 Lesson Plan Matrix
When creating a lesson for two-way video, it's important to plan with interaction in mind. Review the instructional strategies section of this website for ideas. When you're ready to plan, consider preparing a lesson matrix that includes the following:
| Learner Outcomes |
What do you expect your learners to accomplish? |
| Methods and Activities |
How will you convey the topic (lecture, discussion, hands-on activity)? |
| Materials |
What audio/visual aids, handouts, etc. will you use to support your instruction? |
| Time |
About how much time will it take? |
| Equipment Cues |
Do you need to show an instructional "slate" with the document camera or play an audio clip? |
| Notes |
Do you need to prepare a visual or get handouts to remote learners? |
After you've completed your lesson plan, review it with the following questions in mind:
- How much total time is spent in lecture? (Keep it less than 50% -- 30% is better.)
- How much time is spent lecturing at any given time? (Keep it less than 20 minutes.)
- Are breaks included?
- Can a remote facilitator or guest lecturer facilitate some of the lesson?
- Is rapport established with remote learners?
- Do learners know what to expect?
- Can any of the lesson be done prior to the video connection (via print, e-mail, World Wide Web, or with the remote facilitator)?
- What support is needed to make the lesson a success?
- Is evaluation time included?
Here are some links to help you plan your lessons. More can be found on the Links page:
A Comprehensive videoconferencing Checklist
In addition to lesson planning, teachers need to attend to details such as equipment use, room set-up, and appearance. Use the following checklist to keep on track. If you'd like to customize this checklist, download the
file (MS Word) and edit it with your word processor.
Date of Conference:
Time:
Purpose:
Local Coordinator/Phone
Technical Contact/Phone
Local ISDN / IP numbers:
Connection Speed
Remote Coordinator/Phone
Remote Technical Contact/Phone
Remote ISDN / IP numbers:
Connection Speed
Well in advance:
_____ schedule a date and time for the videoconference
_____ consider how you will set up the room (background, cameras, clock, etc.)
_____ make sure lighting is sufficient
_____ determine required peripherals (VCR, computer, etc)
_____ reserve equipment and room
_____ practice using equipment (no remote locations needed)
_____ obtain copyright clearance if necessary
_____ obtain permission slips from participants if filming or photographing for future use
_____ arrange for remote facilitators, guest speakers, technical support, etc.
_____ schedule a bridge if needed
_____ consider using location signage to identify sites and participant maps
_____ develop a back-up plan in case of technical problems
Instructional Aspects:
_____ develop a brief outline or agenda of how the lesson will proceed and make it available
_____ determine what materials/handouts are needed
_____ decide how student assessment will take place
_____ develop a back-up plan in case technology fails to keep students busy
_____ plan for post-evaluation of the conference by students/participants
One week prior to conference:
_____ share your expectations with participants
_____ distribute agenda with coordinator/connection information, protocol and etiquette tips
_____ make sure the remote site has necessary materials
_____ determine arrangements in case of technical problems
_____ decide what to wear (avoid loud patterns, red, & white)
_____ schedule a formal practice session with remote locations if needed
_____ collect signed permission slips
_____ make location signage, participant maps if needed
Day of Conference:
_____ arrange the room
_____ connect with remote site 15-30 minutes prior to the meeting time
_____ discuss last minute changes before the conference
_____ check audio, video, lighting, auxiliary equipment (document camera, VCR, etc.)
_____ preview local camera angle and preset angles if possible
_____ mark off with masking tape and clearly label areas used for sitting and working
_____ keep ISDN/IP numbers and telephone numbers handy during the conference
_____ view yourself occasionally (make sure the other end can see whomever is speaking)
_____ double-check throughout the conference to see what the remotes are seeing
_____ begin with introductions
_____ discuss procedures to distribute and collect assignments, supplies, etc.
_____ inform audience of etiquette tips, protocols for speaking, muting, and any other instructions
_____ place a clock on the wall that the presenter can always see without distracting students
_____ start and end on time (follow your agenda)
_____ don't speak after the conference ends until you are sure ALL participants have disconnected
After the conference:
_____ document and celebrate by including a description of the
event in a newsletter or on a web page
_____ make sure you have permission slips if photos or streaming of videoconferencing will take place
Etiquette Reminders:
_____ learn the videoconferencing system before the conference
_____ avoid wearing loud patterns, red, and white
_____ have facilitator repeat questions from audience
_____ have main presenter repeat questions from audience in first part of answer
_____ maintain eye contact
_____ show interest in all participants
_____ move and gesture slowly and smoothly
_____ do not move out of camera range, people won't be able to see
_____ maintain enthusiasm about the technology
_____ speak in a strong, clear voice
_____ remind audience about the microphone (mute if necessary)
_____ make sure all sites have materials or can get them during videoconference
_____ don't assume remote can hear you, ask them before you start
_____ don't speak after the conference ends until you are sure ALL participants have disconnected
Here are some other checklists:
How
to Handle Technical Problems
You're in the middle of moderating
a hot discussion among local and remote participants and all of the sudden, you
notice a frozen image on your screen. What do you do? Unfortunately, many people
do not prepare for unexpected glitches, and otherwise well-planned videoconferences
fall apart when there are technical problems. To avoid this unproductive (and
potentially chaotic) situation, prepare BEFORE your videoconference:
- Find out who handles
difficult technical problems and how to contact him/her.
- Designate a remote facilitator.
- Develop a contingency
plan for the remote site and share it with the remote facilitator. You might,
for example, have a discussion topic or activity that supports the videoconference
outcomes.
- Designate a local and
remote troubleshooter (not the facilitator) to work with technical problems.
Make sure this person knows what to do, who to call, etc.
- Share telephone numbers
with your remote facilitator and troubleshooters.
- Make sure you (and your
troubleshooters) are familiar with the equipment. Experience provides troubleshooting
heuristics that can help you resolve problems. For example, rebooting the
system or redialing may resolve connection problems.
- Establish your connection
15-30 minutes prior to the meeting time. Most technical problems involve establishing
a connection, so this up-front time will allow you to work out connection
issues without wasting the time of videoconferencing participants.
- If you have never connected
with your remote site (or if either site has new equipment), plan a "dry run"
a week or so ahead of time.
When technical problems pop
up during a videoconference:
- If the remote site can
still hear you, let them know there is a problem and direct them to the remote
facilitator, who will follow the contigency plan. If they can only see you,
use a slate (written instructions) to direct them to the remote facilitator.
- Direct your troubleshooter to call the remote site and try to reconnect (hang up and redial).
- If reconnecting is not successful, have your troubleshooter contact a technician or look for possible causes (depending on the expertise of your troubleshooter)
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