Video Conferencing Fundamentals a.k.

a Videoconferencing 101
Jim Freese, CTAP Region IV Linda Uhrenholt, SBC Education Advocate

Remember George Jetson?

Early Video Conference Picturephones

Things to Discuss
What is Videoconferencing? Why videoconference? Types of videoconferencing Equipment & Set-up Preparation Etiquette & Procedures Curriculum Enhancement Other

What is Videoconferencng?
Videoconferencing technology allows people at two or more locations to see and hear each other at the same time..

..Examples

Why Video Conference?

Courses, Lessons and Tutoring Virtual Field Trips Multi-School Projects International Projects Pull in an Expert Community Events Professional Activities

Types of Video Conferencing

ISDN -Point to Point dial up IP - Goes over a Broadband Internet connection

Network Choices
Circuit Switched: 64K per call
Dial-up network

Advantage: Call anywhere in the world Disadvantage: Pay by the minute

Network Choices
TCP/IP (LAN)
Dial-up Network

Advantage: Free within the LAN, WAN line sharing Disadvantage: LAN contention, bandwidth hog

Network Choices
Private (Leased) Line
Private Line

Advantage: High Bandwidth, fixed cost Disadvantage: Only Point A to Point B

The California K-12 High Speed Network

California K-12 High Speed Network http://www.k12hsn.org K12video.org

IP Video Conferencing
Dial-up IP to IP
Dedicated equipment Professional services

Server Based
AIM, iChat, Netmeeting, iVisit, SightSpeed etc.

Management & Storage of Archived Events

Play with the Big Boys

Yes, Polycom has two shoestring solutions. Polycom ViaVideo - $600 Polycom PVX - $150

Polycom PVX
Low Cost Works with your PC and USB Web Cam Custom Polycom Software

Polycom ViaVideo
High Quality Camera Multimedia Processor Custom Polycom Software Works with your PC

What Will YOU Be Getting? Polycom V500

Sits atop any television and uses a television-like remote control. Connect to your Cable, DSL, LAN or ISDN network Delivers natural, smooth motion video and crystal-clear audio in a convenient and compact design Features data-sharing support so schools can receive slides and other content during a video call.

What Will YOU Be Getting? Polycom VXS 6000

Built-in IP network connectivity allows for seamless integration of group video conferencing into existing networks Set-top system includes all of the basics for video conferencing.

iChat- Apple
OSX based system Apples version of AIM free iSight or USB or Firewire webcam Compatible with AOL Instant Messenger Video Upcoming version supports multiple connections http://www.apple.com/macosx/t iger/ichat.html

AOL IM Video
PC based system AIM is free USB webcam Compatible with Apples iChat AV

SightSpeed
Multiplatform USB, Firewire Web Cam or iSight Free & Subscription versions Multi Users Works over many firewalls

Video Conference Planning

Checklist & Planning Guide Test, test and test Lights and sound
In packet

http://uwtvproduction.org/conve rgence.html
Great streaming video about planning! Scroll down to Videoconference Zone. .

Lighting helps Audio feedback and noise

6 Tips
Colors: clothes, color coding, color discussions Breaks, breakouts, and briefs Lunches and labs Engaging quieter students Guest presenters Pre-course tools, communications, and assignments.

Tip #1: Colors

Clothes
Wear bright colors and invite students to wear VC-friendly colors (Blues, Violets, Pinkseven orange!) Point out which colors and patterns to avoid, such as shirts that are all-white or wild, checkered sweaters.

Color Coding
Consider colored name tents to see student names and category (type project, subject)

Color discussions
Back drops, wall colors, signage.

Tip #2: Breaks, Breakouts, and

Breaks
Exercise breaks Rotate seats, so different groups get to center stage from time to time.

Briefs

Breakouts
Small group assignments (10-15 minutes)

Briefs
Mini-presentations by small groups Student introductions Student project snap shots (1 minute max)

Tip #3: Lunches and Labs

Lunches
If class is on either side of a lunch break, consider running mini-film festivals on supporting information. (History or Literature classes w/ snippets of classics on video, Documentaries, etc.)

Labs Schedule labs in campus computing centers for exercises supporting classroom discussion.

Lunches and/or Labs

Combine lunch and lab times for student and teacher flexibility. (Loop films to run and re-run)

Tip #4: Engaging Quiet

Students
Breakout assignments
Charge breakout groups with identifying fellow students that havent had as much opportunity to participate -- have them give group readouts as groups video spokesperson

Distant Stars
Rotate remote point-persons for distributing handouts, collecting assignments, faxing sign-in sheet.

Tip #5: Guest Presenters

Invite colleagues or students from other schools to bridge into videoconference. Reserve a spot for public if attending Presentations - no lectures, please!
50% presentation 50% Q & A

Tip #6: Pre-course Tools,

Communications, and Assignments.
Tools (Website with syllabus, class rules,
readings, recommended URLs, etc.) ClassChat)

Communications (E-mail, Listserv,

Assignments

PLAN B
rolling blackouts, V.I.P. tours, construction crews, etc.
Class needs to know what to do/where to go if connection goes down, one site is evacuated, or other unforeseen event. Supplemental Communications
E-mail, Listserv, chat Website assignments

Lab and Library work Break out sessions

Videoconference Links
Videoconference Hotlist http://www.kn.sbc.com/wired/fil/pages/listvideo.html Polycom: http://polycom.com iChat: http://www.apple.com/ichat/ SightSpeed: http://www.sightspeed.com/ AIM(at AOL): http://aimtoday.aol.com/features/main_redesign.adp?fid= video_im NetMeeting: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/netmeeting/ Yahoo!Messenger http://messenger.yahoo.com iVisit: http://www.ivisit.com

Thanks!
Are you ready for some videoconferencing? In the words of Dr. Phi Lets do it!