News Article British schools tout video-conferencing 06/10/02 - Digital Divide Network School children in Britain are taking more and more field trips via video conferencing. Children have 'taken trips' to places like Finland, Australia, the USA and Japan in order to learn about specific topics and different cultures. Mike Griffith, assistant head teacher at Arbour Vale School, says the video links have benefits far beyond helping students learn about other countries. "It develops their confidence, presentation skills and speaking and listening skills," he says. Tim Arnold, Devon county's adviser for media education, adds that "Harnessing the newest technology to support their learning in schools is a challenge to which schools must now rise. [Video-conferencing] can radically alter the way children interact with one another and with the world outside the classroom walls." To promote the use of video-conferencing, the Devon council is providing teachers with a free handbook. The question remains, however, if schools can afford to use video-conferencing. back to news

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