Your class can communicate first-hand with experts in many fields to enhance understanding of a subject they are studying. This real-world contact can heighten interest, improve motivation, and increase retention. Many musueums, zoos, and other organizations are finding that videoconferencing dramatically increases their outreach and participants are seeing and interacting with these content providers in ways that cannot be done in person. A librarian using document sharing technology, auxiliary input, or a whiteboard answers questions about research and actually demonstrates search queries using the online catalog. Students connect with athletes at an Olympic Training Center for advice and feedback on sports, training, and health issues.
Students watch a play performed at a remote site followed by interaction with the actors.
A small group interviews the author of a book the class is studying. Students meet with university advisors for admission counseling or interviews. A remote teacher or student role-plays a historical or literary figure, sharing a special experience with a larger audience. A graphic arts student shares a document with a professional or client for feedback and evaluation. It's important to keep in mind that encounters with guests must be planned.