Flashmeeting for Easy Videoconferencing Esther Hardman Weald of Kent Grammar School

Flashmeeting for Videoconferencing Welcome & introductions Rationale for VC in MFL Getting started Key FM tools Strategic planning for smooth running Tried and Tested activities Behaviour management Why Flashmeeting? Troubleshooting Videoconference practical.

Rationale – MFL Videoconferening Using target language for a real purpose Students contribute to international networks (SIP MFL ) Students practise presentation skills Provides A4L opportunities via peer assessment Reinforces established links abroad Addresses National Curriculum Statutory and MFL requirements.

Getting Started with Flashmeeting Creating an Account

Useful Links Flashmeeting for Schools – Flashmeeting Quick Start guide –

Create an Account

Request a “Booker” Account Or

Getting Started with Flashmeeting Booking a Meeting

Booking a Meeting

Presentation Style

Booking Confirmation and Link

Key Flashmeeting Tools Broadcast Chat Preferences Vote Emoticons URL

Week 1Week 2Week 3Week 4Week 5 Sample Timeline of Videoconferencing Project Initial internal meeting to decide schools, classes involved, project focus and check ICT requirements Meeting with primary school to introduce project, identify staff to be involved, discuss schedule and plan activities to be included Primary to send target vocabulary to be used to secondary school Secondary students to work on creating and practicing activities using vocabulary provided All resources completed. Dates and times confirmed for actual conferences. Survey or feedback/evaluations completed Videoconferences take place Trial software via virtual meeting between primary and secondary school Most recent Flashmeeting videoconference took 3 weeks.

Tried and Tested Activities Role play & Bingo (KS2/4) Q&A on a theme (Euro Week of Langs) Exchange partner pre trip Q&A Open discussion / Distance learning

Behaviour Management, Logistics & Practicalities Practicalities: –How many webcams available? (max 25) Classroom logistics: –Position of students “on camera”. –How many students “on camera”? –Reducing on screen “traffic”. –Avoiding “sea sickness”. Behaviour management: –What is the rest of the class doing?

Classroom Logistics

Reducing on screen “traffic”

Whole Class Activity?

The benefits of “Stop Broadcasting”

Flashmeeting Replay Need a “Booker” account Post videoconference peer assessment Evidence of learning for Open Evenings Replay “Edit” tool

Accessing “My Events” for Replay

My Events

Troubleshooting ISSUE: Flashmeeting doesn’t recognise your webcam POTENTIAL REASON: Could be locally based issues i.e. your log in might not have necessary permissions SOLUTION Get IT support to create videoconference specific log in with necessary permissions.

Student Feedback I found the video conference really interesting because we got to hear real French people speak to us and hear their accents ! I really enjoyed it because I have never spoken or heard a French student before and also I found it was a really fun activity in class and a good way to learn. It was good practice to speak loudly and clearly because this skill will probably be used in your job when you are older. The video conference was a great opportunity for us to practise public speaking I have now learnt how to speak clearly and slowly so people can understand you and also how to keep eye contact with that person through the web cam.

Further Resources Useful FM project write ups & resources: –Esther Hardman’s Blog: Crack the CodeEsther Hardman’s Blog: Crack the Code –Weald of Kent Grammar School MFL BlogWeald of Kent Grammar School MFL Blog –Kent MFL Videoconferencing ProjectsKent MFL Videoconferencing Projects This presentation will be added to: –

Presenters: Esther Hardman Teacher of MFL, Weald of Kent Grammar School Curriculum Development Coordinator for MFL (ICT) Contact: – –

Presenters: José Picardo Head of MFL, Nottingham High School Teacher, Education Technologist, Consultant Contact: – –