What can we do with it?
IP based two-way interactive video is highly versatile, lending itself to many different types of educational and administrative uses. Using IP video equipment through the ITN, you may access content including Internet2 programs, Vision Athena events, and satellite programming. You may also wish to set up individual videoconferences with other schools for training or administrative uses. There is a wide variety of meaningful uses for this technology, such as the ability for students to take classes not available at their own school, off-hours educational opportunities for non-traditional students, collaborative multi-school projects, employee training and professional development through an Educational Services Center, college or university, team teaching, and tutoring.
There are many sources for video programs that originate both in and outside the state of Indiana. Some offer programming for use in the classroom while others provide credit or noncredit programs for professional development. Some instructional resources are even set up as lesson plans or modules to be integrated into existing curricula, and address state academic standards. A sampling of the types of resources currently available is provided below:
Indiana College Network
The Indiana College Network (ICN) is a gateway to distance learning opportunities
from Indiana colleges and universities. A service of the Indiana Higher Education
Telecommunication System (IHETS), the mission of ICN is to ensure that lifelong
learning opportunities are available via distance education to Indiana residents
no matter where they may live or work. Many professional development courses
and programs for classroom teachers are offered via the ICN. To locate interactive
video programming in the ICN
Course Catalog, search for courses with a delivery option of “2-Way
video.”
Jason Project
Schools participating in the JASON Project utilize the award-winning curriculum,
videos and gated online community throughout the year. In addition, they may
bring the live two-week Expedition Broadcast into the classroom by utilizing
satellite equipment or the Internet. In addition to the opportunity for students
and teachers to perform field work via videoconference and web-based activities,
the JASON Project offers middle school science teachers, or anyone interested
in updating their science content knowledge, more opportunities to take advantage
of 12 online science content courses that allow science teachers to earn five
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and an optional graduate credit.
SouthwestNet Distance Learning
Collaborative
This project of 20 public school districts in Southwestern Michigan features
a searchable database of collaborative, interactive videoconference events including
professional development, school board training, new teacher training, guest
speakers, and more. Information is also provided for technology coordinators
about supporting and encouraging video conferencing.
Utah Education Network’s
EDNET
EDNET is a two-way, fully interactive video network that allows students to
take classes that might not be available to them in their local community. Professional
development, lesson plans, and sample activities for students are also featured.
Pennsylvania Distance Learning Exchange
The Distance Learning Exchange provides information about a variety of distance
learning activities such as web quests, satellite teleconferences, electronic
field trips, video conferencing courses and e-mail exchanges. It serves as a
directory that lists individuals or groups who are providing distance learning
activities. Through this service, users can search for specific events and activities
based on the subject matter, grade level, technology used, schedule, and more.
NASA Virtual Visits
The NASA Glenn Research Center Learning Technologies Project offers video conferencing
connections between teachers and students and NASA scientists, engineers, researchers,
and education specialists. Special events include videoconferences on Mars volcanoes
and the centennial of flight. Teacher workshops are also offered for grades
3-12 math and science teachers in topics such as Introduction to Aerodynamics.
Pacific Bell Knowledge Network
Explorer
The SBC Pacific Bell Knowledge Network Explorer video conferencing for Learning
Web site supports the effective and educational uses of video conferencing technology
by providing basic information about the technology and instructional applications
and resources to help you link with other video conferencing teachers, librarians,
and content providers. Ideas and examples for meaningful e-learning experiences
are also provided.
