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29 January 2008. Sony has introduced the industry’s first 1080i High Definition (HD) videoconferencing system and it is expected to be priced competitively at about $9,000 in North America and Euros 7000 in Europe. The new system is an expansion of Sony’s HD videoconferencing line-up. It incorporates several functions and features of the company’s PCS-HG90 system released in February 2006.
The new PCS-XG80 system combines 1080i resolution and a high frame rate of 60 fields per second to deliver superb live video quality and a very natural alternative to face-to-face meetings. Wide band stereo audio also enhances the overall meeting experience for users with crisp and clear sound.It gives a Natural and Clear Voice quality with a Sony Advanced Echo Canceller.
The new PCS-XG80 offers backward compatibility, giving users the option of connecting with HD video quality over the growing number of high bandwidth connections or with Standard Definition (SD) legacy systems, which comply with industry standards, over IP and/or ISDN.
In an industry first, this new Sony system also features: (1) BrightFace(tm) that produces clear images even when used in rooms with less-than-ideal lighting conditions; (2) Video Annotation with optional third-party tablet input device; and (3) “One-touch Dialing” with newly-designed RF Remote Commander Unit.
The new PCS-XG80 system offers Intelligent QoSTM Function – Intelligently Allocates Video Data Based on the Network Condition to Maintain High-picture Quality; and the H.235 Advanced Encryption Standard for High Security.
The new PCS-XG80 system has two network ports (LAN and WAN) to easily bridge between corporate network behind a firewall and the public Internet without using additional firewall traversal hardware or software.
Other enhanced features are: (1) Memory Stick (tm) Recording – Video and Audio can be recorded for later review; (2) a built-in Streaming Function for Broadcasting to Large Audiences; (3) Integrated Visual Communication – View images from an IP Camera during a videoconference; and (4) Single cable connection to HDTV with HDMI Interface.
Dual stream functionality lets users send two separate parallel streams of live, HD information. Both live camera view and animated PowerPoint data, for example, can be displayed in HD on two different screens or projectors at a remote site.
The PCS-XG80 complies with the ITU-T H.239 standard. Presentation data can be transferred at a frame rate as high as 30fps, which makes it possible to present animations during a videoconference. Moreover, by using the “Video Annotation” function of the PCS-XG80, you can clearly point out specific parts of an image by writing on a tablet (See above). With these outstanding data-sharing tools, you can now minimize misunderstandings during your videoconference.
The PCS-XG80 supports six-site multipoint conferencing and Continuous Presence Mode with Voice Activated switching. Users can call up to five other remote sites to simultaneously meet, with multi-language support for 20 different languages available through easy-to-navigate menus. There is a Russian version of the Remote. Wide band stereo audio also enhances the overall meeting experience for users with crisp and clear sound.
Mike Sekiguchi, general manager for Sony Electronics’ IPELA™videoconferencing group, said: “We believe that the PCS-XG80 system delivers the best available video and audio quality on the market for large corporate organizations, as well as SMEs (small and medium size enterprises), healthcare institutions, education establishments and government bodies that are looking for cost-effective, proven communication technologies. This technology allows people to engage ‘face-to-face,’ without incurring the financial, environmental and human costs of what is often unnecessary travel in today’s global business environment.”
The new system is expected to be available this Spring in North America at a suggested list price of approximately $8,999. Kees Hoogstraate, manager of videoconferencing products at Sony Europe, told us the price would be about Euros 7000 in Europe. The Sony PCSA-CHG90 HD camera for the PCS-HG90 codec was priced at $11,000 when it came out in 2006.
New Article
vc-net headquartered in the City of London wins a VC Insight Award as one of The Five Best Providers of always-on IP Networks dedicated to Videoconferencing in the year 2007
28 January 2008. vc-net - The collaboration Company achieved some significant technological and business milestones in 2007 and introduced an aggressive channel strategy for 2008 to facilitate further growth.
vc-net was founded in February 2000 as Europe’s first provider of a telecom network dedicated to videoconferencing. The company provides an “always-on” IP Network to its many blue chip customers. vc-net experienced strong and growing demand for its services in 2007 when revenues almost doubled, mainly due to fast growth in Europe.
