The Internet has not only revolutionized the way we work, shop, communicate and research, but it has also revolutionized learningâ?¦making virtual classrooms and e-learning a reality. Traditional classroom are being replaced with virtual classrooms and those dusty old chalkboards are being replaced with computer screens with virtual whiteboards.  Many school districts and learning centers are venturing into these synchronous classrooms for online conferencing, online learning and online collaboration.  Not only are these tools great for helping educate students of all ages and in all circumstances, but they are also great tools for us as educators to build learning communities. Now in the past, the art of collaboration or building learning communities hasn't been the easiest strategy for educators to do or maybe the most comfortable. As I said, not only is it difficult and sometimes uncomfortable, but I also believe they may not always been the most convenient task to pull of, due to lack of time, scheduling, and possibly distance. Many would agree though, these are important strategies for educators, so that they can build those important relationships with other educators and colleagues. Not only are important for educators, but they are also vital concepts for our students to experience so they can learn and practice these 21^st Century skills,  so that in the future, they will be prepared to be productive members of society.

I once heard it said that, "If you are connected to a group, you will do better in everything you do.â?? So let"s get connect.

Today I am going to share with you a tool that could possibly change they way you and your students communicate, collaborate, interact, and learn This tool will also change the way you a your colleagues communicate and collaborate. This tool is Elluminate LIVE! So what is so special about Elluminate?

For a start Elluminate is an awesome desktop conferencing  tool that will not only support those learning communities for educators, but also help support those communities for students.

So what makes Elluminate Live unique?

Elluminte is a desktop video conferencing tool that offers a variety of features, including integrated audio, video, and some special tools to make your real-time eLearning and web conferencing, working to effectively engage groups of all sizes in interactive online sessions far from typical. Unlike typical e-learningâ?¦Elluminate give the instructor and the students all of the features needed to create a social presence, allowing them to forget that they may be hundreds of miles apart. This desktop video conferencing tool is truly designed for education and lives up to the companiesâ?? philosophy to make the users experience a positive one, no matter what the skill level, operating system or the internet connection.

For more information about this great tool or to get a FREE VRoom, please go to: http://www.elluminate.com/vroom//?s=PCBL0001

 

You know, I am lucky to get 6 months out of the lights bulbs in my house, but there is a light bulb that has been burning for 106 years. I discovered this interesting fact on Myth Busters and just had to look it up myself. If you visit : http://www.centennialbulb.org/photos.htm you will see a live image of the 106 year old light glowing just as bright as the day it was installed back in 1901. The bulb is located in Fire Station in Livermore, California. Of course, I have always found live web cams to be great tools to engage learners of all ages; this is a prime example. How do you see something as simple as a live web cam on a 106 year light bulb be used in the classroom? I have some ideas, but I would like to hear what you think.