Communication+and+Collaboration

=**Communication and Collaboration** =

a. //interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts, or others employing a variety of digital environments and media.// b. //communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats.// c. //develop cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with learners of other cultures.// d. //contribute to project teams to produce original works or solve problems.//
 * Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others. Students:**

PRESENTERS:
John Sengia and Sandy Benedict


 * Room:** Lab A

TOOLS**:** SKYPE, Google Docs =Session Objectives:= (1) introduce FREE tools for collaboration, 2) demonstrate basic steps for effective usage, and (3) explore resources for connection opportunities outside of your classroom (4) participate in a Skype class activity.

Intro Survey

Google Docs
Google Docs Example Activity ( public link brainstorm )

How can you use Collaborative tools in the classroom ?

** Collaboration **

 * Students can share documents and presentations with each other ( or the teacher).
 * More than 1 person can edit the document or presentation at the same time.
 * Students and teachers can provide comments for improvements during the writing process.
 * Revision history allows teacher to view __who__ revised a document __when__.

** Access to files **

 * Files can be accessed from any computer with an internet connection.
 * Files can be edited with a PC or Mac.

** Publishing Online **


 * Google docs can be embedded on your web page.
 * When you edit the document or presentation, the updated version will automatically show on your webpage.

** How can I use it ? **


 * Promote group collaboration and creativity by having your students record their group projects together in a single doc.
 * Facilitate writing as a process by encouraging students to write in a document shared with you. You can check up on their work at any time, provide insight and help using the comments feature, and understand better each student's strengths.
 * Encourage collaborative presentation skills by asking your students to work together on a shared presentation, then present it to the class.
 * Collaborate on a document with fellow teachers to help you all track the status and success of students you share.
 * Maintain, update and share lesson plans over time in a single document.
 * Track and organize cumulative project data in a single spreadsheet, accessible to any collaborator at any time.

How do I get Started with Google Docs ?

 * Check with your district - do you have a district domain ? (Google Apps for Education) If so, get your account there.


 * Will your students need accounts? If so, what is your district's policy for students under 13 ? ( students don't need accounts for brainstorm activities like we did )

Help resources
Creating and Sharing a Document - screenshots for Spring Grove users, but process is the same for everyone

Inserting Comments

Google Docs Tips and Tricks for Teachers

Google Docs Help from Google

**What is Skype?**

 * FREE software application
 * Make voice calls anywhere
 * Computer to computer
 * Video conference
 * Group chats
 * Conference calls

What's Needed to Skype?

 * ====Computer====
 * ====Webcam (optional)====
 * ====Internet connection====
 * ====[|FREE Skype software]====
 * ====Skype name====

**Skype Help and Resources**

 * [|Free Skype Download]
 * [|Skype Apps]
 * [|Skype User Guides]
 * [|Authors Who Are Willing to Skype]
 * [|More Authors Who Skype]
 * [|Meet and Collab with Other Classrooms]
 * More Skype Resources

What's needed for Video Conferencing

 * ** Polycom VSX 7000A--hardware **
 * ** Polycom PVX--software **
 * ==== Computer ====
 * ==== Camera ====
 * ==== Mic ====
 * ==== Speakers ====

**Video Conferences Sources**

 * [|MAGP!]
 * [|Polycom VC Database]
 * [|CILC]

Finding Other Classrooms

 * [|ePals]
 * [|TakingItGlobal]
 * [|iLearn]

= = Contact Information:

Sandra Benedict Technology Staff Developer West York Area School District slbenedict@wyasd.k12.pa.us

John Sengia Technology Coach Spring Grove School District email:sengiaj@sgasd.org blog: Tech Tales from the Trenches