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Building Connections by
Interactive Videoconference
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In August the Distance Learning Department at
the North Carolina School of Science and
Mathematics (NCSSM) hosted a two day
workshop on interactive videoconferencing
(IVC). Issues key to the successful
implementation of IVC were addressed.
With broadband access a basic requirement for
quality videoconferencing, Mark Johnson, the
Chief Technology Officer from MCNC, was the
first speaker with a presentation about the NC
Connectivity Project. Mark explained the
recently passed House Bill 1473 which allocates
$12 million in reoccuring funding to provide “equity of access” for all K-12
schools. To
provide that access, the NC Connectivity Project
goals are to define a sustainable funding model,
develop a business operational framework, and
design/develop a three year implementation
plan. (See http://connectivity.fi.ncsu.edu/ for
more information.)
Ken Nuebler of NC ITS Video Network Services
spoke about the mandated migration of K-12
schools from H.320 video-conferencing to
H.323. Ken demonstrated the new website ITS
has set up at www.ncih.net/hsmigration/ that
features information, forms, and FAQs to assist
lLEAs with the technology change. The
migration of the high schools will enable all
videoconferencing sites to operate on one
standard, and it will make it possible to offer
video services to many more K-12 educational
institutions.
In the fall of 2006 Gaston
County began sharing
courses among eight
high schools using videoconference.
Chris Hall,
Gaston’s Distance and
Online Learning Coordinator,
provided the
workshop participants
with an overview of the
program. Chris reviewed
the planning and logistics
to launch the multi-school
program. He described
the expanded course offerings, the equipment in the classrooms and
technology used to archive classes. As
coordinator Chris is also responsible for training
and technical support the participating teachers
receive in this very successful endeavor.
In separate videoconference sessions, Jessica
Humphries from the NC Museum of History and
Susannah Thompson from the NC Wildlife Resources
Commission engaged the audience in
sample lessons using the typical hands-on
‘realia’ material both agencies furnish for their
sessions.
NCSSM connected with Tim Barshinger in
Indianapolis to learn about “Grossology Live” programs (www.grossologylive.com).
This humorous and informative
presentation lived up to the claim, “It's the first
and only Live Inter-active Video Experience with
the guts to tackle your guts, the schmooze to
fend off the ooze, and a hip fascination with your
friend's flatulation.”
A second out-of-state connection featured Dale
Hinton from the Cleveland Museum of Art who
described the different IVC programs the
museum offers.
Concurrent sessions provided time for technical
staff to meet with Margaret Melvin from NC ITS
to learn about different split screen
configurations for scheduling sessions, and
facilitators joined in a discussion of the varied
responsibilities they face in the classroom.
Sessions for teachers provided opportunities to
learn presentation tips and strategies for
engaging the IVC student; teachers also had
time to practice in front of the camera and work
with different tools (Sympodium, drawing tablet,
chromakey, flex cam).
Technical staff met with Margaret Melvin to learn
about different split screen configurations for
scheduling sessions, and facilitators joined in a
discussion of the varied responsibilities they
face in the classroom.
While most of the workshop attendees qualified
as videoconferencing-enthusiasts, many report
challenges finding ways to get teachers to use of
IVC at their schools. To respond to questions
teachers often ask like, “Why should I videoconference?
When am I supposed to fit this in?” Carole Stern moderated a panel of seasoned
IVC users.
Linda Mc-Dermon, the Distance Learning
Coordinator at Rural Hall Elementary in Forsyth
County joined Carole at the podium and Janine
Lim, Instructional Technology Con-sultant, from
Berrien County, MI and Donna Farren, Distance
Learning Specialist, from Rochester, NY
connected by videoconference for a dynamic
and informative discussion.
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Carole Stern
NCSSM Outreach Specialist
stern@ncssm.edu |
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