Teacher+Information

KUSD provides a matching service for point-to-point videoconferences between schools, to supplement Wisconsin history curriculum. Matching is done based on your registration information. KUSD provides the registration tool, matches classrooms with partners, and provides support materials. Participating classrooms are responsible for their own video connection and developing their own presentation for the event. When you register, you are committing to a day and time. Your match is based on that commitment. If you give incorrect information, the class you are matched with will be left without a partner after weeks of preparation. Please double check everything before you register! Make sure you, your coordinator, and your technician are all available for the connection. If a teacher cancels a confirmed date/time, they are letting down their partner class who may have prepared for weeks to present.
 * Commitment **

Depending on registrations, every effort will be made to create matches with a class from a different part of the state. Each connection is scheduled for 60 minutes. Sample agenda schedule: 9:00-9:05 Introductions and Instructions 9:05-9:15 Presentation Class A 9:15-9:25 Presentation Class B 9:25-9:30 Clarifying Questions (up to 3 per class) 9:30-9:50 Research (both sites mute) 9:50-10:00 Mysteries Revealed! Any remaining time will be used for Q & A between classes, wrap-up and sign-off.
 * Scheduling **
 * // Please plan for 15 minutes before the presentation for establishing a successful connection. //**

You will receive an email with information about your partner school. Immediately begin communicating with the partner teacher to confirm the date and time, and discuss the content of your respective presentations. Your technician or coordinator should also be talking to your partner school about a test call. Contact your partner teacher via email and/or phone to discuss the details of the event. **// Reminder: KUSD provides the registration, matching, and support materials for this event; however it is the responsibility of the partner schools to make their connection a successful educational event. Communication is the crucial to the success of your connection!!! //**
 * Communicating With Your Assigned Partner **

You and your partner teacher make this event a successful experience for your students! Communicate early on and discuss the agenda. Which class will present first? What mystery will you each be presenting? I find this important to share JUST IN CASE you're BOTH planning to present the same mystery! Be sure to let your partner know if your school location is part of your mystery!
 * Planning Your Presentations **

The event begins with 5 minutes for introductions. Be ready, set up, and orient your students to the technology at least 15 minutes prior to your connection. If you show up late, you risk cutting research time for all students. Part of the fun of this event is the diversity of the students at each site. Plan to highlight what is unique and interesting about your location in an introduction. Involve students. Show a map with your location. Share a few pictures of your area or school.HOWEVER- if your location is part of your mystery, a simple intro is all that's needed. This is one more reason to communicate with your partner well in advance!
 * Introductions **

The event continues with 10 minutes of presentation from each class. Consider what you will present. Will you involve the other class in your presentation? What visuals will you use to enhance your presentation? Will students dress up in school colors or historical costumes? Presentation ideas include the following: Skits Plays Raps Songs Game shows Be creative! The other class is looking forward to your presentation! Plan a variety of activities. The more action, music, visuals, etc. the better. Time your presentation to make sure it fits into the 10 minutes. Involve as many of your students as possible as well.
 * Presentations **

Some teachers choose to have their students present in small groups of three or four students. If this is your choice, it is important to have the students organized. Your first consideration is seating within the facility. For presenting small groups, have your students sit together in their group on the day of the presentation. This eliminates much time spent gathering the students from all over the room. Make certain that the students know the order of presentation so that they are ready when their turn arises. Also, avoid choral reading. Audio transmission of group responses never works well.
 * Organize Your Students **

Any remaining minutes of the connection are for questions and answers between the schools. Prepare your students to ask good questions. Learn about the different ways people live in the area of your partner school. Consider what kinds of questions could be asked based on their presentations. Practice asking questions. You may wish to have students prepare questions ahead of time on note card to ask during the videoconference.
 * Question and Answer **

Audio is the biggest problem we face in video conferencing especially with younger elementary students. The first audio consideration is microphone placement. If you are using a facility with only one microphone, get your students as close to that microphone as is practical for your presentation. If you are using a Distance Learning Classroom that has ceiling mounted microphone place them under one and have them speak in a loud voice. If you are using a system with microphones on the student tables that zoom the camera to the person speaking, have one student hold the microphone button while the other talks. Be careful about having the students too close to the microphone. This causes loud, painful distortion to the partner site.
 * Testing, Testing, One, Two, Three **

Do some test runs in your classroom. Make certain each student knows his or her role in the presentation and when to take their turn. Time the presentation to make sure it fits within 10 minutes.
 * Rehearse, Rehearse, Rehearse **

** Contact WHM Coordinator Joan Roehre ** ** with any questions: 262/945-6329 or jroehre@kusd.edu **