Virtual Field Trips – An Engaging New Approach to Education
Posted on Fri, Dec 02, 2011 @ 11:28 AM
Educators agree. Technology is playing a major role in how students learn. Today’s students are immersed in technology. It is an integral part of their everyday lives, and as the pace of technology advances rapidly, schools are adapting and incorporating new approaches to education in order to make learning more engaging
In fact, video technology is already transforming classrooms all over the world. The sky is the limit as video conferencing opens up a world of learning possibilities by breaking down physical barriers and allowing students and teachers to interact with others outside of their classroom walls. Students find themselves more engaged and more focused as they go on ‘virtual field trips’ where they can see and speak to a ‘guest’ educator who is located off-site, but through video conferencing, seems to be present in the room. Imagine a video conferencing session with the author of a book the students are reading, or participating in a real-time virtual tour with astronauts at the International Space Station.
The realm of possibilities for using video technology as an educational tool is endless. In addition to virtual field trips, video conferencing can facilitate parent-teacher collaboration, enable distance learning for rural environments and allow real-time collaboration with other schools and classrooms anywhere in the world.
Vidyo Powers a Virtual Science Field Trip at the San Carlos Charter Learning Center
The good news is that deploying video solutions is easier and more affordable than ever through E-Rate, a funding program that helps U.S. schools and libraries obtain affordable internal connections, basic maintenance on internal connections, telecommunications services and internet access. The program is under the direction of the Federal Communication Commission, administered by the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) of the Universal Service Administration Company (USAC).
Video infrastructure, endpoints and K-12 bundled solutions from Vidyo, a pioneer in personal telepresence technology, are eligible for E-Rate discounts. Vidyo technology already costs typically 10% less than competing offers, but with E-Rate discounts across the product line, the technology is even more affordable. Join Vidyo partner Xtelesisin a Live Webinar on Tuesday, December 13, 2011, 11am-12pm (PST) to learn more about E-Rate funding and the Vidyo for Education™ product suite. Video conferencing can cost-effectively transform your classroom into a multi-dimensional learning environment. Engage your students with this new approach to education!
To learn more about Vidyo and its array of services, please contact us or request a demo today! Xtelesis helps businesses of all sizes move forward with our wide variety of solutions.