Video conferencing in schools

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Video conferencing in schools has undergone huge development in recent years with faster internet speeds and high definition equipment installed in many schools.

As part of the Wiltshire rural area project lead by Andrew Malcolm, the drive to include video conferencing in the curriculum is now becoming a regular occurrence in schools across the county. They are seeing the benefits on many levels, from addressing the green agenda to giving greater access to business and culture when travel is not practical. Meetings between schools have now become easier by reducing time wasted travelling, allowing teachers and senior managers more time to work in schools.

Projects

Various projects are running including work with schools in the Nanhai area of China and other schools in Europe. Diploma work is being enhanced by collaboration between schools to support planning and assessments of pupils work. Special schools are also beginning to collaborate across Wiltshire, despite the distances involved, improving the provision for pupils in each school.

Support

As well as the support offered by Andrew Malcolm all schools have access to the Janet service, the UK's education and research network. This free service is offered to all schools, colleges and universities in the UK and provides links to other educational establishments and content providers. This can range from the Met Office to NASA. Wiltshire continues to develop these links with the Janet service as well as businesses both locally and nationally.

If you would like more information about video conferencing for your school please contact the Melksham Professional Development Centre.

Last updated: 16 February 2011