As “vc-net - The collaboration Company”, vc-net is showing its customers how collaboration is the next paradigm for increased workforce efficiency. vc-net shows customers (1) how to put teams together, (2) how teams interact best to enhance performance, and (3) helps them find and implement the appropriate videoconferencing network and equipment solutions.
vc-net offers a hosted Microsoft OCS solution, but the main offering is the reservation-less conferencing service - Hub Meeting which can be found at www.hubmeeting.com. With software written by vc-net, this can integrate any video codec; vc-net is looking at some of the latest codecs for 2008 and to eradicate choppy networks.
vc-net is a licensed telecoms carrier (Annex 2 in the UK). The IP network has its major POPs in London, Frankfurt and New York. There are smaller POPs or partnerships in: Australia, Belgium, France, Gibraltar, Ireland, Netherlands, Luxemburg, Spain, and Switzerland in Europe; and in Canada, India and Kuwait. vc-net had 24 partner telecom providers helping it to achieve this global reach at the end of 2006.
In 2007, vc-net added satellite offices in Los Angeles, Mumbai, Shanghai, and Sydney and there are plans to add Paris early in 2008. In 2007, vc-net achieved important accreditations with its strategic partners, including Cisco, Novell and Microsoft (Gold Partner status). In addition, vc-net moved into new purpose–built premises in London and doubled the capacity of its data centres there. This enabled the company to provide more customer-hosted network services to large companies.
Not all of the major customer wins in 2007 have been announced but here are two that have.
In 2007, for Jimmy Choo, the world-famous luxury brand, vc-net helped to find and implement the right components for its high-performance multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) network to provide consistency throughout the organisation. The company also installed the high-definition videoconferencing facilities linking its main offices across Europe and the US, as well as VoIP telephony to help decrease internal call costs. Jimmy Choo and vc-net won ‘Private Sector Project of the Year’ at Computing Awards for Excellence in 2007.
Also in 2007, vc-net finalised a five-year contract with Archant, a British group which publishes four daily regional newspapers, 85 weekly titles and 75 magazines as well as maintaining 120 websites. Archant’s new managed network will inter-connect all its offices, print centres, home users and trusted partners and enable Voice over IP, Video over IP and rich media collaboration.
Under the new vc-net channel strategy, innovative AV, voice and data resellers are invited to assist vc-net in identifying opportunities to satisfy the fast-growing demand for IP network services. In return, resellers can enjoy access to vc-net’s extensive knowledge in networking technology and introductions into some of the largest and most respected organisations today.
Dan Somers, Founder and Managing Director of vc-net told us: “2007 has been another outstanding year for us. We developed the company strategy in 2006 so that we can offer a much wider set of services to our customers. They have appreciated this and our revenues almost doubled in 2007 as a result. Further expansion with both old and new customers and through our new network of resellers is planned in 2008.”
vc-net enhanced its extensive global IP video network service dedicated to videoconferencing in 2007 and introduced new enterprise collaboration services. That is why vc-net was chosen as one of The Five Best Providers of always-on IP Networks dedicated to Videoconferencing in the year 2007, as it was for the Year 2005 and 2006.
New Article
The dedicated network for videoconferencing of Network-i based in London wins a VCInsight Award as one of The Five Best Providers of always-on IP Networks dedicated to Videoconferencing in the year 2007
28 January 2008. Network-i’s IP network dedicated to video conferencing is called In-Vision and was started four years ago. The service provides end-to-end connections to the UK, Ireland, Western Europe, and every major city in the United States.
In-Vision is an always-on service offered to customers at fixed cost per month independent of usage and at a fraction of price of leased-line networks and MPLS based IP VPN’s. The In-Vision customer base continued to grow rapidly in 2007.
