When a friend of mine, James Tapankov, was working as a technology/VC coordinator for Pembina Hills Regional District, he began a process to define the elements of projects and activities which involve students using videoconferencing “that develop engaging, meaningful relationships and learning”.  From that work was born “The VC7″ – seven essential components that should be addressed when learning through this medium.

This list currently lives on a Wikispace and while it’s not currently editable, I’m going to email James (now a learning technologies consultant for Evolution Learning Technologies, and ask him if we can crack the lock on this wiki to re-invigorate the discussion.

The VC7 are:

1. Make it meaningful.
2. Get them involved.
3. Keep it fresh.
4. Engage their senses.
5. Make it personal.
6. Involve their emotions.
7. Celebrate the experience

This list is based on the work of many, including:

Dr. Marcia Tate – http://www.developingmindsinc.com
Dr. Viktor Frankl - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viktor_Frankl
Dr. Stephen R. Covey and his Seven Habits - https://www.stephencovey.com/
James Surowiecki and the Wisdom of Crowds - http://itc.conversationsnetwork.org/shows/detail468.html

I’m going to examine each of the VC7 more deeply over the next while.  Especially as I read “Using Technology with Classroom Instruction That Works” (thanks Janine), it’ll be interesting to see how the thoughts of others, combined with my own beliefs and understandings, as well as those in this book, all co-exist.  What’s more important, though, is what to do with those beliefs as a VC coordinator once we have them.