FE > Interest > Pedagogy

FE26: Teaching by Video-Conferencing: A Teacher's Log of the Experience
Author: Christopher Skilbeck, Sandwell College
Date: 2006

Summary

The teacher used Video-Conferencing to teach A-level Chemistry and Biology students at Sandwell College from his location in Los Angeles, California. He kept a diary of a full term's teaching, highlighting some of the drawbacks of the technology but also demonstrating that with some adjustments to teaching methods this can be a very effective approach.

Action

The teacher used a Polycom ViaVideo II video camera to set up a link over the internet, so that students and tutor could see and hear each other. He also used other technology including Instant Messaging, email and a Smartboard to complement the Video-Conferencing. He kept a diary of his experiences and also gives some advice for others planning to use the technology.

Outcomes

The teacher experienced some technical problems early on, particularly with loss of connection, but these were ironed out as he learned how to overcome them. He felt that overall Video-Conferencing worked very well, and recommends that others using the technology should use one-to-one tutorials at an early stage, while making use of all communication channels available to ensure that teaching remains varied and interesting.

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