Network-i has been operating successfully since 1996. The company based in Slough near London runs an IP network backbone for some of the UK’s leading Internet Service Providers. The company launched a parallel network for the sole use of videoconferencing in 2004 and added Security Gatekeepers, Managed Multi-point Bridging and IP to ISDN gateways. The company then took the service to market through a network of value-added resellers.
System Integrators such as VideoCentric are embracing the technology to offer their customers unlimited IP video calls for a fixed monthly fee. David Shimell, MD of Video Centric told us “Our customers are looking for a single source solution with no hidden costs.”
David Lucas-Smith, Vice President of Sales, told us “Network-i saw its Videoconferencing network usage double over the course of the year 2007 for the third year in succession.”
David continued: “ The company has seen two major developments in 2007, extending the breadth of offering to encompass homeworker solutions and a fully managed service designed to deliver 100% successful video meetings across a large number of sites.”
“Network-I’s managed service proposition underwrites the promises that a vendor makes to the business. End user adoption increases dramatically if the service is easy to use. With call launching capabilities for room based systems and 24/7 support, ease of use and peace of mind are key differentiators of our Invision service,” he concluded
Videoconferencing users whose endpoints are connected to the Internet can also register their equipment with Network-i’s system giving them a cost effective way of connecting to ISDN-connected Video endpoints. This negates the requirement to install and rent ISDN lines and frequently reduces the cost of new hardware acquisition by up to 20%. This method of connection is particularly popular outside of the UK when dedicated bandwidth may be more expensive.
Network-i’s homeworker package is based on the BT Max Premium service which allows a video service to be cost-effectively rolled out to remote sites with limited budget allowances. MCUs and Gateway services located at Network-i datacentres are made available over a highly-tuned ADSL environment. Network-i’s solution is engineered to take priority over ADSL Max products at the exchange and to avoid conflict with general data traffic on the Network-i backbone.
Commenting on the year’s progress in 2007, David Lucas-Smith was quick to praise the efforts of Network-i’s reseller partners. “We are fortunate to have prolific partners that are comfortable in a solutions sale environment. We have made significant gains in all market segments, notably Law, Government and Medicine and I am delighted with both the quantity and quality of the contracts we have written this year.”
Network-i is not always free to disclose its customer success stories. But one major law firm David described to us linked several UK sites with sites abroad and involved managing the end user experience in places as far away as Dubai, Hong Kong and Australia. In this example, the meeting delegates need only get themselves to the designated rooms where they will find all parties connected 15 minutes before the scheduled meeting time.
When we asked David about the prospects for 2008, he said: “We have just received planning permission for our new 20,000sq ft hosting facility and we are expecting to be housing a lot of customer MCUs. In addition, we have some exciting new developments round the corner and there is every chance that 2008 could completely eclipse this last year. Better watch this space!”
For all these reasons we have chosen Network-i as one of The Five Best Providers of always-on IP Networks dedicated to Videoconferencing in the year 2007, as it was for the Year 2005 and Year 2006.
Advanced Video Conferencing - Professional SolutionsVideo conferencing is basically the integration of audio and video elements
into a data system to allow two or more people to communicate simultaneously
over a telecommunications medium. Instead of being in the same room, video
conferencing will allow individuals located in different geographic locations to
conduct a meeting.
The main components of video conferencing are cameras, microphones,
appropriate software and equipment as well as a high bandwidth data transmission
to relay information back and forth among the parties involved.Basic video conferencing works by having a computer codec (short for
code-decode) convert analog information captured by a microphone (sound) and
camera (image) into digital signals. This digitized information is cut up into
manageable units of information called packets. These packets are sent down the
data transmission line and are received by the other party where the same codec
retranslates the digital data into analog audio and video signals.Advanced video conferencing still works on the same premise, only at a much
more sophisticated level. Most basic video conferencing use the Internet and a
high speed Internet connection to facilitate a session. The problem with this is
that even with high bandwidth access, the Internet can still cause more hiccups
in the system because of having so many computers involved. This can therefore
result in choppy images and sounds. This can be very distracting and irritating,
especially when your meeting will last more than an hour.
