Planning Timeline for Video Conferences
(Elementary)
One month before the conference
1. Begin developing the conference topic – be sure it correlates
with your curriculum.
2. Select your conference partner – either another class or a content
provider.
3. If you are using a content provider, arrange for handling the payment
(cut a PO, etc.)
4. Reserve both the Plus projector and the Tandberg 880 for the date of
the conference.
5. Ask your CTA to be available prior to and during the conference.
6. If you want photos of the conference, reserve the digital camera and
ask someone to be your photographer.
Three weeks before the conference
1. If the conference will be with a party outside of PISD, notify Instructional
Technology so the connection can be tested.
2. Together with the other party, plan the activities for participants
on each side of the conference. Be sure the other teacher knows what activities
your students will do and ask what her students will do to participate
in the conference.
3. Be sure that every student has a part and can participate.
Two weeks before the conference
1. Begin preparing your students.
a. Explain to students the purpose of the conference.
b. Be sure students receive any related instruction
prior to the conference.
2. Teach the students “conference etiquette.”
a. Students should remain quiet and raise their hands
to be recognized before speaking.
b. Explain to the students that there is a brief time
delay from the time one party speaks until the other party hears it.
c. Teach the students to face the camera when speaking.
d. Teach the students to speak with a little more volume
than typical classroom voices. Have them practice their “conference
voices.”
One week before the conference
1. Continue preparing the students with any needed content/
instruction, creating props, etc.
2. Have students prepare a list of discussion topics, points to make,
and questions to ask during the conference.
3. Discuss with the other party which one of you will make the call.
Conference day
1. Bring the equipment to your room early enough to connect the projector
and the Tandberg 880, to determine the IP address, and prepare for the
call.
2. Be sure all materials/props are on hand.
3. Remind the students of their conference etiquette.
4. Relax and enjoy the conference. You are well-prepared.
After the conference
1. Provide follow-up activities to emphasize the important points of the
conference.
2. Consider a follow-up conference with the same class at a later time
during the school year.
3. Evaluate the conference and determine whether curriculum objectives
were met.
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