This seminar explores the best classroom techniques for videoconferencing, virtual field trips and where to find content providers. Although we'll begin with an overview of various virtual field trips, each seminar features a particular content provider. After participating in this session, educators will understand the basic premises of virtual field trips, know how to use the CILC and MUSE databases to find content providers, and will understand basic videoconference etiquette for educational programs. Participants are encouraged to come with stories of previous virtual field trip experiences or questions about specific content providers.

The November 2009 session of "Videoconferencing and Best Practices" will feature the Royal Tyrrell Museum, Canada's only museum and research center devoted entirely to paleontology. Now entering its fourth year, the Royal Tyrrell Museum's Distance Learning Program has delivered over 580 programs to more than 16,000 students throughout Alberta, Canada, the United States, and beyond. Using videoconferencing technology and the Alberta SuperNet, students learn about the fascinating history of ancient life without leaving the classroom! Recognized as a leader in educational videoconferencing, the Museum's Distance Learning Program received the award for Outstanding Achievement in Education from the Canadian Museums Association in spring of 2009. 

Please note that all participants (or small groups of participants) should have access to a computer with Internet2/MAGPI access during this training session.

Seminar Objectives:

• Participants will understand the basic premises of virtual field trips.

• Participants will learn how to use the CILC and MUSE databases to find content providers.
• Participants will understand basic videoconference etiquette and room set-up.

Program Outline:

• Welcome/Introductions (5 Minutes)

• What are virtual field trips? Why implement them in the classroom? (10 Minutes)
  A short overview

• Guest Virtual Field Trip: Virtually Visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Alberta, Canada! (40 Minutes)
  Take a short virtual field trip with the Royal Tyrrell Museum.

• Where to Get Started (35 Minutes)
  Explore MAGPI's resources, MUSE (the Internet2 K20 Social Network) and CILC's Virtual Field Trip resources.
• Best Practices/Tips for Successful Videoconferencing (20 Minutes)
  Learn about videoconferencing etiquette, how to set-up your classroom for a successful videoconference and some easy production techniques
• Discussion (10 Minutes)
  What are the possible implications in the classroom? Teaching, Learning, Student Engagement and Project-based Learning

About the Royal Tyrrell Museum

The Royal Tyrrell Museum is Canada’s only museum dedicated exclusively to the science of palaeontology. In addition to housing one of the world’s largest displays of dinosaurs, the Museum offers a wide variety of creative, fun, and educational programs that bring the prehistoric past to life. The Museum is operated by the Government of Alberta under the Ministry of Culture and Community Spirit.