To address this problem, advanced video conferencing systems use a dedicated
line to transmit not only TV quality audio and video signals to the meeting
parties, but also other forms of data information like pictures, sound clips and
office files. Some systems can actually support a virtual whiteboard where
parties can write on the same board. Another feature of advanced video
conferencing is a moderation control where you can control who hears what in a
conference (something you cannot do in a real life meeting).however, because of these beefed up features, this level of video
conferencing can cost quite an amount. That is why there are companies that
offer the rental of a facility and/or equipment to parties interested in
advanced video conferencing. If you live within a business district, there is
bound to be an outfit in your area that offers such services.Tips in conducting a successful video conference:. Have a clear agenda prepared before the meeting and have all pertinent
documents and visual aids ready. . Plan the conference as far in advance as possible (especially for overseas
calls) to allow for necessary coordination with either the rental facility or
with the IT department of your organization.
3. Have the participants be at their conferencing facility 10 to 15 minutes
before the meeting begins so that enough time is given to final preparations.
Making people wait for one particular individual may aggravate the other
parties.Avoid wearing strong-colored clothing (too light or too dark) as this has a
distracting effect on video cameras.An advanced video conference or not, these preparation tips will help make
your video conferencing a successful one. In the selection of what video
conference system to use, weigh the pros and cons. One may not necessarily be
better than the other. It is simply a matter of knowing what you need and the
parameters (budget included) you have set to get it
Advanced Video
Conferencing - Professional SolutionsVideo conferencing is basically the
integration of audio and video elements into a data system to allow two or more
people to communicate simultaneously over a telecommunications medium. Instead
of being in the same room, video conferencing will allow individuals located in
different geographic locations to conduct a meeting. The main components of
video conferencing are cameras, microphones, appropriate software and equipment
as well as a high bandwidth data transmission to relay information back and
forth among the parties involved.Basic video conferencing works by having a
computer codec (short for code-decode) convert analog information captured by a
microphone (sound) and camera (image) into digital signals. This digitized
information is cut up into manageable units of information called packets. These
packets are sent down the data transmission line and are received by the other
party where the same codec retranslates the digital data into analog audio and
video signals.Advanced video conferencing still works on the same premise, only
at a much more sophisticated level. Most basic video conferencing use the
Internet and a high speed Internet connection to
facilitate a session. The problem with this is that even with high bandwidth
access, the Internet can still cause more hiccups in the system because of
having so many computers involved. This can therefore result in choppy images
and sounds. This can be very distracting and irritating, especially when your
meeting will last more than an hour. To address this problem, advanced video
conferencing systems use a dedicated line to transmit not only TV quality audio
and video signals to the meeting parties, but also other forms of data
information like pictures, sound clips and office files. Some systems can
actually support a virtual whiteboard where parties can write on the same board.
