Web Based Video conferencing systems in classroom teaching
Summary: OBJECTIVES: At the end of this presentation attendees will have learned about
- The value of web based video conferencing systems in classroom instruction
- Potential uses of web based video conferencing systems in higher education
- Challenges and opportunities in web based video conferencing systems in a tough economy
- Application of a web based video conferencing systems in a science course in undergraduate education
Description:
Collaboration in research and teaching has been enhanced by the easy access and flexibility of communication technologies. The new applications allow colleagues from different cities or countries to work in the same document and have research meetings with the same frequency as they would do if they were working in the same building. In the same way, students can interact among each other or receive classes from experts that reside in different locations. Learning how to use these tools and how to benefit from the web 2.0 applications is a must for collaborative working in the 21st century. Web-based video conferencing systems represent one of the applications that are increasingly used for collaboration nowadays.
We propose to share with the audience our experience on how web based video conferencing systems can be used in higher education face to face classes, and we will present the example of a class that used them intensively to bring experts from around the world to a class. The project was carried out in a science class for undergraduates, and the objectives for the use of this project were: (a) Exposing students to first hand real life experiences that would allow them to understand the applications of the science theory learned; (b) Providing new and more opportunities for understanding research in the discipline; (c) Allowing students to have a broad view of research and applications; (d) Enriching learning by providing different sources of information.
We fulfilled our objectives with this project and will continue using this application. However, the results of the project showed that we needed to do some modifications and be more ready to face some of the challenges that the system present, such as recruiting and training of participants, scheduling, and contextual learning.
We propose to share with the audience our experience on how web based video conferencing systems can be used in higher education face to face classes, and we will present the example of a class that used them intensively to bring experts from around the world to a class. The project was carried out in a science class for undergraduates, and the objectives for the use of this project were: (a) Exposing students to first hand real life experiences that would allow them to understand the applications of the science theory learned; (b) Providing new and more opportunities for understanding research in the discipline; (c) Allowing students to have a broad view of research and applications; (d) Enriching learning by providing different sources of information.
We fulfilled our objectives with this project and will continue using this application. However, the results of the project showed that we needed to do some modifications and be more ready to face some of the challenges that the system present, such as recruiting and training of participants, scheduling, and contextual learning.
Manfredo Seufferheld
Assistant Professor
Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
Assistant Professor
Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
Prof. Manfredo Seufferheld is a researcher and instructor in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. His expertise is in the areas of Plant Biology and Biodiversity. He has received several grants and awards in his research, and he is constantly working to make his classes interesting and meaningful to his students. He strives to combine theory and practice in his classes, and tries to expose his students to real life applications of the theory by planning field trips or bringing experts to his classes. He has been using new technologies to help him achieve his teaching objectives.
Norma Scagnoli
elearning Specialist
University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
elearning Specialist
University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
Norma Scagnoli works as eLearning Specialist for the College of Business at the (UIUC), where she plays a key role in faculty development and integration of technology in classroom teaching and learning. Norma has extensive experience in online education as instructor, administrator and researcher. She worked as Program Coordinator for CTER one of the first online masters program at the University of Illinois. She has also contributed to the field with her research on technologies for teaching and learning, online learning models, and faculty and student orientation for online education, which has been published and presented in specialized journals and conferences. Norma has a Ph.D. in Human Resource Development from the University of Illinois, where she also earned a Masters degree in Education with specialization in Instructional Technologies.