After completing a conference via skype with a first grade teacher, we were confronted with a question from the teacher:

How do I engage all of my students during the videoconference? I need something to do for all of them!

What she presented was the true issue of videoconferencing Interactivity. So what can you do to truly engage all of a 1-2nd grade audience? 

So first and foremost, set-up your classroom so it is conducive to videoconferencing for your age level of your students: Keep the time down to 30 minutes. Be sure all students are seated within the view of the camera (align the seats in a row in front of the camera, which is set in front of the screen (ie display computer screen on a larger screen, whiteboard, etc. using a projector, place the camera so it can view all of the students). Be sure students understand the etiquette of videoconferencing. Behave as if the person where visiting in real person: Do not speak while others are speaking, do not turn your back to the camera, do not hold side conversations, do not speak to others off the camera, do not pick your nose or anything else that would embarrass yourself in front of another person! For more on VTC Etiquette, download Ambassador Projects doc.

Or take a look at the following sites for more info for VTC Etiquette: 

• VideCookBook Etiquette
• Webct Etiquette

What makes a videoconference interactive:

To begin with, check out Ambassador Project's document that uses a scale for gauging interactivity. 

1. Include songs and movement as part of the lesson.

2. Include a story with media (pictures)

3. Prepare the content in the form of a mystery in which students collect clues.

4. Prepare content that is given to each group, so when all content is put together from each group the main meaning is discovered.

What can I do as a classroom teacher to engage my students?

1. Have the guest speaker introduce the topics (with a fun hook of course) and then have students pair up in teams and complete a task on paper while other teams connect individually with the presenter.

2. Have students collect facts or information on a worksheet or brainstorm paper as the presenter shares the content.

3. Have students pre-prepare questions to ask during the presentation.

4. Prepare students a blank storybook that they add drawings and writing to during the conference.

5. Have students record information in a KWL: What you know, What you want to know and what you want to learn.

Do you have other ideas? Share them in the comments below.