Another feature of advanced video conferencing is a moderation control where you
can control who hears what in a conference (something you cannot do in a real
life meeting).however, because of these beefed up features, this level of video
conferencing can cost quite an amount. That is why there are companies that
offer the rental of a facility and/or equipment to parties interested in
advanced video conferencing. If you live within a business district, there is
bound to be an outfit in your area that offers such services.Tips in conducting
a successful video conference:. Have a clear agenda prepared before the meeting
and have all pertinent documents and visual aids ready. . Plan the conference as
far in advance as possible (especially for overseas calls) to allow for
necessary coordination with either the rental facility or with the IT department
of your organization. 3. Have the participants be at their conferencing facility
10 to 15 minutes before the meeting begins so that enough time is given to final
preparations. Making people wait for one particular individual may aggravate the
other parties.Avoid wearing strong-colored clothing (too light or too dark) as
this has a distracting effect on video cameras.An advanced video conference or
not, these preparation tips will help make your video conferencing a successful
one. In the selection of what video conference system to use, weigh the pros and
cons. One may not necessarily be better than the other. It is simply a matter of
knowing what you need and the parameters (budget included) you have set to get
itConference call and conference calling - phone conference calling services are
being used by companies more than ever for their business needs. Many affordable
audio phone conference calling companies promise discount prices or affordable
conference calling options simply to get your business. Make sure you know the
whole truth before signing up. Affordable conference call service offers many of
the same services as other companies, all at a discount rate. Our affordable
service is available 24 hours a day for your business or personal use. We
provide a secure and private means for your audio conference calling needs -
without the necessity of traveling to a central location.Our main
Reservationless service all participants call the same dial-in number, passcode
and then are placed in the call. Use our secure phone lines to hold your next
conference calling event and see why more companies taking advantage of our
affordable rates. Affordable conference call service is in the business to save
you money. If you are looking for a phone conference calling company that offers
secure phone lines, automated touch-tone services, and discount pricing, log
onto our website today and see that we are taking over the audio conference
industrySome VoIP providers offer their services for free, normally only for
calls to other subscribers to the service. Your VoIP provider may permit you to
select an area code different from the area in which you live. It also means
that people who call you may incur long distance charges depending on their area
code and service. Some VoIP providers charge for a long distance call to a
number outside your calling area, similar to existing, traditional wireline
telephone service. Other VoIP providers permit you to call anywhere at a flat
rate for a fixed number of minutes. If I have VoIP service, who can I
call?Depending upon your service, you might be limited only to other subscribers
to the service, or you may be able to call anyone who has a telephone number -
including local, long distance, mobile, and international numbers. If you are
calling someone who has a regular analog phone, that person does not need any
special equipment to talk to you. Some VoIP services may allow you to speak with
more than one person at a time.What Are Some Advantages of VoIP?Some VoIP
services offer features and services that are not available with a traditional
phone, or are available but only for an additional fee. You may also be able to
avoid paying for both a broadband connection and a traditional telephone line.
What Are Some disadvantages of VoIP? If you're considering replacing your
traditional telephone service with VoIP, there are some possible differences:
Some VoIP services don't work during power outages and the service provider may
not offer backup power. Not all VoIP services connect directly to emergency
services through 9-1-1. For additional information, see
www.voip911.gov. VoIP
providers may or may not offer directory assistance/white page listingsCan I use
my Computer While I talk on the Phone?In most cases, yes.Can I Take My Phone
Adapter with me When I Travel?Some VoIP service providers offer services that
can be used wherever a high speed Internet connection available. Using a VoIP
service from a new location may impact your ability to connect directly to
emergency services through 9-1-1. For additional information, see
www.voip911.gov.Does my
Computer Have to be Turned on?Only if your service requires you to make calls
using your computer. All VoIP services require your broadband Internet
connection to be active.How Do I Know If I have a VoIP phone Call?If you have a
special VoIP phone or a regular telephone connected to a VoIP adapter, the phone
will ring like a traditional telephone. If your VoIP service requires you to
make calls using your computer, the software supplied by your service provider
will alert you when you have an incoming call.Does the FCC Regulate VoIP?In June
2005 the FCC imposed 911 obligations on providers of “interconnected” VoIP
services – VoIP services that allow users generally to make calls to and receive
calls from the regular telephone network. You should know, however, that 911
calls using VoIP are handled differently than 911 calls using your regular
telephone service. Please see our consumer fact sheet on VoIP and 911 services
at www.voip911.gov for complete information on
these differences. In addition, the FCC requires interconnected VoIP providers
to comply with the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (CALEA)
and to contribute to the Universal Service Fund, which supports communications
services in high-cost areas and for income-eligible telephone subscribers.
