An innovative use of videoconferencing for kids is not just a novelty. It has proven to be a valuable teaching tool.  It has opened a window to the world for some students and teachers. With software, an inexpensive camera, and an IP connection to the Internet, anyone can turn a computer into a videoconferencing center. Educators have used the technology successfully and they are quick to extol the benefits.

Videoconferencing appeals to students’ learning styles; students who are visual and auditory learners benefit equally.  In addition, videoconferencing increases many students’ motivation to learn.  Students improve their research skills as they prepare for their time in front of the camera on videoconference day.   It’s good practice of their presentation and communication skills, as well as their organizational and graphing skills if they use a whiteboard during the videoconference.

Teachers at Marshall Elementary School in Lewisburg, Tennessee, have used the videoconferencing technology CU-SeeMe software to bring animals and educators from the Tennessee Aquarium into the classroom. Aquarium educators fielded questions from students at Marshall and from other sites in North Carolina and Maryland. The answers to their questions helped students understand the relationships among animals, habitats, and environments. Students have also videoconferenced on other topics too, including dinosaurs and rain forests. Apart from their experiences in the projects already mentioned, Marshall students have, via videoconference: interviewed a teacher on expedition in Antarctica through the Ask a Scientist Project, learned about dingoes and wombats from students in Australia, and shared a typical school day in the UK, Ireland, and Belgium.

Another innovative use of videoconferencing for students can be a union of high school kid and video mentor.  Florence McGinn teaches English at Hunterdon Central High School in Flemington, New Jersey. Her honors writing and literature students work with mentors from Rider University in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, via videoconference to revise and rewrite their work. McGinn lists many benefits to her students including the boosted feedback her honor students receive from university level instructors and students. The limiting parameters of expensive field trips have been replaced with weekly videoconferences.

YouthSPAN Global Videoconferencing is located in Washington, D.C. The mission of YouthSPAN is to provide an opportunity for direct interaction between young Americans and their counterparts abroad, to promote discussion about international issues, and to improve understanding between the United States, the international community. This is done with videoconferencing.  YouthSPAN has organized videoconferencing projects involving students from high schools and universities in Pakistan, South Korea, Afghanistan, and Turkey.  The direct result is a better-informed and better-educated American people, able to discuss international issues and America’s role in the world.

Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration based in Indiana is dedicated to being a premier provider of videoconference services and program content. K-12 content, planning and professional developments are all available via videoconferencing. CILC give kids access to experts such as artists, authors, city planners, scientists and mathematicians.  Videoconference participants interact with individuals from diverse geographic, racial and socio-economic backgrounds.  This clearinghouse of information has several programs that can be found on their website.

AT&T has developed a “yellow pages” of videoconferencing for kids.  The choices listed are literally everything from A to Z!  There’s the Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum, which has an “Astronomy Connection” videoconference program that involves training in web-based technology and the use of interactive videoconferencing equipment.  Scattered throughout these yellow pages are various zoos, including the world famous Bronx Zoo. 

Videoconferencing for kids opens up a vast world.  However, it needs to be said that there is also a dark side to videoconferencing.  Cyber predators will pay big money to see children and teens live on camera. Observe the following guidelines to ensure a safe, fun and ever educational experience while conferencing.

• Never use videoconferencing with chat rooms or instant messaging.
• Never post personal video files (showing yourself or other people you know) to newsgroups or websites.
• If you have a personal website, don’t post any personal videos.
• Do not participate in any scheme that requires you to provide live video feeds, such as teen modeling or wish lists.
• If you are storing personal video files on your computer, do not participate in peer-to-peer networking.

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