Through the use of video conferencing technology, Distance Teaching and Learning in the Houston ISD provides opportunities for teachers and students to “travel” beyond the physical confines of a campus to interact with people either around the block or around the globe. Here are some innovative ways schools within the district who have the necessary hardware are utilizing videoconferencing:
Virtual Field Trips
Many institutions such as museums, zoos and libraries offer virtual tours. When distance or cost factors do not allow for making an actual field trip, a virtual field trip is a great alternative.
Collaboration
Students from one classroom can collaborate face-to-face on projects with students from another classroom down the hall, at another campus or in another country.
Experts
Authors, Scientists, Politicians or anyone with a particular expertise, can impart their knowledge and experience with a group of students via distance learning.
Competitions
Students can compete against their rival school in a spelling bee, geography bee, or trivia challenge.
Share and Present
Students from one campus can present a science or history fair projects with students from another campus.
Training
Teachers and administrators can receive professional development training without leaving the comfort of their campus.