Aspects of these considerations may change with new developments in internet
technology. You should always check with the VoIP service provider you choose to
confirm any advantages and limitations to their serviceA conference call is a
telephone call in which
the
calling party wishes to
have more than one
called party listen in to
the
audio portion of the
call. The conference calls may be designed to allow the
called party to
participate during the call, or the call may be set up so that the
called party merely
listens into the call and cannot speak. It is often referred to as an ATC (Audio
Tele-Conference).Conference calls can be designed so that the calling party
calls the other participants and adds them to the call. In most cases, the
participants are able call into the conference call themselves. They do so
either by dialing into a "conference bridge" (a specialized type of equipment
that links telephone lines), or by using a special
telephone number set up
for that purpose.Most companies use a specialized service provider for
conference calls. These service providers maintain the conference bridge, and
provide the phone numbers used to access the meeting or conference call.Three-way
calling is available (usually at an extra charge) for most customers on their
home or office phone line. To three way call you call the first person you wish
to talk to. Then you must press the flash button and dial the other person's
phone number. While it is ringing press flash again. This will put your three
people together. This option allows callers to add a second outgoing call to an
already connected callEurope
voip group resists emergency-call regulations
CNET News.com, CA - Dec 17, 2007
Google, Intel, Microsoft, Skype try to persuade European regulators that
voip providers should not have to provide access to emergency services. ...
Jaxtr Achieves 10-Fold Growth to Reach 5 Million
Registered ... TMCnet
EU lobby group takes aim at emergency calls
Telappliant VoIP News
all 9 news articles »Vonage
Woes: 2007 was Tough Year for the voip Firm
PC World - 16 hours ago
It's been a sad tumble for Vonage after bursting onto the scene as one of the
most promising voip firms out there. Oh, how quickly things have changed. ...
More Legal Woes for Vonage InternetNews.com
Vonage sued by Nortel Computerworld
Why is being a voip company such hard work? Techworld.com
TMCnet - CRN
all 53 news articles » NTCan
Ribbit Pull Off a voip Revolution?
NewsFactor Network, CA - 1 hour ago
"There is also no mention of security -- a major concern with voip ," Pierce
said, adding that the fact that Ribbit is proposing an open platform for ...
Ribbit: Working To Make voip Fit Anywhere and Everywhere You Want Profy
Ribbit: voice 2.0? (and holiday wallpaper) Computerworld
Start-up Ribbit unveils Web voice services Xinhua
NewsFactor Network - CNET News.com
all 104 news articles »BT
Germany wins voip contract from BMW Group
Telecom Paper (subscription), Netherlands - 23 hours ago
BT Germany has won a voip infrastructure agreement from German car
manufacturer BMW Group. Under the agreement, BT will be running the central voip
telecom ...
voip-builder
tool Ribbit: has potential, but manage your boasting ...
ZDNet - 21 hours ago
... Ribbit’s appealing value proposition is an open API (Application
Program Interface) that will enable developers to add branded voip to their
websites. ...VOIP
Technology Quick Guide - a Portable Yet Comprehensive Reference
PR.com (press release), NY - 1 hour ago
The VOIP Quick Guide is a comprehensive yet portable reference for you to
learn and understand all VOIP technologies. It includes VOIP architecture, ...voip
Phone System
TMCnet - 12 hours ago
By Mae Kowalke, tmcnet Associate Editor voip phone systems—you probably
hear a lot about them, but maybe you’re not sure exactly what a voip phone
system is ...
