Videoconference 101 Where Do We start? How complex is this? First the good news. Is it rocket science?

Transcription

1 Videoconference 101 Where Do We start? 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 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 1

2 Now the bad news At a technical level it can get very complicated Using videoconference technologies is easy only if the technologies work 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 Video output: computer monitor or television Audio input: microphones Audio output: usually loudspeakers associated with the display device or telephone Data transfer: digital telephone network, LAN or Internet 2

3 What are the benefits of videoconferencing in education? For Students Link students to outside experts Bring together multiple classrooms Connect students with a teacher in a different location (remote delivery) Allow students to take virtual field trips Provide support for students with special needs What are the benefits of videoconferencing in education? For Teachers: Collaboration with peers (Professional Learning Communities) Accesses to formal and informal professional development Participate in graduate programs through various of postsecondary institutions 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 Interviews and consultations across distances Access to formal and informal leadership professional development 3

4 Warning Terminology Ahead Boring common videoconference terminology Understanding these terms will help you in your use. Learn the geek speek!!!! Boring Alert!!!!! CODEC or Endpoint: The videoconference unit that typically has a camera attached. Is plugged into a TV or projector, microphones, dvd players, computers Bandwidth: The amount of information or data that can be sent over a network connection in a given period of time. An analogy would be a water pipe where a larger diameter pipe can carry more water per second than a narrow pipe. 4

5 H:323 standard: A newer video compression standard that connects videoconference endpoints. 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. Document sharing: Allows participants at both ends of a videoconference to view and edit the same computer document (i.e. PowerPoint). 5

6 Echo-cancellation: Process of eliminating acoustic echo in a videoconferencing room. (Automatically built-in most systems) 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. Video Bridge or MCU: Computerized switching system which allows multipoint videoconferencing. 6

7 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 Prepare an agenda Script sessions out Establish roles for participants Prepare questions/statements Use camera s pre-sets TEST! TEST! TEST! 7

8 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 8

9 Have Fun!!! You Are Limited Only By Your Imagination! Questions?? Thanks for Your Participation! 9