What is H.323
Our Story
Barriers
Resources
Agenda
Strategies
Cool Bytes - Jazz NightsACE/NETC 2003
Sunday, June 15,2003
Ellen Varley, AGNR Distance Learning Specialist
Brad Paleg, AGNR Distance Learning Specialist
http://www.agnr.umd.edu/cit/dl/
Beat the Winter Blues While Jazzing Up
Professional Development
What is H.323
Our Story
Barriers
Resources
Agenda
Strategies
Session Agenda Describe H.323 videoconferencing
– Components required– Utilization opportunities
Our story– Use of H.323 in AGNR
Barriers to effective videoconferenced-based professional development
Strategies for effective videoconference-based teaching and learning
Resources
What is H.323
Our Story
Barriers
Resources
Agenda
Strategies
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.videnet.gatech.edu/cookbook/
What is H.323
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H.323 – It’s Not a Disease
Standard for interoperability – Audio, video and data transmissions– Internet phone– Voice-over-IP (VoIP)
Enables videoconferencing without usage fees
But does not have QOS (quality of service)
What is H.323
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Videoconferencing Components
Cameras – to capture and send video Video displays – to display video received Microphones – to capture and send audio Speakers – to play audio received
What is H.323
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Two Additional Requirements Codec - "compressor/de-compressor“ - makes the
audio/video data "small enough" to be practical for sending over expensive network connections.– takes analog signals,– compresses and digitizes them,– and transmits the signals over digital phone lines.
The supporting system and the network connection
What is H.323
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Polycom
Polycom is the market leader in endpoint voice and video communications.
AGNR has been a user of Polycom equipment for four years.
University System of Maryland standardized on H.323 videoconferencing using Polycom videoconferencing equipment in August 2002.
What is H.323
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Polycom Units
Large conference room units:– ViewStation FX and the VS 4000
Medium conference room units:– ViewStation MP
Personal units: – ViaVideo
What is H.323
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Show 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
What is H.323
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Point-to-point Conferences
Point-to-point – A videoconference that connects two locations.
Each site sees and hears the other sites at all times
What is H.323
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Multipoint 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
What is H.323
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But It’s Much More Than Video
Computer presentations Other media
– CD, DVD, video ELMO visual presenter (hardcopies,
photos) Audioconferencing
What is H.323
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Various Uses
Presentations Virtual meetings Videoconference-based learning Just-In-Time events Recruitment/search committees Project coordination
Visual 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
What is H.323
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A Little About Our World We are employed as Distance Learning Specialists at
the University of Maryland’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) has a three prong mission achieved through academics, applied research, and outreach.
AGNR locations include 24 Extension offices and 11 centers that provide resources for research and educational programming.
What is H.323
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New Charge
Provide distance learning and information technology professional development
Reach faculty and staff at multiple locations
Model effective teaching and learning strategies
What is H.323
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Input from Potential Learners
Professional Development Needs Assessment Survey
– quantify desired learning opportunities– identify logistics– determine learner preferences
What is H.323
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Input from Instructors
Shared survey results Sought qualified and interested
instructors Collaboratively developed course
content and overall curriculum of series
What is H.323
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Why H.323 is Selected
Learners did not want to travel Limited budget Leveling the playing field Modeling an emerging technology suitable for
teaching and learning Desire for a technology that closely replicates
the face-to-face classroom model
Gudelsky Center
UMD Plant Sciences Building
UMD, Symons Hall
Salisbury Facility (LESREC)
UMES, Henson Center
Washington County CESWye
AGNR Videoconferencing Facilities
What is H.323
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Statistics
270Participants
308Registrants
19Course offerings
11Courses
9Support personnel
8Instructors
2002
What is H.323
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Statistics
358270Participants
466308Registrants
2519Course offerings
1711Courses
99Support personnel
188Instructors
20032002
What is H.323
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Statistics
Increase 33%358270Participants
Increase 51%466308Registrants
Increase 32%2519Course offerings
Increase 55%1711Courses
No change99Support personnel
Increase 125%188Instructors
Percent Change 20032002
Prof. Development Series CalendarJanuary 2003
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
6 7 Access - All About Tables
Access - Designing Reports
8Planning & Organ. of
Web Pages
Introduction to AGNR Web Tools
9 Writing for Your Audience
WWF Smackdown! Design
10Introduction to HTML - Create Web Pages with HTML Code
13 Introduction to Netscape Email
14PowerPoint - Basic Techniques
PowerPoint – Interactive Techniq.
15Overview of Digital Photography Photoshop Tips and Tricks
16
17Electronic Library Databases Introduction to Dreamweaver 20 21
Using Corporate Time on the Web
Introduction to Netscape Email
22WWF Smackdown! Design
23Photoshop Tips and Tricks Overview of Digital Photography
24Access - Designing Reports
Access - All About Tables 27
PowerPoint - Basic Techniques
PowerPoint – Interactive Techniq.
