Overview of Overview of VideoconferencingVideoconferencing
Ellen Varley & Brad Paleg
CIT – Distance Learning
January 28, 2003
Overview of Videoconferencing - Slide #2
"Facing the Challenge of a New Age""Facing the Challenge of a New Age"
“This new world of geographical togetherness has been brought about, to a great extent, by man's scientific and technological genius. Man has been able to dwarf distance, place time in chains and carve highways through the stratosphere. Through our scientific genius, we have made the world a neighborhood…”
Martin Luther King, Jr., December, 1956
Overview of Videoconferencing - Slide #3
Learner GoalsLearner Goals
Describe videoconferencing concepts, including situations where videoconferencing may be used
Identify the videoconferencing equipment Locate and utilize AGNR specific
videoconferencing information on the web Describe who to contact for scheduling a
videoconference Describe how to prepare for a videoconference
Overview of Videoconferencing - Slide #4
Videoconferencing – What Is It?Videoconferencing – What Is It?
“Video conferencing in its most basic form is the transmission of image (video) and speech (audio) back and forth between two or more physically separate locations.”
Video Conferencing Cookbook.
http://www.vide.gatech.edu/cookbook2.0/
Overview of Videoconferencing - Slide #5
Videoconferencing ComponentsVideoconferencing Components
Cameras (to capture and send video from your local endpoint)
Video displays (to display video received from remote endpoints)
Microphones (to capture and send audio from your local endpoint)
Speakers (to play audio received from remote endpoints)
Overview of Videoconferencing - Slide #6
In Addition, Two Additional Requirements:In Addition, Two Additional Requirements:
Codec - "compressor/de-compressor“ - makes the audio/video data "small enough" to be practical for sending over expensive network connections. A codec takes analog signals, compresses and digitizes them, and transmits the signals over digital phone lines.
The Supporting System and the Network Connection
Overview of Videoconferencing - Slide #7
H.323 – It’s Not a DiseaseH.323 – It’s Not a Disease
Standard for interoperability in audio, video and data transmissions as well as Internet phone and voice-over-IP (VoIP)
Enables videoconferencing without usage fees
But does not have QOS (quality of service)
Overview of Videoconferencing - Slide #8
POP QUIZ (multiple choice)POP QUIZ (multiple choice)
A polycom is:– A) one of those geometric atrocities whose
angles add up to a heck of a lot more than the sum of its sides
– B) A tame parrot (Polycalm, get it?)– C) A triangular representation of the USS
Starship.– D) None of the above
Overview of Videoconferencing - Slide #9
PolycomPolycom
Polycom is the market leader in endpoint voice and video communications.
AGNR has been a user of Polycom equipment for roughly three years.
University System of Maryland has standardized on H.323 videoconferencing using Polycom videoconferencing equipment.
Overview of Videoconferencing - Slide #10
Polycom UnitsPolycom Units
Large conference room units:– ViewStation FX and the VS 4000
Medium conference room units:– ViewStation MP
Personal units: – ViaVideo
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Show Me The MoneyShow Me The Money
Medium / Large Room Systems– ViewStation FX - $8,000 –$10,000
Small Room Systems– ViewStation H.323 - $4,000 - $6,000
Desktop Systems– ViaVideo - $400
Overview of Videoconferencing - Slide #12
Point-to-point ConferencesPoint-to-point Conferences
Point-to-point – A videoconference that connects two locations.
Each site sees and hears the other sites at all times
Overview of Videoconferencing - Slide #13
Multipoint ConferencesMultipoint Conferences
Point-to-multipoint – A videoconference that connects to more than two sites through the use of a multi-point control unit, or MCU.
Participants at all sites can hear one another at all times and see the site that is currently speaking.– Voice activated switching
Multi-point conferencing can be effective although the scheduling, technical, and logistical dimensions of MCU conferences can be imposing.
