Google+Tools




 * Google Talk (Video)**

I engaged in several video chats with Google Talk in the past few months. One great example was in March when students were working on their STEM Fair projects. Since I am new to the STEM Fair process, I knew there were questions about policies that I could not answer with certainty. Ms. Levin and I had a prearranged agreement that we would stage a video call that day if any such questions came up. Sure enough, a student had a question about his project which I was unable to answer, so we called Ms. Levin. I placed the call. The students in both classes were surprised when their rooms came up on our projectors. We spoke and interacted, and most of all, Ms. Levin addressed the question.

I think Video Chat is a great idea. It is a wondeful way to break down the walls of the classroom and interact with the outside world. I have since joined a network of teachers called Around The World With 80 Schools, and I am currently looking for opportunities for my students to collaborate with other students worldwide.

I think that using a webcam in class addresses the following technology standards:

II. Communication V. Integrating Technology into instruction VII. Professional Growth