Video Conferencing in the Classroom

Though not a substitute for the experience of face-to-face and live contact, video conferencing offers opportunities for learning that were previously inaccessible to classrooms. There are a number of different tools available to teachers, and lots of different ways in which it can be implemented.

First, let me make a distinction between certain tools. Some tools work best live (synchronously), while others offer the ability to record and save sessions for use later (asynchronously). There are certain advantages to tools that offer either one or the other, but a tool that can do both is even better. A tool with both options allows you to have a live session, and keep a permanent record of it (e.g. Adobe Connect).

Live video conferencing allows your class and the speaker to interact. This adds a personal feel, and allows the other party to respond to questions and concerns directly, and at the time. This also prevents the session from being entirely scripted, and you can change content as you go to meet the needs and interests of your classroom - otherwise you may as well just find a nice video on Youtube. Of course, this requires you to be able to set a time and get that party online.

Recorded sessions allow for more accessible and flexible content. By posting the video online, students can access it whenever they need to, and students who are absent can still participate. This can also be more convenient for those you are trying to contact, since you can have the session filmed outside of school hours. However, this type of conference lacks the personal feel and students may feel disconnected.

So, why use video conferencing in your classroom? I’ve compressed a few options into a quick summary.

Connecting with the World - Bringing the outside world into the classroom can make for some highly impactful learning. Talking with institutions, groups and even other classrooms can expand the students’ understanding of the world they live in. Rather than talking about different cultures and people, let your class talk to them!

• In one class, we caught up with a student who was on vacation through video conference. They shared pictures and talked about what they were doing with the class. This was great to keep them connected with the class, and for the class to hear from their friend.

Guest Speakers/Experts - Connecting with knowledgeable personnel in the field you are exploring brings new meaning to learning. Having a live talk makes the experience more personal than simply watching a video that provides the same content. The opportunity to ask questions is always appreciated by my students, and getting responses from an expert is a big plus!

Virtual Field Trip - I was part of a classroom video conference with the Royal Botanical Gardens. They, like many other institutions, offer a variety of video conference services and activities which are available to teachers. While the session does cost, this made a previously inaccessible resource available and made for a fun, curriculum-related activity for my students.

Collaboration - Connecting students with others who are investigating the same concepts, but who might have different perspectives and ideas, can switch up how students frame their learning. For example, urban students with little concept of the water cycle in rural areas can hear about and share experiences with students who live in these areas.


P.S. If you’re interested in the more technical side of video conferencing tools, this Wikipedia page has an extremely detailed comparision of many different tools.