This tutorial is designed to help you understand the IVDL program. 

  BACKGROUND

West Clermont has been actively engaged in videoconferencing for over 10 years.  In the beginning years our systems were connected to approximately 30 schools in Hamilton and Clermont counties.  About 6 years ago, our system was connected to the state network in Columbus by Ohio SchoolNet, our technology arm of Ohio education programs.  This system connects every major school system in the state of Ohio.  Therefore every school can see and communicate interactively for educational purposes.

Our system is just one of many state systems allowing this type of telecommunications.  Some states have been active for many years and some states have just come on board in the last few years.  We are very fortunate to be one of active states.

Our system is an ATM system with limited Video/IP capabilities.  ATM is an older network system but very stable.  However, the state of Ohio is about to roll out a new system based on Video/Ip or Internet based videoconferencing.  Because we at West Clermont have a very high speed wide bandwidth connection to the state network, we will be at the forefront of state systems.  This means that teachers will be able to videoconference directly from their classrooms rather than have to schedule the labs.  What this means for us is that every teacher can incorporate within their curriculum and teaching strategies the ability to connect with experts via videoconferencing with relative ease.  The possibilities are almost limitless.

 How to get started!!!

 

The major uses of telecommunication or videoconferencing

 Connect with advertised content providers

Content providers cover all types of subject areas.  These organizations charge usually between $50 up to $300 for specific programs.  The average is usually around $100 to $125.  In most cases the they will provide pre-videoconference lesson plans to prepare your students.  The quality of these programs have improved tremendously over the last 4-5 years.  Almost all providers will cover general state curriculum standards in your subject areas with their advertised programs.  Some of these programs are done extremely well and are worth the money expended.  Almost every program encourages interactive communication and most programs are best when the students are pre-prepared and are anxiously and eager to participate.

Now that you have an understanding of Content Providers, let's "feed you" a little more information!!! 

 

 Point-to-Point Connections

These type of connections are usually based on the desire or the need of a  teacher to connect directly with another class or school to participate in an exchange of projects, programs, or just to have educational discussions with their students.  Examples might include two  schools participating in a group project and would like to make project presentations via videoconferencing, debates on a variety of issues, or student role playing activities. Whatever the activity, videoconferencing makes student work seem more productive if a class from another school participates also.  

Multi-point connections

Unlike point-to-point connections, multi-point connections involve multiple sites.  This can be used to bring in several experts on a subject for the purpose of a round-table discussion.  Multiple schools can be connected to allow several points of view on various topics for discussion or multiple schools can connect with one content provider.

SPECIAL CONNECTIONS

It is possible to connect with experts, college professors, business leaders, authors, and etc. just by asking them to find a place to videoconference from.  With our connection capabilities it is possible for them to videoconference from a computer right into your classroom.  Videoconferencing is becoming more and more accessible to everyone.  An example of this is when the World Studies teachers wanted to do a videoconference on the Middle East specializing in Ramadan, we called Ohio State Dept. of World Cultures and hired a professor to do a videoconference on this topic along with one of their Middle Eastern students for our students to interact with one another.  The point here is that you can create a videoconference without going to paid content providers.  Many experts will do these for little or nothing at all for your high school students.  

STUDENT DRIVEN VIDEOCONFERENCES

Have you given much thought to allowing your students to contact outside experts for their project presentations via videoconferencing?  How about having an expert in the field listen and watch your student presentations for critical feedback?  How about having your students perform a play or have them read poetry to other students via videoconferencing.  By plugging in your students, you might find a way to add a little more excitement to their classes.

SCHEDULING VIDEOCONFERENCES        

Teachers do not want to spend a lot of time outside their typical work cycle preparing for their classes.  To make things easier there is a monthly newsletter sent to all the staff with suggested and newly announced videoconference opportunities.  However, if you want to do something special, all you  need to do is to email mangold_j@westcler.org suggested topics of interest and you will be sent a private email with available videoconferences for you to choose from.  Please keep in mind that the minimum time for planning is at least two weeks and it is best to plan even more.  Many of the content presenters will have lesson plans to be completed prior to the videoconference and this lead time will help make the experience for your students even better.

If you do want to do some research on finding your own topics available, please use www.cilc.org, it is one of the best sites to use to find just about any topic on subjects you need.  Please use this as a resource for finding videoconferences since our district is already a member, you do not need to apply for membership.  If you find something, again please email this to mangold_j@westcler.org and all the paper/electronic work will be done for you.  

 

 

 

                                                         .....Now for the technical stuff.......!!!!!

WHAT KIND OF EQUIPMENT DO WE HAVE?

INTRODUCTION TO THE VTEL GALLEXY VIDEO CONFERENCING SYSTEM:

Click on Training and use small case:  username: hcca    password: training

THE FOLLOWING USERS MANUALS ARE QUITE LENGTHY AND SHOULD BE VIEWED ON SCREEN AND NOT DOWNLOADED

WIRELESS LAPTOP COMPUTERS:  USERS MANUAL (IN PDF FORMAT)

JVC DIGITAL CAMCORDER: USERS MANUAL(IN PDF FORMAT)

                                                                      

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