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Good classroom management is important for successful distance learning events. Educators, please review the following points with your students prior to the event:

• Videoconferencing is a two-way event. Students and NASA presenters can see and hear one another.
• Students are sometimes initially shy about responding to questions during a videoconference. Explain to the students that this is an interactive medium and that we encourage questions.
• Questions can be handled in one of two ways:
  1. Educators may choose to moderate students' questions and answers.
  2. Educators may choose to furnish each student a sheet of paper with a number or letter of the alphabet printed on it - in a large font and in bold. When students have a question or want to respond to a question, they simply hold up the sheet of paper and wait to be recognized by the presenter.
• Students should speak in a loud, clear voice. If a microphone is placed in a central location, instruct the students to walk up and speak into the microphone.
• Students should remain quiet while others are talking. The microphones pick up background noise, and this can be very distracting.
• Students are representing their schools; they should be on their best behavior.
• Students should be prepared to give brief presentations (depending upon module selected), ask questions, and respond to NASA presenters.
  

Educator Event Checklist

Q. What is the advance time for submitting a request?

A. Submit your request no less than four (4) weeks prior to your anticipated event date. We will make every effort to complete your program at the date and time requested. However, we may not be able to do so and will work with you to find suitable alternatives.

Q. Are there any content provider or connection costs associated with DLN events?

A. DLN events have no content provider cost associated with them. ISDN connections may be handled differently by the DLN NASA Centers; for some connections your school or district may be responsible for initiating and funding of the calls. Long distance line charges vary; you should check with your technology provider for information on charges for the connection. There are no connection or content costs associated with IP connections.

Q. Does the content of the learning modules accompanying each expedition meet national standards?

A. Our events are mapped to the National Standards. We encourage you to customize activities to meet the needs and abilities of your students and your curriculum. Depending on your students' prior knowledge, you may choose to expand or omit certain activities.

Q. May I request an astronaut or a specific presenter?

A. You may request an astronaut for your program. However, astronaut training schedules limit their ability to participate in DLN events. Additionally, we cannot confirm participation before one week prior to the actual date of your program. You can also request a specific presenter within the DLN team. We will make every effort for that presenter to host your event. However, due to personal schedules and other programming, we cannot guarantee that the specific presenter you have requested will be able to support your event.

Q. Can I request a topic other than those listed?

A. You may submit a request for a subject other than those that are currently listed at the Website. However, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to fulfill your request due to the large number of requests that we receive. We will try to fill special requests as time permits.

Q. Can I obtain credits or a degree for participation in one of your events?

A. We do not offer credit or a degree program with our videoconference events

Q. When should you arrive for a session?

A. Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes prior to the scheduled starting time of the event. This will allow time for you to become familiar with the equipment and review videoconferencing protocol with your students.

Q. What are the time constraints?

A. Please keep within the scheduled time of the event. There may be another event scheduled immediately following yours.

Q. How should the session be conducted?

A. The NASA Center will act as host of the session and will maintain control. Reviewing the pre-conference materials and event guidelines in advance is recommended.

Q. Are there recommended protocols that should be observed?

A. Avoid talking over the top of one another as there is a slight delay between one site speaking and the other site(s) hearing the message.

Q. How should I prepare materials that will be shown during the session?

A. If your equipment is capable of showing document(s), prepare the document in a suitable, clear font of at least 24 point size.

Q. How should I dress for a session?

A. Wear suitable clothing if you are a presenter. Consider the contrast between your skin tone, clothing, and background. Avoid bold, bright colors and small patterns, stripes, and plaids.