Faculty-Driven Instructional TechnologySUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry

Instructional Technology WorkshopMay 16, 2002

“Teaching & Learning With Videoconferencing”David TiedemannDirector of Faculty Computing & Media Services,

Syracuse University

Today’s Topics

Why Videoconference? (Handout) Benefits Application examples

What Works Best & Why - Case Studies Interactivity = Active Learning (Handout)Videoquette (Handout)Tips on Teaching at a Distance via Compressed Video (Handout)Videoconferencing Demonstration

Why Videoconference?

Benefits Communicate directly with experts to

enhance understanding of a subject matter Real-world contact can heighten interest,

improving motivation and retention Colleges can team up with businesses to

offer employee training or certification Students can meet with tutors for

enrichment and remediation

Why Videoconference?

Benefits Students can takes classes not offered at

their location or at a convenient time Supplement classes, training, or meetings Overcome time & distance constraints Improve quality & spontaneity of guests Save time & money

Why Videoconference?

Course DeliveryCourse Supplement Guest lecturer Practitioner critique Dual class discussions Interviews

Multi-site Conferences

Why Videoconference?

Applications Practitioner critique Dual class discussions Interviews: student employment, staff

recruiting, & thesis/dissertation defense Research & Collaboration Business: meetings, product or contract

review, promotional, announcements, etc.

What Works Best & Why

Industrial Design Case Studies Satellite remote control (RCA) Internet keyboard (Compaq)

Television, Radio & Film Case Studies Script writing (Sitcoms) Proposal for new series (Home & Garden)

What Works Best & Why

Multiple Class Discussion Case Studies Forestry policy (SU & Oregon) African American Studies (Four schools)

Research Case Studies NPAC Physics

Interactivity = Active Learning

Rules of Engagement Multiple media - take advantage of

attributes of each technology Vary pace Ice breakers at beginning of each session Use names, site and personal Clarification queries

Interactivity = Active Learning

Active Learning Is the ability to get the students to learn

something, to do something with what they have learned, and then to think about what they have done.

Interactivity = Active Learning

Student Involvement Includes... Student to student Student to media Instructor to student Student to instructor

Interactivity = Active Learning

Personal Qualities Do not become a talking head Use a variety of techniques to involve Pay attention, show interest Avoid distractions Keep on task

Interactivity = Active Learning

Leading Discussions Use questions effectively

Probe for additional information Shift or refocus discussion Ask direct questions Clarify unclear statements Restate questions

Videoquette

Setting the Stage Select moderator for dialogue sessions Establish ground rules Allow ample pauses & ask for comments &

questions Identify self for far end Use far end control in agreed upon manner Avoid excessive movement

Videoquette

Audio Be Aware of Microphone Sensitivity

Unnecessary to speak extremely loud Unnecessary to face microphone

Muting Announce intention to mute Mute all far end sites during presentation or

lecture Mute to mask near end noise

Videoquette

Video Face Camera

Divide eye contact with near end and far end (favoring far end with more eye contact)

Announce intention to switch video source Preview document camera before sending

Switch to Room Camera While Changing Document Camera Material

Videoquette

Clothing & backgrounds Be Aware of Contrast With White or Black

Boards Don’t wear light colors if working in front of

whiteboard Don’t wear dark colors in front of blackboard

Avoid Plaids, Prints, Red, & White Non-shiny Pastels Preferred Avoid Loud And/or Highly Reflective

Jewelry

Videoconferencing Tips: General Planning

Instructional Videoconference GoalsAgendaTools Required for the ConferenceSite Coordinator for Far EndTest ConnectionOperator Assistance

Videoconferencing Tips: General Planning

Hard Copy to Far End in Advance (Use Document Camera More As Navigational Aid Than to Convey Information)Access to ResourcesAdaptive Technology for Special Needs Should Be ConsideredGoal: Equal to or Better Than On-site Face-to-face Instruction

Videoconferencing Tips: Technical Planning - Video

Aspect Ratio of 4:3 (Width:height) Use landscape rather than portrait

Television Safety Area (15-20% border)Resolution Considerations Relatively low resolution cameras Digital compression coding/decoding

Videoconferencing Tips: Technical Planning - Graphics

Keep It Simple!Limit to One Concept Per VisualImage Composition - Rule of ThirdsBalance With Empty SpaceUse Large San Serif Fonts > 24 Pt.

Videoconferencing Tips: Technical Planning - Graphics

Limit to 7 Lines & 7 Words Per LineAvoid Red, Orange, and Yellow Text Use Light Letters Against Dark Background in videoconference (opposite for face-to-face)Limit to 3 Different Size Fonts Per VisualLimit to 4 Colors Per Visual

Videoconferencing Tips: “On Air”

Arrive 15-30 Minutes Before “Air” Time Coordinate with far end Camera presets

Start/stop on Time Look at Camera to Maintain Eye Contact (especially with far end)IntroductionsAgenda Review

Videoconferencing Tips: “On Air” Continued

Protocols for Transmission Delays Pauses Avoid simultaneous speech

Pacing - Vary Formats Frequently!Announce Intentions Before Switching Sources

Videoconferencing Demonstration

ESF – UMU Joe Smith and Ross Jacobs