Overview of Videoconferencing - Slide #14
Multipoint ConferencesMultipoint Conferences
AGNR has two different capabilities of participating in multipoint conferences– Utilize a bridge maintained by the USM Office
of Information Technology– Some of the Polycom units (Gudelsky Center,
LESREC, UMD - Plant Sciences, and UMES) include four point MCU functionality
Overview of Videoconferencing - Slide #15
But It’s Much More Than Video:But It’s Much More Than Video:
Computer presentationsOther media
– CD, DVD, video
ELMO visual presenter (hardcopies, photos)
Audioconferencing
Overview of Videoconferencing - Slide #16
Various Uses:Various Uses:
Presentations Virtual meetingsVideoconference-based learningJIT (just in time) eventsRecruitment/search committeesGeneral meetings
Overview of Videoconferencing - Slide #17
Additional Uses:Additional Uses:
Project coordination Informal work sessions Alumni relations Question and answer sessions
Others?
Overview of Videoconferencing - Slide #18
Visual CollaborationVisual Collaboration
Meetings Meetings, presentations, training
Work alone Teaming, local and remoteOn-site training Distance learning, online
trainingSave Money Be more productiveReliable connections Managed network servicesVideoconferencing Visual collaboration
Visual CollaborationAndrew W. Davis
Wainhouse ResearchJune 1999
Overview of Videoconferencing - Slide #19
Benefits of VideoconferencingBenefits of Videoconferencing
Can improve work quality Increase productivity Reduce costs Improves communication Groups can meet more frequently Critical meetings can be convened in less time More faculty and staff can be involved
Overview of Videoconferencing - Slide #20
Benefits of Videoconference-based Benefits of Videoconference-based LearningLearning
Closely resembles traditional classroom-based education; permits learners to be active participants in the process
Faculty and staff needs can be met more quickly through just-in-time training
More faculty and staff can be trained faster without increasing training resources
Guest lecturers can be easily integrated into the course
Overview of Videoconferencing - Slide #21
Benefits of Videoconference-based Benefits of Videoconference-based LearningLearning
Enables any site to be the provider of the learning activities.
Videoconferencing is cost-effective, when you consider the traveling costs for traditional training.
Videoconference-based learning exploits the already acquired videoconferencing technologies and network infrastructure.
H.323 standards provide for learners in any H.323 compliant site to be active participants.
Overview of Videoconferencing - Slide #22
Limitations of VideoconferencingLimitations of Videoconferencing
The initial cost of the equipment and leasing the lines to transmit conferences may be prohibitive.
Unless a strong effort is made by the instructor, students not located with the instructor may remain uninvolved in the course.
If visuals, like handwritten or copied materials, are not properly prepared, students may have a difficult time reading them.
Overview of Videoconferencing - Slide #23
Limitations of VideoconferencingLimitations of Videoconferencing
If the “pipe” that carries the transmission among sites is not large enough, the students may observe “ghost images” when rapid movement occurs in “real time”
If the system is not properly configured, class members may observe an audio “echo” effect. The result is audio interference that detracts from the learning environment.
Overview of Videoconferencing - Slide #24
Limitations of VideoconferencingLimitations of Videoconferencing
The absence of QOS (Quality of Service) provides virtually no guarantee of a satisfying and successful experience
Though the technology is improving, a successful videoconference is dependent upon the connections and technologies at all of the participating sites, AND the network infrastructure
Security issues
Overview of Videoconferencing - Slide #25
Gudelsky Center
UMD Plant Sciences Building
UMD, Symons Hall
Salisbury Facility (LESREC)
UMES, Henson Center
Washington County CESWye
AGNR Videoconferencing FacilitiesAGNR Videoconferencing Facilities
Overview of Videoconferencing - Slide #26
AGNR Videoconferencing FacilitiesAGNR Videoconferencing Facilities
Gudelsky Center, Rita Sato UMD, Plant Sciences, Chris Sargent Salisbury Facility (LESREC), Linda Williams Symons Hall, Brad Paleg UMES, Henson Building, Kat Harting Washington County Cooperative Extension
Office, Steve Rogowsky Wye, Nan Stenzel
Best Practices Video ActivityBest Practices Video Activity
Identify five techniques you will use to improve the quality of your videoconference-based classes.
Resource: UW-Madison Videoconferencing video– http://www.doit.wisc.edu/training/pte/video/index.asp– Video Conferencing at DoIT
Overview of Videoconferencing - Slide #28
AGNR Videoconferencing InfoAGNR Videoconferencing Info
http://www.agnr.umd.edu/CIT/DL/
Click on Videoconferencing
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Tricks Of The TradeTricks Of The Trade
At the beginning of a videoconference make sure that participants introduce themselves. It is often helpful to have a sign in the background that gives your location.
