Our early testing of Flashmeeting in SWGfL proved very exciting. We have a very useable, simple online video communication tool now available for schools to try. The system enables a group of users to meet online using simple webcams and microphones, in much the way that Skype presents, but with added educational functionality. Although this won't enable a connection with the more expensive video conferencing equipment such as Polycom, it is a way that schools can try out basic VC and put it to real educational purposes. Flashmeeting was developed by the Open University who use it for distance learning. E2BN and Kent have been using it in schools for a while now. So, if you are in a SWGfL school and want to give it a try, check out our Flashmeeting support pages. Using your LA contact, ask to be a meeting booker. Agree to our terms of use, and you can then book flashmeetings for your school. Simply email the meeting confirmation email, with its web link, to others you want to meet online - an expert, another class, a school overseas. Exciting educational possibilities.

The National Coal Mining Museum offers a new videoconference based on the dramatic inquest following the Hartley Colliery disaster in 1862.

One of our sister RBcs, London Grid for Learning, partnering with Havering LA ,would like to invite you to take part in this National Competition. The theme for this years National Poetry Day is `Work`. In order to celebrate this we would like children to write poems about different jobs. We have lined up Alan Peat and Gervase Phinn to judge the finalists.

We would also like to invite you to take part in a videoconference for primary and secondary schools during National Poetry Day, on October 9^th 2008,  hosted from Engayne Primary School, starting at 8.50 am and ending at 3.30pm. 

Visit the National Poetry Day site find out about the rules, prizes, programme details and how you can take part  www.poetryday.lgfl.net

One of our sister RBCs, London Grid for Learning would like to promote an Opportunity for Primary Schools in the new school year.

Black History Month Primary School Video Conference – October 1^st 2008

The London Grid for Learning, working in partnership with Redbridge Ethnic Minority Advisory Team and the ICT team, would like to invite primary schools from across the UK to take part in a video conference during Black History Month showcasing `People of Achievement past and present` – on October 1^st   from 8.50 am - 12.45pm. We have DJ Spoony (Formally of Radio 1 now 5 Live) and Dr Funke Baffour from Big Brothers Little Brother taking part on the day. Visit the site http://www.blackhistory.lgfl.net  to find out more.

PLEASE BE SURE TO REGISTER BY FRIDAY 26th SEPTEMBER AT THE LATEST.

Roger Bloxham at Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea City Learning Centre will be hosting an event entitled Videoconference for Europe Day  aimed at allowing students from Year 11, 12 and 13 to videoconference with a group of MEPs. There are still places available for schools and colleges keen to take part, so please contact Roger as soon as possible if you are interested. Although the Members of European Parliament are all representing London constituencies, the agenda of the event will cover UK wide issues. Roger would therefore like to involve schools and colleges from across the UK.

The event aims to link six participating videoconference venues . There are still some of the six participating positions available. To register your interest contact Roger Bloxham on Roger.Bloxham@heartoflondon.org . More contact details and information about the opportunity are available by visiting the opportunity page.

http://www.janetcollaborate.ac.uk/opportunities/a-videoconference-for-europe-day

Prison Reform:  Parliament’s role then and now

As part of a new video conferencing programme offered by the Education Service at the Houses of Parliament, these pilot sessions focus on the issue of Prison Reform in order to bring to life the role of Parliament, both historically and in the present time. 

The conferences include the opportunity to talk with a member of the House of Commons or House of Lords   Set amidst the backdrop of Victorian prison reform, the session is based in 1878 as the government takes control of the prison system. 

Your students will meet a Victorian prison governor and a long-time prisoner as they talk about their experiences of life in Pentonville Prison. During the workshop, your group are encouraged to engage with both characters, played by costumed actors, and to ask questions before being led into a debate on the issues surrounding the prison system and its purpose. Students will explore what prison is for and whether it works from both historical and contemporary angles; developments in the prison system and the role played by Parliament in its reform; as well as the future of prisons today. 

A member of the House of Commons or House of Lords will be invited to conclude the workshop and discuss the role of Parliament in relation to this issue*. A pack of preparation materials will be sent to you in advance of the session, including background information and discussion topics, to help your students prepare their arguments in advance of debating the issues involved. 

To book, please call the Education Service on 0207 219 2105  Available: 12 May – 23 May 2008

Duration: 1 hour - Cost: free of charge - Suitability: Years 8 and 9 (KS3) *Please be aware that on occasion due to the nature of Parliamentary business, Members of both Houses can be called away at short notice.