28 Videoconferencing - Basic Skills and Tools
29
30 Adv. Web Template Tips & Tricks
31
What is H.323
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Barriers to Effective Videoconference-based Professional Development Lack of:
– Technical support – Technical infrastructure – Technical expertise/ staff training – Marketing and sustaining the program – Organizational support
Cho and Berge, 2002
What is H.323
Our Story
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Agenda
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Barriers to Effective Videoconference-based Professional Development Lack of:
– Planning and delivering courses – Evaluation of courses – Learner interaction and communication – Student support – Incentives for instructors
Cho and Berge, 2002
What is H.323
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Strategies
Develop a learning community– Ensure time for interaction – Know thy learner
Design for active and effective learning Avoid the lone ranger syndrome Level the playing field Prepare for worst case scenario Plan for robust evaluation
What is H.323
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ISD - Instructional
Systems Development
Sound Videoconferencing
Practices
ProjectManagement
SweetSpot
The Sweet Spot
What is H.323
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Develop a Learning Community
Use an online registration system that identifies class participants.
Share the responsibility of active learning– Pre-assignments– Predefined expectations– Learner-learner interaction
Consider an icebreaking activity Have learners introduce themselves Encourage learners to engage in discussions.
Online Registration System
Online Registration System
Online Registration System
What is H.323
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Design for Active and Effective Learning Learner-centered approach
– Understand needs and goals of the learners – Encourage collaborative learning– Choose appropriate instructional strategies
Measurable performance objectives– Clearly state desired learning outcomes– Plan assessment that matches defined objectives
Relevant content– Requested by the learners
Consider local learning environment
What is H.323
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Ensure Time For Interaction
Videoconferences should be run as seminars rather than lectures– Allot time for learners to ask questions of
the instructor and to discuss the subject matter with their peers
Plan collaborative activities
What is H.323
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Know Thy Learner Analysis, analysis, analysis Are they MOTIVATED? If so, what are
their motivations? Can you describe the targeted learner? Have they participated in a videoconference?
If so, what were their experiences? Is videoconferencing the most effective way
to reach your learners?
What is H.323
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Three Key Questions!
What do I want the learners to be able to do?
How will I know if they can do it? How can I tell when they are doing it
right?– provide criteria for assessment– request feedback throughout class
What is H.323
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Avoid the Lone Ranger Syndrome Instructors Instructional designers Technology support Facilitators Project managers Web developers Marketing Specialists
What is H.323
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Level the Playing Field
Needs of all College faculty and staff considered equally
Distribute materials (handouts, web-based, URLs) in advance
Equitable access to technologies and materials
Planned activities that engage the remote and local learners
What is H.323
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Prepare for Worst Case Scenario Provide contact information for technical support. Have a phone at each location. Designate a remote facilitator. Develop a contingency plan for the remote site(s)
and share it with the remote facilitator. You might, for example, have a discussion topic or
activity that supports the videoconference outcomes.
What is H.323
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Prepare for Worst Case Scenario Share telephone numbers with your remote
facilitator and troubleshooters. 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.
What is H.323
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Plan for Formative and Summative Evaluation Instructor
– Informal feedback contributed to redesign
Learner– Formal summative evaluation led to:
• Additional courses• Modifications in instruction• Online course resources
Online Evaluation System
Tech Support
Project Management
Instructional Systems
Development
Learners
Technology
Realistic Expectations
Instructor(s)
Evaluation
Sound Videoconferencing
Practices
Contingency Plan
Network Infrastructure
Tech Support
What is H.323
Our Story
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Videoconferencing Resources University of Maryland AGNR videoconferencing
information: – http://www.agnr.umd.edu/cit/dl/, click on Videoconferencing
Video Conferencing Cookbook.– http://www.videnet.gatech.edu/cookbook/
Distance Education at a Glance Guide #10– http://www.uidaho.edu/evo/dist10.html
Videoconferencing for Learning– http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/vidconf/
What is H.323
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AGNR Professional Development Resources AGNR Training Website
– http://www.agnr.umd.edu/training/– Scroll down to “Distance Learning Professional Development Series”– Click on titles for class description
Professional Development Resources– http://www.agnr.umd.edu/CIT/DL/– Click on link in left frame
Online Evaluation– http://www.agnr.umd.edu/CIT/DL/– Click on link in left frame
What is H.323
Our Story
Barriers
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Agenda
Strategies
Barriers to Effective Videoconference-based Professional Development
Adapted from:
Kim Cho and Zane L. Berge, 2002
“Overcoming Barriers to Distance Training and Education.” USDLA Journal (16)1
http://www.usdla.org/html/journal/JAN02_Issue/article01.html
What is H.323
Our Story
Barriers
Resources
Agenda
Strategies
Questions ?????Comments !!!!!!!Discussion …….
What is H.323
Our Story
Barriers
Resources
Agenda
Strategies
Contact Information:Ellen VarleyDistance Learning SpecialistCollege of Agriculture & Natural ResourcesUniversity of Maryland0122 Symons HallCollege Park, MD 20742
E-mail: [email protected]: 301-405-4581
Brad PalegDistance Learning SpecialistCollege of Agriculture & Natural
ResourcesUniversity of Maryland0126 Symons HallCollege Park, MD 20742
E-mail: [email protected]: 301-405-2917H.323: 128.8.90.221
