Video Conference Teaching Techniques Bob Woodruff

What is the secret for success in Video Conference Teaching

1.Success is between your ears

Think outside the room  Those people are HERE!  CHART YOUR INTERACTION Determine - There is no back row in my class regardless of the mode of teaching Determine - There is no back row in my class regardless of the mode of teaching This requires charting to remove blind spotsThis requires charting to remove blind spots This requires your mentality being in every locationThis requires your mentality being in every location This requires “forced interaction”This requires “forced interaction”  It is all between your ears

2. Success is in your eyes

Look at the participant  IF in the classroom – look at them  IF on camera – look at the camera  Projection to a second site where teacher and students can see as well Screen in the front as well Screen in the front as well

3. Success is in your speaking  Don’t yell when speaking to people on the other site.  Nod or give other visual affirmation rather than verbal to prevent lag.  Encourage some interaction (even in jest) between sites.  Be aware of Vocal variety

4. Success is in your Appearance  Don’t wear extremely bright colours or patterns. They look strange over video conference technology and can distract – especially during movement.

Further Appearance  Tend not to set below the camera  Tend to move around more deliberately and slowly to let the camera track you  Do move though and act natural – don’t just stand behind a podium in any kind of teaching situations.

5. Success is in Getting and Keeping all Participants engaged  Don’t start until all are “in the room.” Acknowledge each person on each site Acknowledge each person on each site  Don’t let anyone “leave the room.” Rotate questions between rooms and among all individuals Rotate questions between rooms and among all individuals Stop for some kindling type of activity. Stop for some kindling type of activity.  Record who has been “in the room.” Let students know that this is a part of your expectation. Let students know that this is a part of your expectation.  Assure both Psychosocial and Cognitive Presence. You can be there without being there.