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Schools have many viable options in Free and Open Source Software (F/OSS), but no systems are yet mature for videoconferencing. The links below provide access to some that can be used today and others that bear watching. Most, if not all, of these systems will require headsets with microphones for individual use or echo-cancelling microphones for group use.
Audio conferencing used to be about telephones, and video conferencing was a two-way television link between two sites. Web-based, and computer-based conferencing has now converged the old telephone- and television-centric systems into low-cost systems with powerful features.
For example, most computer-based conference systems connect individuals together instead of groups. These systems normally provide a convenient list of participating individuals that promotes a level of personalization often missing in remote group interactions ("What did you say your name was?).
A shared whiteboard for collaborative text and graphics interaction adds a lot of value to the old telephone and television models. Many omputer-based conference systems also support synchronized presentations (e.g. PowerPoints), synchronized web browsing, and shared documents and applications. It's even possible for remote participants to not only view an application on the presenter's computer, but also to operate that software remotely!
The development of the original workshops and of this web resource was assisted by the generous support of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).
Interconnected ~photo by Henkster
Videoconferencing used to link institutions, but now it can link people across the world as easily as across a school district. I've had the pleasure of teaching students across the globe from my living room chair.
In these times of global competition and global warming; of energy and food crises; of frightening terrorism, genocide and war; there is no greater need than to understand each other better. Videoconferencing is the best tool we have to visit other cultures and to meet and talk with people who may look and speak in unfamiliar ways.
Videoconferencing takes your students into the world as it
brings the world in to your classroom.
--Scott Garrigan