Look directly at the camera as often as possible when speaking.
Wear neutral, solid colors. Avoid checks and stripes. Avoid white and shades of red. Red is not codec-friendly. Bright fluorescent objects also cause halo effects and other distracting artifacts.
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Tricks Of The TradeTricks Of The Trade
Be natural, but try to minimize motion. Try to arrange a simple, uncluttered, static
background in neutral or darker solid colors. Do not sit in front of windows. Tilt pictures, framed degrees, awards or any other glass-covered wall hanging downward to eliminate reflection and glare.
Overview of Videoconferencing - Slide #31
Tricks Of The TradeTricks Of The Trade
Try to have direct light on the face of the person speaking. Too much light from behind causes silhouetting, too much from above causes shadows under the eyes.
Avoid placing videoconferencing equipment in rooms prone to echo effects or exposed to outside noise. Eliminate in-room sources of extraneous noise. On multipoint video conferences mute your location when not speaking.
Overview of Videoconferencing - Slide #32
Tricks Of The TradeTricks Of The Trade
Be aware of the transmission delay ... pause for others to comment.
When asking questions in a group conference, direct the question to a specific individual if possible.
Use a real or even a fake plant to humanize the setting.
Visual CollaborationAndrew W. Davis
Wainhouse Research
Overview of Videoconferencing - Slide #33
Prepare for the Worst Case ScenarioPrepare for the Worst Case Scenario
Find out who handles difficult technical problems and how to contact him/her.
Designate a remote facilitator. Develop a contingency plan for the remote site
and share it with the remote facilitator. You might, for example, have a discussion topic or activity that supports the videoconference outcomes.
Overview of Videoconferencing - Slide #34
Prepare for the Worst Case ScenarioPrepare for the Worst Case Scenario
Share telephone numbers with your remote facilitator and troubleshooters.
Make sure you (and your troubleshooters) are familiar with the equipment.
Establish your connection 15-30 minutes prior to the meeting time. Most technical problems are observable when establishing a connection.
If you have never connected with your remote site plan a "dry run" a week or so ahead of time.
Overview of Videoconferencing - Slide #35
Videoconference-basedVideoconference-basedLearning StrategiesLearning Strategies
Establish Class Expectations– It ain’t MTV– At the begining of the session, prepare the preparing
learners for an active experience
Reduce DistractionsEngage Students with Variety and InteractionEncourage Dialogue
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Video Conferencing EtiquetteVideo Conferencing Etiquette
This is new and we are learning. Those who come from a television
(production, not watching) as opposed to a computer background tend to be more effective.
Overview of Videoconferencing - Slide #37
Video Conferencing EtiquetteVideo Conferencing Etiquette
Testing, testing, 1, 2, 3,…– Connect and test PRIOR to the scheduled time– Utilize the picture-in-picture to get a sense of
what the remote sites are seeingLeaving well enough alone…
– If the videoconference is satisfactory make as few adjustments as possible
– Unnecessary "twiddling" of audio or video can have very distracting results.
Overview of Videoconferencing - Slide #38
Video Conferencing EtiquetteVideo Conferencing Etiquette
Are you still with me?– Videoconferencing is much more like an in
person exchange than a telephone call — body language and facial expression count!
– Avoid "multi-tasking" with other work, looking at other applications on the computer screen, talking to other local participants.
Overview of Videoconferencing - Slide #39
Video Conferencing EtiquetteVideo Conferencing Etiquette
Talking out of turn…– Stray noises and side conversations within a
video conference distract from the primary conversation.
– Side conversations at remote sites seem to spring up more readily than they would if everyone were in the same actual room, which causes problems to voice-activated switching.
Overview of Videoconferencing - Slide #40
Videoconferencing Resources:Videoconferencing Resources:
AGNR information: – http://www.agnr.umd.edu/cit/dl/, click on
Videoconferencing Video Conferencing Cookbook.
– http://www.vide.gatech.edu/cookbook2.0/ Distance Education at a Glance Guide #10
– http://www.uidaho.edu/evo/dist10.html
Videoconferencing for Learning– http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/vidconf/