Agricultural and Extension Education
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AEE 526 - Information Technologies in Agricultural and Extension Education |
Module 13:  |
Video Conferencing Technology: For Home and Work (1unit) |
Introduction: |
In
module 6 there was some information on video conferencing technology.
In this module we dig deeper. This module is designed for educational
professionals who may be teaching via videoconferencing technology at
some point in time. And there is also information for people who may
way to use video conferencing technology in their office or at
home.
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Learning
Objectives:  |
 Identify the major producers of professional
video conferencing equipment. List practices to follow in conducting video
conferences
Identify low cost
alternatives to high end video conferencing. Describe what
is meant by video conferencing Identify the components
needed for video conferencing
Define telepresence.
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| Instructional Activities:  |
Read the article "Web
Conferencing: Not as Scary as It Seems" Read
"Web
Conferencing:Rich Media on the Desktop". This article tells how
universities are using web conferencing programs. Telepresence
is a new buzz word. Learn more about the concept of telepresence from
the viewpoint of Sony.
See the Cisco view
on telepresence. Polycom
is a major play in the video conferencing arena. See what they say
about telepresence. Now
let's see what the CBS
evening news says about this high tech video conferencing. The previous four links show the
high end of teleconferencing; but now lets visit the more practical
(and less expensive) applications of video conferencing technology in
education.
Now that you are aware
of some of the uses of videoconferencing, browse the major vendors to
see what types of systems are available. The above video conferencing applications are primarily used for business meetings and teaching classes. The information that follows focuses on video conferencing systems that are computer based and relatively inexpensive or free. The quality doesn't match the products above but the cost is right. Tokbox is a simple video conference
product for home uses. You should watch their demo video to get a feel
for the program. Check out ooVoo. The basic set up is free.
There is a monthly charge if you want a more robust product with
additional features. Another
free conferencing program is Yugma. Also
check out DimDim. Skype
is an easy-to-use, free video conferencing program.
See a new story about Skype
and then go to the Skype
web site
if you want to learn more or want to download it. If you want to have a
video conference with me, just set up a time and we can commuinicate.
Skyp is probably the most widely used free video conferencing program.
I taught a class at the University of Missouri using Skype a while
back.
If you use any of
these low end video conferencing solutions, you
will need a webcam. Review some tips on what to
look for in buying a webcam. |
Lagniappe:  |
See some tips
on videoconferencing. How about a
few more? These are sort of funny |
Assignments:  |
Assume you plan to start using web
conferencing to talk with 3-4 of your professional colleagues across
the country. Review the five inexpensive video conferencing programs
(Tokbok, ooVoo, Yugma, DimDim and Skype) and select one that you would
use. Write a paper about one page in length where you justify the
product you selected. Tell what you see as faults of the program you
did not select. Save this paper as module13.doc in your www folder. If
you find a different product that you prefer, that is fine. You are not
limited to the ones listed. You may want to seek out sites such as http://www.webconferencing-test.com/en/webconference_overview.html
that have reviews. |