This Week...

When Campuses Colide!

In my Math For Elementary Education class on Thursday nights we connect with BC3 main campus by using Interactive TV. You can learn about IT here.

The class is taught by Matthew Barker and in my opinion, he does a good job in making sure both parties have the same amount of interaction throughout the class.

This is a good way to bring people together that are trying to accomplish somewhat of the same cause. Although we have not talked about this specific type of technology in Tech for Ed, we have talked about ways to bring Connected Educators together and this is certainly a way to do so.

After doing some thinking I came up with ways you could use Interactive TV's in the elementary classroom

• Pen Pals
• Group activities with other schools in area
• Talking to college students about why they chose their major
• Talking to Important City Officials in the comfort of your own classroom (Being able to talk to a Mayor, City Council, even Governor of state)

But why is IT different than skype?

Although IT is still run off of the internet, it is actually built into the TV so it is easier for the children to see. The TV is special, so the chance of a glitch, shutdown, or lagging is very slim. It comes with a huge microphone to put on desk which makes it easy to hear what everyone in the class is saying. The speakers on the TV are also great. They are loud, and this also helps the "other side" hear what everyone is saying.

Having an IT in your classroom is definitely something to think about when you have a classroom of your own one day. Finding other classrooms that have them, and connecting could be something very valuable in your Early Childhood Class.

Peace, Love, and Happy Teachings - Miss Caitlin