Use and Perceptions of External Content Providers: A Teacher's Journey Through the Process

Abstract

This chapter presents the process of videoconferencing with external providers from the teacher’s side of the camera. It overviews the steps necessary to conduct a videoconference including how to contact and select external providers, and as well as how to prepare, conduct, and follow up on a videoconference. It carefully examines how to develop lasting relationships with experts in the field and how to use their resources to create an interactive research based classroom environment. For classroom teachers, videoconferencing is a relatively new educational tool and the extent of its implementation is constantly expanding and virtually endless. Utilizing examples of specific experiences the chapter provides the reader with an overview of videoconferences that exist and can be used by P-12 educators.