• It is the teacher's job to act as a facilitator during the Distance Learning program.  You need to make sure students are in the right place and are aware of who talks next.  Students need to be kept on track during discussions.
• Involve all of your students in the program.
• Remind your students that there are people on both sides of the camera.  Students need to look into the camera every so often when they are speaking.  They do not have to stare into the camera, though!
• Encourage students to speak clearly and loudly (the microphones hang from the ceiling).  The hardest part of a Distance Learning program is the audio exchange.  You might want to use a "SPEAK LOUDER" sign to prompt students off camera.
• We can't hear you!!!  Do not allow your students to hang their head and mumble.  Practice good speaking habits before the program.
• Speaking in unison isn't a good thing!  Because of the audio transmission, when students answer in a group the audio becomes distorted and is hard to understand.
• You need to remind your students to be good listeners.  Review good listening skills with your students.
• Coach your students on interacting with the other side.  Have your students practice developing questions, especially open-ended questions, from verbal presentations in the classroom.

[RETURN TO TOP]

• Talk in a normal voice...not too loud or too soft.  There are four microphones that hang from the ceiling that work very good to pick up a good speaking voice.
• Talk clearly and enunciate all of your words (don't mumble or hang your head while speaking).
• Practice what you want to say before the program begins.
• Pausing while you're speaking isn't bad if there is a reason.
• Wait for people to see your picture or a chart you are talking about before you begin speaking.  The technician running the program can help tell you when you and/or your picture is on camera.
• Pretend the camera is a person.  Look into the camera as though it is the person you are talking to.  Don't stare into the camera, though!
• Be careful of saying things on the sidelines, or when you're not on camera.  Even if people can't see you, they still might be able to hear you.
• Don't interrupt; wait until the person has finished talking.
• Use appropriate language; be careful of using slang.
• Do not chew gum or eat candy!  It is not allowed in the Distance Learning Lab.
• Dress appropriately...School T-shirts or sweatshirts are very good!  They will show that you are proud of your school!
• Have fun!  Sharing information with someone through Distance Learning is a new and great way to learn.
• Be prepared:  Practice, practice, practice!!! 

[RETURN TO TOP]