A guide to help teachers make the. best use of video conferencing has been published by Devon Curriculum Services.
Video Conferencing in the Classroom, edited by Tim Arnold, shows teachers how to get started with the technology.
The document was launched as part of Global Leap 2002 late last month. The day, organised by the educational video conferencing directory www.global leap.com allowed schools to journey around the world for lessons.
One lesson took pupils to Makkovik in Labrador, Canada, to talk to members of a remote Inuit community about their lifestyle and culture.
Closer to home, “Queen Victoria” was quizzed by pupils about her Golden Jubilee in 1887. The Public Records Office, which provides a considerable number of video-conferencing lessons, arranged for an actress to play Victoria.
The guide gives ideas on how to bring experts into the classroom, costs pound;3 to cover postage and is available online from www.devon.gov.ukdcs or 01392 384 839.
Chris Johnston
