1. 21st Century Learning: Why not choose a meaningful ICN learning experience, enhancing student skills through communicating, collaborating, or collectively analyzing learning? This article highlights 21st Century learning: http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/top-news/news-bysubject/curriculum/index.cfm?i=54606. Learn how easy it is to excite students of any age through interactive ICN learning and sharing at http://www.aea11.k12.ia.us/tech/icn.
2. Students can take a course online (See Iowa Learning Online, http://www.iowalearningonline.org/) or connect to community, state or national experts to learn more about real life careers, critical social issues, or enjoy the flexibility of online learning.
3. IPTV develops and provides a wide range of rich ICN, real world learning for all grade levels. These ICN K-12 Connections are authentic and timely, with opportunities to utilize related curriculum materials and follow-up curricular activities. Check the calendar at http://www.iptv.org/iowa_database/default.cfm.
4. The 2008 Technology Standards for Teachers identified by the ISTE (International Society for Technology Educators), supports the use of video conferencing by addressing these standards:
- Facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity by promoting student reflection using collaborative tools
- Design and develop Digital Age Learning Experiences
- Promote and model Digital Citizenship and responsibility
- Model Digital Age work and learning
- Engage in professional growth and leadership
5. Many students will go on to use video-conferencing tools in their future, undoubtedly in the work force or through their individual education or professional growth. Why not encourage collaborative work skills and distance learning experiences while they are in a K-12 setting? See ISTE Tech Standards for Students at http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForStudents/2007Standards/NETS_for_Students_2007_Standards.pdf.
6. Utilize the ICN by participating in free virtual field trips at any age. Take advantage of the statewide ICN network through IPTVʼs K-12 Connections programs found at http://www.k12connections.iptv.org/. Schools can easily reduce transportation costs and time spent traveling on fieldtrips to a distant location. As an educator, utilize the many professional growth opportunities available through your AEA or other professional organizations via the ICN.
7. You can easily set up and customize a meaningful ICN session to connect your students to others. Learn more from Heartland AEA 11 ICN consultant, Lyneé Casper. She can be contacted at lcasper@aea11.k12.ia.us. Access planning and lesson guides at http://www.aea11.k12.ia.us/tech/icn/ICNintegration.html.
8. The ICN classroom is a unique Iowa resource. Only a handful of states have a network that is comparable. Give your students an opportunity to participate in an ICN session or an ICN course. Consider bridging to a videoconferencing partner outside the state of Iowa. Check out this website for more information: http://www.aea11.k12.ia.us/tech/icn/PDF_Files/FAQ Steps Videoconference.pdf.
9. Educational best practices point to good reasons to use the ICN in student learning. The Federation of American Scientists states that, “learning scientists and educators have known for years that people learn faster if education can be personalized and if students are motivated by seeing how their knowledge can help them solve problems they care about.” Why not pick an important issue for students and provide an opportunity to collaborate with other students via the ICN, addressing problems they care about? Check this website for more information: http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/top-news/news-by-subject/curriculum/index.cfm?i=54606.
10. The ICN is one of many ways to videoconference or meet collaboratively online. Many Internet tools, such as wikis or blogs, or online communities, such as NING, can be set up for collaborations and sharing. These Internet tools can support learning before and after an ICN session. Why not utilize Web 2.0 tools, blending them with an ICN video conferencing learning experience? Learn more at http://www.aea11.k12.ia.us/tech/icn.
A printable, PDF version of this list can be found at http://www.aea11.k12.ia.us/tech/icn/PDF_Files/Top10ICN.pdf. Please contact Heartland AEA 11 ICN Distance Learning Consultant, Lyneé Casper at lcasper@aea11.k12.ia.us with any questions.
