Dee Elder Nurit Reshef Trevor Woods Summer Institute August, 2006
How complex is this?
Is it rocket science?
First the good news •
For the end user videoconferencing is not rocket science – it is actually fairly easy to use
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Being in a videoconference the first time is sometimes a bit uncomfortable but after a few sessions the actual technology tends to fade into the background
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Now the bad news… •
At a technical level it can get very complicated
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Using videoconference technologies is easy only if the technologies work
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A high level of network engineering skill is a must to design a reliable network infrastructure
What is Videoconferencing? •
A videoconference is a set of interactive telecommunication technologies, which allow two or more locations to interact via two-way video and audio transmissions simultaneously.
(From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)
The Key Pieces All videoconferencing systems have a few key pieces that make up the system. The components required for a videoconference system include: •
Video input: video camera or webcam
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Video output: computer monitor or television
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Audio input: microphones
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Audio output: usually loudspeakers associated with the display device or telephone
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Data transfer: digital telephone network, LAN or Internet
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What are the benefits of videoconferencing in education? For Students •
Link students to outside experts
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Bring together multiple classrooms
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Connect students with a teacher in a different location (remote delivery)
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Allow students to take virtual field trips
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Provide support for students with special needs
What are the benefits of videoconferencing in education? For Teachers: •
Collaboration with peers (Professional Learning Communities)
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Accesses to formal and informal professional development
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Participate in graduate programs through various of postsecondary institutions
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Opportunities for preservice teachers to work with experienced teachers in classrooms
What are the benefits of videoconferencing in education? For administrators: •
Cost time and travel efficiencies for administrative meetings
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Interviews and consultations across distances
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Access to formal and informal leadership professional development
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Warning – Terminology Ahead • Boring common videoconference terminology • Understanding these terms will help you in your use. Learn the ‘geek speek’
!!!! Boring Alert !!!!!
Basic Videoconferencing Terminology
CODEC or Endpoint: • •
The videoconference unit that typically has a camera attached. Is plugged into a TV or projector, microphones, dvd players, computers …
Basic Videoconferencing Terminology
Bandwidth: •
The amount of information or data that can be sent over a network connection in a given period of time.
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An analogy would be a water pipe where a larger diameter pipe can carry more water per second than a narrow pipe.
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Basic Videoconferencing Terminology
H:323 standard:
A newer video compression standard that connects videoconference endpoints.
Basic Videoconferencing Terminology Point-to-point Videoconference: Videoconference only between two sites.
Multipoint Videoconference: Videoconference with more than two sites. The sites must connect via a video bridge.
Basic Videoconferencing Terminology
Document sharing: Allows participants at both ends of a videoconference to view and edit the same computer document (i.e. PowerPoint).
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Basic Videoconferencing Terminology
Echo-cancellation: Process of eliminating acoustic echo in a videoconferencing room. (Automatically built-in most systems)
Basic Videoconferencing Terminology
Frame Rate: The number of times still frames are displayed on a monitor, typically described in frames-per-second (fps). Higher frame rates improve the appearance of video motion. Home TV (full motion video) is 30 frames-persecond.
Basic Videoconferencing Terminology
Video Bridge or MCU: Computerized switching system which allows multipoint videoconferencing.
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Basic Videoconferencing Terminology
Quality of Service (QoS):
Guarantees the audio and video arrives on time.
Videoconference Etiquette • Videoconference Etiquette is important to ensure videoconferences are effective, controlled and productive.
Before the Meeting
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Prepare an agenda Script sessions out Establish roles for participants Prepare questions/statements Use camera’s pre-sets
TEST! TEST! TEST!
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During the Meeting • • • • • •
Introduce participants Keep everyone on task Zoom in on speakers Mute microphones Keep body movements to a minimum Establish eye contact with the camera
Effective Presentations
Videoconferencing do’s & don’ts • • • • • • •
Room and environment considerations Participant location and camera angles Lighting Microphones Clothing Body language Contact information
Be Prepared! Expect the Unexpected Always Have Plan B…
