Read Across the Atlantic
The Center for Mathematics, Science and Computer Education
FREE Videoconferencing Project!!
Read Across the Atlantic (RAA)
A project of the
Center for Mathematics, Science and Computer Education
Rutgers University
Take your students across ‘the Atlantic’ to celebrate a love of reading!
:
Virtually travel across ‘the Atlantic’ to the United Kingdom for this special Read Across the Atlantic free videoconferencing event sponsored by the Center for Mathematics, Science and Computer Education. Using room-sized videoconferencing, connect your class with a class in the town of Wigan from the borough of Greater Manchester, England to share a reading activity.
How to Participate:
This activity is open to all 2nd-5th grade classrooms in schools that have access to room-sized videoconferencing systems such as Sony, Polycom, or Tandberg. If you are unsure whether or not you have access to this type of equipment, check with your school’s technology coordinator.
Your class will be matched with a class in the UK to share reading activities. Teachers will collaborate to create lessons and activities to present to each other via videoconferencing. Classroom to classroom connections will take place during the week of February 9-13, 2009. Each connection is scheduled for approximately an hour: 15 minutes for testing equipment and introductions, 30 minutes for the reading activity, 15 minutes for exchanging information about the school and its community. NOTE: There is a 5 hour time difference between our countries so all connections must occur in the early morning. Please only register if you are able to participate at 8:30 or 9:30 AM.
Activities can range from reading a favorite book passage to a “Battle of the Books”. Other ideas include skits, plays, raps, songs, game shows, student created books and book talks.
Partner sites are not restricted to only one videoconference with their partner school. You may want a getting-to-know you session, emailing, and even a Voicethread exchange to expand the experience. Only 10 classes will be selected, so register early for this exciting exchange!
Activity Timeline:
November 10, 2008 Registration Opens
November 26, 2008 Registration Deadline
By December 5, 2008 Registrants are emailed information about their partner class
January 5-9, 2009 Testing between schools by teachers or technology coordinators
January 5-22, 2009 Partner teachers communicate to discuss lessons and activities
February 9-13, 2009 Schools present their programs via videoconferencing
February 13-27, 2009 Teachers and students fill out online evaluations
Complete this From to Register for Read Across the Atlantic: