Video

Flashmeeting is a simple and effective way of enabling students to bring their international partnerships to life through videoconferencing. This one-click web-based application, developed by the Knowledge Media Institute at the Open University, is now available to schools. Expensive hardware is not required – just a webcam and a browser that has the Adobe Flash Player plug-in installed. The application gives students an opportunity to practise important ‘soft skills’ such as listening, turn-taking and asking questions. After the conference, students can review and evaluate their performance. Flashmeeting also gives an effective medium through which to plan new projects or extend existing ones. Flashmeeting is an easy-to-use application, ideal for pupils to practise their language and communications skills. This brings new opportunities for collaborative learning into the classroom. Register for free accounts via your local authority contact or by e-mailing John.Warwick@stlukes.herts.sch.uk

For teachers wanting a straightforward introduction to animation work, Stop Motion Animator is a piece of free software available from clayanimator.com. This website offers extensive support on usage and the only equipment required is a webcam. Animation work is an effective way of sharing ideas and enhancing communication in an international project. I introduced Stop Motion Animator to a group of SEN students, supported by a sixth form ICT group, and it proved a great way to develop new skills through peer learning. The finished animation showed jointed figures ‘making friends’ and formed part of a project on self-awareness. ‘Keep it simple, make it fun’ is one of the important guidelines for successful and enjoyable international projects. Stop Motion Animator fulfils this requirement admirably.

Download the software here

(extracts from Leaning World - I Recommend from the British Council, article written by Anne Jakins at ANDeducation)