What is Connected Classrooms?
Connected Classrooms is a functionality within Educate Magis that allows Educate Magis members to connect their classrooms via video with another classroom or multiple classrooms in different parts of the world so that students can share and learn from each other.
How do I use it?
You can either join an existing virtual classroom, if you see a topic which interests you, or you can create your own virtual classroom on another topic your students are working on. If you join an existing virtual classroom you will notice there will be scheduled video connections which you can join with your students. Alternatively, you can schedule a new connection for a different time and possibly also on a different topic.
Is this for connecting teachers to teachers or students to students?
Connected Classrooms is to connect students, with the guidance of teachers. This means the teachers are the facilitators who organize and moderate the video connection, but it is for the benefit of students.
What kind of technology do I need?
In order to participate you need a laptop or computer with an integrated webcam, (a projector, if you wish to project the classroom onto a large screen) and a stable internet connection. If you would like to increase the quality of the experience you could add an external microphone and speaker, however these are not mandatory.
How much does it cost to use Connected Classrooms?
Connected Classrooms is free for all Educate Magis members.
Do I need to be an Educate Magis member to use Connected Classrooms?
Yes, Connected Classrooms is exclusively for Educate Magis members as it serves to connect classrooms in Jesuit schools around the world.
What kind of virtual classrooms can be set up?
A virtual classroom can be set up on any topic you like, from science, to history, to geography, to religion to languages. The sky is the limit. The idea is to give your students a more global learning experience by connecting them with a classroom of a Jesuit school in another part of the world to share their perspectives and learn from each other.
What is the difference between a virtual classroom and a virtual connection?
A virtual classroom is the space which is set up in order to gather teachers interested in the same subjects or topics who wish to connect their students via video. A virtual connection refers to the actual video connection between two or more classes. These connections usually last between 30 and 60 minutes but can be as long or short as you like.
Who will see my virtual classroom after it has been created?
All Educate Magis members will be able to see your Virtual Classroom after it has been created and will be able to request your permission to join if they are interested.
Can I record my virtual connections?
The person who has set up the connection (the host) will be able to record the virtual connections and can later share it with others if they wish.
What is the difference between the ‘Discover’, ‘Create’ and ‘Connect’ options?
“Discover” allows you to browse the virtual classrooms which already exist and join any you are interested in. “Create” allows you to create a new virtual classroom which other teachers can join.
“Connect” allows you to create an instant video connection with someone you already know from the community and/or have pre-arranged a time to connect with.
How often do the virtual connections take place?
Within a virtual classroom it is up to the participants how often they would like to meet. The virtual connections can take place only once, several times or can take place regularly over a semester.
If I join a virtual classroom do I have to attend all of the virtual connections?
No, if you join a classroom you have the option of joining whichever virtual video connections suit you. You also have the option of creating additional virtual connections if none of the times suit you.
What do I do if I have more questions or need assistance in setting up a classroom?
Ifyou have any other questions or would like assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the Educate Magis team who will be happy to help! [email protected].
