Videoconferencing Reborn

1
VideoconferencingReborn
E-Learning in Higher EducationReaching New
HeightsNovember 9, 2002
2
North DakotaInteractive Video Network

• Jerry Rostad
• Interim Director

3
Video History in ND

• Higher Education
• 1989 Four Site Start (H.320 standard)
• 1995 Growth Plateau
• 22 higher education classrooms
• 5 tribal college classrooms
• 2 K-12 consortia connections
• 12 degree programs
• Avg. 3000 students/year

4
Video History in ND

• K-12 Education
• 5 Analog Networks
• 2 Compressed Digital Video Networks
• 1 Microwave Analog Network
• 1 VSAT Compressed Digital Network

5
From the Archaeological Ruins Circa 1999

• 10 separate networks in the state
• 5 delivery technologies employed
• Minimal interconnect capabilities
• Significant geographic gaps in videoconferencing
  services

6
2000 Legislature FundedState Network (STAGEnet)

• Consists of all state government, political
  subdivisions, K-12 schools, higher education
  locations
• ATM switched network
• Data video services

7
A True Partnership of Distinct Agencies

• State Government
• WAN services
• Higher Education
• Scheduling, bridging, troubleshooting
• K-12
• K-12 training support

8
Selecting the VideoDelivery Platform

• Criteria
• Use existing ATM T-1 circuit
• Quality audio video
• Relatively inexpensive
• Open architecture

9
Selecting the VideoDelivery Platform

• Options
• Analog
• Good quality/bandwidth closed network
• MPEG2
• Good quality/bandwidth closed network
• H.320
• Good quality/closed network
• H.323
• Best met the criteria

10
H.323 (IP) Video

• Advantages
• Uses ¾ of a T-1 to connect remaining bandwidth
  carries data
• Full T-1 available when video is not in session
• Quality audio video (QoS)
• Relatively inexpensive

11
H.323 (IP) Video

• Disadvantages
• Emerging technology
• QoS required for quality audio video

12
Transition Phase

• June 2001 September 2002
• Learn H.323 technology
• Complete overhaul of hardware/software
• Grow from gt40 sites to nearly 200
• Train, Train, Train
• Develop relationship with partners
• continue existing services

13
IVN June 2001
14
IVN September 2002
15
Manage the Process

• Network architecture

16
Multipoint Bridging

• 3 bridges
• 102 ports
• Expansion to double capacity

17
Manage the Process

• Network architecture
• Consortia not endpoints

18
e-Educational Distance Learning Consortium

• Adams
• Bisbee-Egeland
• Border Central
• Cando
• Devils Lake
• Drayton
• Edmore
• Langdon
• Lakota
• Leeds
• Maddock
• Minnewaukan
• Munich
• Rock Lake, North Central
• Rollette
• Starkweather
• Wolford

19
Heart of the Valley Consortium

• Central Valley
• Central Cass
• Dakota Prairie
• Enderlin
• Hatton
• Hillsboro
• Hope-Page
• Kindred
• Larimore
• Lisbon

• Maple Valley-Oriska
• Mayville-Portland
• Mayville State
• North Central
• Northern Cass
• Northwood
• Thompson
• Valley City
• Valley City
• Area Vo-Tech

20
Manage the Process

• Network architecture
• Consortia not endpoints
• Consortium training

21
Consortium Expectations

• Roles Responsibilities
• Consortium Director
• Consortium Scheduler
• Site Coordinator/each location
• Technical Coordinator/each location

22
End Result

• 200 STAGEnet access points
• Any site can connect with any other
• On or off STAGEnet
• Local control for scheduling/room access
• Connections simple as a phone

23
Issues

• Human error
• Moving parts
• Scheduling
• Multipurpose rooms
• Coordinating among sites
• Videoconferencing is not broadcasting
• Local technical expertise

24
Early Successes

• K-12
• 30 students from Stanley, Wildrose, Alexander
• High school dual credit Spanish from WSC
• Learning rate equivalent to brick/mortar
• Program expansion planned

25
Early Successes

• Higher Ed
• Students from Grafton, Langdon, Rugby
• Nursing degree LRSC
• WSC
• continue working
• stay on the job
• remain in communities

26
Early Successes

• Adult Learning
• NDSU marketing
• class to Crosby
• 8-week program
• 100 hours in travel
• 1,900 vehicle expense
• Meals lodging

27
Early Successes

• Adult Learning
• NDSU marketing
• class to Crosby
• 8-week program
• 100 hours in travel
• 1,900 vehicle expense
• Meals lodging