HOW IT WORKS

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission offers distance learning programs to K-12 students through interactive videoconferencing technology. 

Our studio is located in Raleigh and uses Video-over-IP technology to connect with a distant site.  It’s a lot like making a phone call over the internet, except that instead of just speaking with someone, you can watch them as well.

Here’s a little more about what to expect.    

Before the program
Once the program has been scheduled, the classroom instructor or the facilitator at the interactive videoconferencing (IVC) site will receive a box of materials to use during the program. 

The day of the program
Make sure that the box of materials is ready at the IVC site. 

Students will come in and find a seat.  In the room you will see a television or screen.  There will be cameras and microphones in the room. 

When the wildlife instructor appears on the television, you will be able to see and hear what she does and says.  She is able to see and hear what you do as well. 

She will introduce herself and start the program.  She may take a few moments to help students acclimate to this type of communication.  Students pick it up very quickly.

During the program, the classroom instructor may be asked to pass out certain materials from the materials kit.  The program is a lot like what you would experience in a face to face program: sharing images, investigating objects, talking back and forth, and completing activities.

After the program
Once the program has ended, students go back to their school or their regular classes.  The classroom instructor should complete an evaluation of the program (included in the box) and return this with the materials. 

For more information on videoconferencing, visit the North Carolina Information Highway site at www.ncih.net.

For information on some of the schools and groups with videoconferencing capabilities in your area, visit http://www.ncih.net/operation/ds1sites.html.