Watch this space for these and other School's case studies to see what exciting videoconferencing projects they get involved in over the next few weeks.

Meet in School Case Study: Dartford & Wilmington

2006-03-30T09:25:00Z

Case Study from Dartford & Wilmington Schools

Meet in School Case Study: East Borough

2006-03-30T09:23:00Z

Case study from East Borough CEP

Meet in School Case Study: High Halden

2006-03-30T09:21:00Z

Case study from High Halden CEP

Meet in School Case Studies: Pluckley CEP

2006-03-30T09:18:00Z

Case study from Pluckley CEP

Case Studies from Meet in School Project

2006-03-30T09:11:00Z

Digital Curriculum have received a number of case studies from the schools involved in the first 2 loan periods of the Meet in School project. They are attached to posts identified by the school's name. Please read them and forward any comments.

Thanks

Videoconferencing in Ashford Rural Cluster

2006-03-06T10:20:00Z

Last week, Students from 4 Ashford Rural Primary Schools took part in a videoconference french lesson.

3 of the 4 Schools are loaning equipment from the Digital Curriculum Team at Kent County Council as part of the 'Meet in School' project.

Pluckely, High Halden, Furley Park and Hamstreet were all linked by the videoconferencing equipmenmt and the French Teacher at Pluckley School delivered the French lesson to all four classes using the Videoconferencing link.

The BBC came down to film the event and it was shown on that evening's news report.

This event shows a fantastic use of the Videoconferencing equipment and also highlights the potential of Videoconferencing in Schools.

Well done to everyone involved, it was a great success.

To see pictures of the event go to the Gallery and look for the 'Videoconferencing in ARC' pictures.

Expert Resource for Videoconferencing

2006-02-13T09:22:00Z

Anne Locke from St. Edmunds School in Dover has been using Videoconferencing for 2 years. She has a lot of knowledge and experience when it comes to Videoconferencing and she has offered her help and support for the project.

Anne has some great suggestions on places to videoconference to and some practical advice about the best way to Videoconference.

If you would like to contact Anne and ask her a question , then email digital.curriculum@kent.gov.uk and we will forward you her contact details.

First Loan period draws to a close

2006-02-06T14:47:00Z

The first loan period for the Meet in School Project is drawing to a close.

The Digital Curriculum Team have heard lots of stories about projects that have been taking place over the last 6 weeks and we can't wait to start telling you about them.

Rebecca Chapman (the project Manager) will be contacing each of the Loan Schools to find out what exciting projects they were involved in and then she will report back.

Hopefully we should be able to show some photos of these Schools videoconferencing as well.

The set of Schools who will be loaning the equipment next have been selected so watch this space to see what projects they get involved in!