Videoconferencing Basics

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Video-conferencing Basics

• Learn More About Video-Conferencing at PSJA ISD
• INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY CETNER

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What is video-conferencing?

• Transmission of image and speech back and forth
  between two or more separate locations.
• Similar to making a phone call
• An opportunity to talk to and see others in real
  time

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What are the benefits of video-conferencing?

• The visual interaction can enhance communication
• Increases connections with the world
• It can save time and other valuable resources
• It can heighten motivation

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How is video-conferencing being used?

• Meetings
• Education
• Telemedicine
• Courts and judicial system
• Telecommuting
• Security

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Two Types of Video-conferencing

• Traditional
• Use in specific room
• Uses ISDN phone lines
• Higher usage cost
• Schedule in advance
• Professional operator
• H.320 standard

• Internet
• Use anywhere Internet connection
• Uses Internet
• Potentially lower usage cost
• Impromptu if point-to-point
• User-friendly
• H.323 standard

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PSJA ISDs Network

• Video-conferencing can work well in the PSJA area
  thanks to a backbone network providing high
  speed access throughout the district and to
  various state agencies and institutions.

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Partners

• MIS Department and the Instructional Technology
  Department with funding from E-Rate laid the
  PSJA backbone network

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Bandwidth

• The maximum amount of data that can travel a
  communications path in a given time, usually
  measured in seconds.

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Multi-point Conferencing Unit (MCU)

• To set up a video-conference with three or more
  participants, you must go through a MCU. Like
  setting up a conference call, this must be
  scheduled. PSJA ISD video sites currently use
  the Interactive Video Networks MCU or bridge.

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What kinds of equipment do you need to
videoconference?
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1. Main camera

• This captures the live movement at one end so it
  may be sent to the other end points

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2. The Video display

• Television and computer monitors are most often
  used to display the video.

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3. Audio Components

• Audio components include microphones and
  speakers. Often these items come with the
  purchased equipment or are built in. Additional
  audio equipment can be purchased if needed.

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4. Add-on components

• Document camera
• VCR
• Specialty cameras
• DVD players
• Electronic whiteboards

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Best Practices in Video-conferencing

• Learn the system feel comfortable
• Maintain eye contact
• Maintain appropriate on-camera position
• Move and gesture slowly
• Speak in a strong, clear voice
• Keep noises to a minimum
• Select clothing appropriately
• Prepare!

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Remote Control Use