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video conference was planned as a positive response to the events
of 11 September 2001. It provided a positive opportunity for pupils
to:
hear members of the local Islamic community describing their experiences
and expressing their opinions
speak with members of the local Muslim community
address the paradoxical issues of the description of Islam as
a religion of peace based on the Quran and the Prophets teachings,
in the light of a more violent interpretation of Islam as expressed
in the media and by some Muslims.
What
they did
A
multipoint video conference (one that connects a number of sites
at the same time) was arranged between four schools and speakers
from the Muslim community to address issues relating to perceptions
of Islam.
Two
of the schools were studying Islam. The other two schools used the
conference as an opportunity to support their anti-racist education
initiatives.
The
schools agreed that the focus should be for pupils to consider two
key questions:
Is Islam a religion of peace?
Why do some Muslims express a more violent interpretation of the
Quran?
Teachers
worked together to plan and prepare the resources needed, and to
make test calls to ensure the video conferencing facilities were
connected.
Session
1 (45 minutes)
Two
adult members and two teenagers from the local Muslim community
visited one school and spoke to a Year 8 RE class. One of the adults
gave an outline of Muslim life and the other presented a summary
of Muslim beliefs about war. The Muslim teenagers contributed to
the question and answer session that followed.
The
three other schools were linked in to the talk through the video
conferencing facilities. They introduced themselves, listened to
the presentations and joined in the discussion.
Session
2 (45 minutes)
The
four schools then went offline and completed their own follow-up
work, which included:
writing poetry about respect for all
designing posters that expressed ideas about peace
writing and performing a rap
presenting a news broadcast with reports from various places around
the world.
Session
3 (45 minutes)
At
the end of the morning the multipoint linkup was restored and each
school made their presentations, to which the speakers gave their
own responses. The session ended with the pupils in each school
being asked to outline what they had gained from the morning and
to give their answers to the key questions that had been addressed.
Relvance
to the RE curriculum
Because
the four schools are scattered across a rural area the pupils do
not have easy access to members of the Muslim community. Using video
conferencing provided pupils with opportunities to:
engage in face-to-face dialogue with members of the Muslim faith
community about religious beliefs and practice in an environment
which encouraged them to
ask pertinent and probing questions
embed their learning about religion within the real world of faith
communities
extend their understanding by discussing issues with
peers in other schools and localities
reflect on their own values and commitments in the light of those
interviewed.
A
video conference such as this is often more convenient and efficient
in terms of time and other cost. The method can be used in RE at
any key stage. For further information see video conferencing in
the Classroom, published by Devon Curriculum Services ISBN 1-85522-826-2.
How
ICT enhanced teaching and learning
Video
conferencing has:
given students access to members of faith communities not represented
in the local area
made connections between school and the world beyond the RE classroom
promoted respect for other peoples beliefs and values
given learning about religion a purpose
promoted interest and motivation in RE
provided opportunity to use speaking and listening skills
raised the profile of the subject.
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