Despite Concerns Over the Economy Small Businesses
Expect to ... Business Wire (press release)
all 7 news articles »
RESOURCES & INFORMATION ON VIDEOCONFERENCING Videoconferencing technology
allows people at two or more locations to see and hear each other at the same
time. By taking advantage of the Internet and low-cost or free software, users
can use their computers and a web camera to connect to others. This
communication technology offers countless possibilities for education, including
private two or three person dialogue, connection with guest speakers and
experts, multi-school project collaboration, interactive on-line fieldtrips,
formal instruction (courses, lessons, and tutoring), and professional activities
such as meetings and interviews. One feature of TRECC's newly-released
Educators' Knowledge Center is a
video conference system which allows participants to collaborate using
'live' three-way conferences. For educators who may be new to videoconferencing,
the links below provide additional information, including:
Introduction to Videoconferencing
Ideas and Uses for Videoconferencing
Planning and Preparing to Videoconference
Directories for Videoconferencing Users and Providers
Lists and Directories of Videoconference Fieldtrips
Collaborative Projects
Links to Other Videoconference Resources Getting Started Technology
Requirements - To utilize the video conference application in the Educators'
Knowledge Center, the following technology is required: a computer (this system
is a cross-platform tool and will support both PC and Macintosh formats); an
Internet connection (a high speed connection is not required but preferred); a
web camera with accompanying software; and headphones with microphone
(recommended).
Videoconference Now - The University of Illinois' Educators' Knowledge
Center provides a video conference system that allows you to collaborate with
others in a private room with the use of a simple web camera. Each room
accommodates up to three participants, each sending audio and video, in a 'live'
three-way conference. Also, each room contains slide viewer and text chat
features.
Top Introduction to Videoconferencing
An Introduction to Videoconferencing - This guide is designed to help
teachers, librarians, and students use videoconferencing technology effectively.
If you're new to videoconferencing, this site will provide the background you
need to get started. Experienced videoconferencers will find ideas, strategies,
resources, and checklists to help improve the quality of their
videoconferencing.
Desktop Videoconferencing: Novelty or Legitimate Teaching Tool? - This
article from Education World answers where you can get videoconferencing
technology, how it can be used in the classroom, how-to's, and tips.
Top of PageIdeas and Uses for Videoconferencing
Ideas and Uses for Videoconferencing from SBC Knowledge Network Explorer -
Want to know how schools, colleges, and libraries are using videoconferencing
technology? This collection of ideas and examples should get you started.
Videoconferencing in the Classroom - Useful links about how and why to use
videoconferencing in classrooms. This includes teacher resources and links to
some past projects.
Using Videoconferencing in the Classroom - There are many ways that
videoconferencing might be used in a classroom. Below are some of ways that it
has already been successfully used.
Digital Bridges: Videoconferencing for Teaching & Learning - Here are
examples from many different areas of educational videoconferencing use,
promising practices with established records of reliable delivery of instruction
and course material. More about how teachers and others use videoconferencing
for: Course Delivery, Enhancing Instruction, Community Services, Staff
Development, and Professional Collaboration.
Top of PagePlanning and Preparing to Videoconference
Videoconference Now - The University of Illinois' Educators' Knowledge
Center provides a video conference system that allows you to collaborate with
others in a private room with the use of a simple web camera. Each room
accommodates up to three participants, each sending audio and video, in a 'live'
three-way conference. Also, each room contains slide viewer and text chat
features.
Planning for 2-Way Video - How to plan an effective, successful, two-way
video learning experience. Information is provided about various content
providers who specialize in videoconferencing. Once you're ready to go it on
your own, this page has resources to help you. We've included a simple lesson
plan matrix and a comprehensive checklist to help teachers consider the many
aspects of a successful instructional videoconference. For those occasional
glitches, we've added a section on handling technical problems.
Instructional Strategies - Effective use of videoconferencing technology for
interactive learning requires practice and planning as well as attention to a
few important instructional strategies. Two-way video works best as an
interactive medium, but because we all have years of experience watching video
rather than communicating with it; instructors must make extra effort to involve
and engage learners.
Videoconference Evaluation - A good deal of planning and preparation
probably went into setting up and conducting your videoconference. Don't lose an
opportunity to make the next one better! When the videoconference is over, take
formal steps to evaluate what could be done to improve the next one.
Videoconferencing for Educators - How to plan for and prepare a
videoconference, ideas for classroom uses and resources.
