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Successful videoconferencing can extend the reach of education throughout the world

Arizona Memorial Museum Association
Steps to a Successful Videoconferencing Event

The following steps list what it takes to set up and implement an Arizona Memorial Museum Association (AMMA) Witness to History (WTH) videoconference.

1: KNOW YOUR TECHNOLOGY: IP or ISDN

There are two common technologies that connect site to site.

  • IP (Internet Protocol) is web based technology.
  • ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) is digital phone line technology.

Be sure your technology and the videoconferencing (VC) host’s technology are compatible. Ask your VC host to clarify their technology requirements and check with your school technology specialist about the school’s videoconferencing format. Witness to History utilizes ISDN technology; schools that are IP based will need to employ a bridging service to ensure connectivity.

2: SET UP A TECH TEST

Before a date and time can be reserved for a videoconferencing event educators need to conduct a brief tech test to confirm compatibility. Please return the completed Customer Information Sheet as soon as possible to the Witness to History tech.

3: SET A DATE AND TIME

Available dates for the WTH program fill up quickly. Once the tech test confirms system compatability a date and time for your videoconferencing event can be reserved.

4: CONSIDER TIME ZONE DIFFERENCES WHEN YOU SCHEDULE

Videoconferencing can span the world. But the world operates in varying time zones, so consider time differences when scheduling. For example, from April to October there is a 6 hour time difference between the US east coast and Hawaii.

The Web Site: www.timeanddate.com is a handy reference to check when scheduling a videoconference across long distances.

5: SET YOUR LESSON OBJECTIVES

As the use of educational videoconferencing expands, so does the range of topical content. Witness to History, for example, fits directly into any curriculum targeting World War II. We can work with a teacher to emphasize certain topics depending on the teacher’s objectives. Like any lesson, a videoconference takes preparation. We encourage teachers to contact us at witnesstohistory@hawaii.rr.com to insure that students get the most from the experience.

5. VC AGENDA

A VC Agenda will be provided by the WTH VC Coordinator prior to the videoconferencing event. Each VC Agenda is specifically tailored to meet the selected series and participating audiences’ needs.

6. PREPARE STUDENTS PRIOR TO VIDEOCONFERENCE

Remind students that they are viewed at the other site and should be on their best behavior. Each WTH videoconference includes a question-answer period. Please have students prepare questions beforehand. The WTH VC Coordinator can provide a list of frequently asked questions to educators upon request. Select a few to read at the videoconference question and answer session and seat students with questions near the microphones.

7. VC EVENT

Follow the scheduled time outlined on the VC Agenda. Be sure students thank the participants at the end of the program.

8. EVALUATION

Witness to History asks participants to fill out an Evaluation Form so we can improve and better serve future participants.

Videoconferencing engages students in powerful ways. We hope these eight steps encourage you to add this technology to your classroom activities.