Your guide to preparing for a videoconference session Please take the time to read these guidance notes to ensure that you and your pupils enjoy a successful videoconference session.
Preparing your pupils Have your pupils experienced a videoconference before? If not arrange a simple ‘get to know you’ videoconference link with another class or teacher, so that pupils have a chance to experiment and explore how a link works and what they look like on screen. Ensure pupils know where and who they are videoconferencing with and familiarise them with the objectives of the session. Brief your class regarding expectations of behaviour and etiquette during a videoconference session. Explain that you will select pupils who have their hands up to ask or answer questions. Explain to pupils that they should repeat loudly and clearly anything the presenter cannot hear or understand. Completing pre-session activities will enable your pupils to get the most out of the session. Some material is provided by the Museum; education staff are more than happy to discuss any particular requirements.
Preparing the equipment Please test your IP connection with the Museum by doing a test call beforehand. This will be booked on the JVCS system. Set up the equipment in advance and have spare batteries on hand for remote controls etc. Are you confident using the equipment? If not, try to have someone on hand who is?
Have a telephone close by to use if there is a problem. Have the Museum’s IP address and telephone number to hand: Telephone number: 01924 848806 IP address: 192.168.10.253 E number: 0044 0104 0198 2 Preset any camera shots if necessary and avoid excessive camera movement e.g. zooming in and out. Do not attempt to take control of the presenters camera.
Preparing the Classroom It is a good idea to prevent interruptions by putting up a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on your door. Seat everyone in a well-lit room. Arrange the seats so that all of the pupils can be seen by the camera and they can see the screen. Position the microphone in a suitable location and on a hard surface (e.g. table). Have a ‘hotseat’ near to the microphone for pupils to use when asking questions. If you have already designated certain pupils to ask questions, seat these near the microphone to avoid disruption.
If you have any questions or need to discuss any aspect of the videoconferencing session, please contact Jayne Ambrose, Education Officer on 01924 848806 or email jayne.ambrose@ncm.org.uk