So Who's Driving the School Bus?

The promise of videoconferencing in the classroom is real. Collaboration with other schools, institutions that have expertise to share, visits to places and events are indeed laudable goals, but the delivery of content lags far behind the introduction of technology.

Those sites that have conducted conferences with classrooms by and large have yet to focus themselves on a program that offers educational values tied to curriculum goals. Although the intent is well placed, the classroom needs more than talking heads and distant camera shots in order to make classroom time interesting and well spent. There is a golden opportunity for creative teachers to seize the initiative for no organization has stepped forward to fill this void. We're dealing with a new medium that looks a lot like TV, but is far better.

We Get to Talk Back!

Now, more than at any other time, children can be seen and heard. For the first time a technology is being introduced that promises to listen to children, not just talk at them. It even has the ability to provide instant reward and reinforcement. The element that is missing is the one that all good teachers consistently contribute...a plan for a desired interaction.

Let's keep in mind that this is a visual medium with high potential for entertainment value. As we move ahead with our classroom strategies, let's consider the need to put on a great show. Stage, props and rehearsal are the keys to a successful launch of this new and wonderful teaching tool. Remember, however that the players in this show are on both sides of the screen. Let their and your imagination be our guide.

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