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Andrea Tejador

Coordinator for e-Learning

163 Harriman Heights Road

Monroe NY, 10950

845-781-4363 ext 10712

What is the e-Learning Experience

The e-Learning Experience consists of a variety of instructionaland staff development applications utilizing currently available technologies. This Co-Ser supports strategies including, but not limited to, videoconferencing, electronic field-trips, project-based instructional activities between two or more sites, professional development activities, online course offerings for students and adults, and peer-to-peer classroom interactions. This service also provides districts with the opportunity to participate in NYS distance learning activities to facilitate individual and group learning options. Contract arrangements for multiple district use of specific software and web-based programs for content specific activities, remediation and assessment will be facilitated.

Click Here to Read More about e-Learning!

 

Videoconferencing

Point to point and multi-point videoconferencing is now becoming a part of the educational experience here in Orange-Ulster BOCES. Through the use of videoconferencing students are able to take virtual field trips to locations such as the Buffalo Zoo, NASA, and the Museum of Natural History. These trips are focused on a specific topic and can make a great introduction or enrichment activity for a lesson. Another use of the videoconferencing technology is to have classrooms share or do some collaborative projects. These classrooms were limited to just their own building, but now can access the whole world.

Teachers can also use videoconferencing to access professional development sessions in their school building as opposed to traveling to a remote site. This would allow teachers more flexibility to earn professional development hours or new skills.

For more information please call 845-781-4363

Helpful Hints on Videoconference Etiquette

Videoconferencing and E-Learning can be a great way to introduce a new topic, review a completed unit, or tie several subjects together to form a multi-disciplinary experience for the students. For the teachers and administrators, videoconferencing and E-Learning can be used for meetings and professional development.

As districts continue to get involved with videoconferencing, there are a few issues to be aware of to help make the experience as effective as possible.

• Be aware of the clothing you are wearing. Avoid red as it might bleed, and white, as it will wash you out. Neutral and pastel colors tend to work the best. Also avoid plaids, stripes, and busy patterns. All jewelry should be small and non-distracting.
• Be aware of eye contact. The location of the monitor is not always the same location as the camera. Remember that to make eye contact you need to look at the camera.
• Be aware of movement. You should act as if the camera is on you at all times. Avoid gross movement and large hand gestures.
• Be aware of your voice. You do not have to scream for the microphone to pick up your, but you should speak in a slow, clear voice.
• Think about any video clips you want to show. Try to keep them less than five minutes in length. Make sure the video clip is focused on the topic being discussed.
• Think about documents you want to show. Try using a large font size such as 36 point. Use a sans serif font type, such as Arial, to help with the ability to read each letter from a distance. Light blue or green paper/backgrounds are easier to view on a television screen then white. Use landscape as opposed to portrait as it will fill the screen fully.
• Be aware of Copyright Law. Make sure that you give credit to your resources and cite them when you quote them. Do not use material that has been illegally copied or distributed.
• Be aware of the time. Always start and stop on time.

Although these tips can be a great benefit to anyone doing a videoconference, they do not guarantee a successful experience by themselves. Setting up a test prior to the videoconference is a must to make sure there are no connectivity issues. Also, preparing your audience on what to expect from the videoconference can help to make it more enjoyable for all who participate.

One last thing to always remember, SMILE!