Elements of an Effective Video Conference - How-to tips for conducting more
effective video conferences.
Top of PageVideoconferencing Directories for Users and Providers Looking for program
providers or simply interested in connecting with another classroom? The
SBC Videoconferencing Directory is a free, searchable database of
videoconferencing sites of interest to K-12 school, community college, and
public library communities. Our directory includes contacts, program
descriptions, and equipment information for over 1100 sites.
Global SchoolNet offers directions, a directory listing conferencing
schools, videoconferencing lists, and additional resources for using
videoconferencing in education.
Global Leap.com is part of the UK's Videoconferencing in the Classroom
Project. This site has links for learning about videoconferencing, a registry of
users, a directory to search for partners, to review or post projects and
lessons, and many other resources.
Top of Page Lists and Directories of Videoconference Fieldtrips
Videoconferencing Adventures - SBC Knowledge Network offers samples of
resources for videoconference fieldtrips and "adventures".
Video Conferencing Trips - An excellent list of virtual video conferencing
trips, provided by Nassau BOCES.
Video Conference Field Trip Database - Provided by Two Way Interactive
Connections in Education (ITWICE), this database contains programs from content
providers such as zoos and museums that offer ISDN or IP based
videoconferencing.
Digital Bridges Content Provider Listing [PDF] - Nice list of content
providers for K-12 videoconferencing in the resources area of the Digital
Bridges site.
Polycom Content Provider List [PDF] - The Polycom Content Provider list
gives a sample of nearly 200 potential knowledge providers to enrich the
education experience.
NoodleTrip - NoodleTrip is an online directory focusing on video
conferencing virtual field trips, tours, and distance learning courses. This
search directory allows members a free search for specific trips as well as
providing a centralized area for providers to advertise their events.
School Voice - Video Conference Opportunities in Classroom Education: This
database is a collection of content providers for K-12 videoconferencing
programs. This database can be searched by subject area, grade level,
transmission standard, free or fee, and by the content provider's name.
IDeaS Content Series - Programs and events available ONLY through the IDeaS
site. The content series includes authors, careers, sports, and more.
Top of PageCollaborative Projects
High School Quiz Bowls - High school students (ages 14 -19 in grades 9-12)
from around the world with an interest in an academic competition (in English)
will compete with other schools over compressed video in bi-monthly sessions.
Mystery Quest - This project is designed for middle school students studying
world geography. Through video conference technology students are able to meet
other students while learning about cities and countries in the world.
Empower Peace - Seeks to promote better cultural understanding and tolerance
between youth worldwide utilizing cutting edge technologies to connect youth
from around the world via video-conferencing and the Internet. Our goal is to
bring about a climate of mutual respect and understanding by exposing youth to
their contemporaries from abroad.
Two Way Interactive Connections in Education (TWICE) - Provides a list of
collaborative, exchange, point-to-point, and international videoconference
projects give you and your students an opportunity to learn with another school
or classroom. There are many possibilities.
Top of PageLinks to Other Videoconference Resources
Two Way Interactive Connections in Education (TWICE) - Michigan's
organization for videoconferencing in K-12 education. TWICE promotes and
supports collaborative connections for the benefit of all students.
SBC Knowledge Network - Offers a comprehensive look at the educational uses
of videoconferencing for teachers, librarians, students, administrators,
technology coordinators, and others interested in the use of this technology.
Digital Bridges for Video Conferencing - This site provides information
about using videoconferencing technology for instruction, communication, and
collaboration. You will find resources for uses and examples, planning, and a
teacher's guide.
CILC - Resources available on the site include best practices, collaboration
center, video conference directory search, and tips.
A Teacher's Guide to Videoconferencing - Northwest Regional Laboratory
offers a guidebook to help teachers and others who are delivering or are
planning to deliver courses through videoconferencing in a classroom
setting. A data or LCD projector is required to conduct this type of
conferencing.