Videoconferencing

Videoconferencing uses telecommunications of **audio and video** to bring people at different sites together for a meeting. This can be as simple as a conversation between two people in private offices (point-to-point) or involve several sites (multi-point) with more than one person in large rooms at different sites. Besides the audio and visual transmission of meeting activities, videoconferencing can be used to share documents, computer-displayed information, and whiteboards. (Wikipedia)
 * Ever wonder what in the world is videoconferencing?**


 * Videoconferencing on Wheels V.O.W.**

Not the Computer on Wheels (**COW**), it's the **VOW**! It's a new tool that allows for virtual field trips, voice and video connections to other schools, and many other classroom and professional tasks!

Just check out one of the three mobile, all in one units from the Distance Learning Team in the Department of Technology, make a few simple connections and dial into a world of global connectivity via the internet! Many content providers such a museums, zoos, and historical locations already have educators on staff ready to conduct live, interactive lessons for your students.

With the **VOW**, you can connect directly to any Distance Learning Lab in any Va. Beach High School or Middle School for demonstrations, mentoring or special activities. Use two **VOW** units to connect any two classrooms to share guest speakers or motivate pen pal relationships.

Use the **VOW** to hold shared faculty meetings, Lesson study meetings, or plan special events like book talks with other schools. Consult the Distance Learning Team.

What comes with the **VOW** unit?
 * Tanberg 880 MXP
 * Hitachi Multimedia Projector
 * Microphone Pod
 * All the necessary cables-labeled for ease of set-up
 * Step-by-step directions with pictures
 * All enclosed in a single protective case on wheels

or go to the [|V.O.W. Sharepoint Site] BruceB.Harrison@vbschools.com and/or KimberlyF.Adams@vbschools.com
 * How do I schedule a Videoconferencing event?**
 * Contact your CRS to get a VOW request form
 * Coordinate the event time and location with your CRS.
 * Complete the request form for your event and attach it to an email to the Distance Learning Team


 * Tips for a successful videoconference**
 * Plan early and be prompt
 * Prepare the participants
 * Students should remain quiet and speak one at a time.
 * Have students introduce themselves the first time they speak- maybe even wear nametags
 * Explain to participants the objectives of the video conference. For example- if a supervising teacher is meeting with a pre-service teacher, make clear if this is to be a group session or an individual session.
 * Eliminate distractions- food, beverages, unnecessary papers, metal or rolling chairs
 * Arrange to have all the equipment in the specific room early enough to connect properly and prepare for the call.
 * Provide follow-up activities to emphasize important points of the conference.


 * Setting up the room**

When setting up the room to videoconference, take into account the "spanning" distance of the camera. You will want your chairs/desks within this distance so that all participants will be able to see. Remember not to blcok students' views by the placement of the projector.

Ensure that students are far enough from the equipment so as to prevent them from tripping over the numerous cords and cables and hurting themselves or damsging the equipment. Sometimes classrooms are so tight, it makes it tough for everyone to be seen on the camera. Arrange desks strategically around the room. Set up equipment early enough to test the view of the room using the pan and zoom features of the camera.

Set the microphone approximately equidistant or in the middle of the group.

Plan to schedule a room that has easy access. The VOW is 19 x24 x 11 and weighs 35-40 lbs. If you are on the second floor- you will need elevator access. the case is line with foam for protection of the equipment, but bumping it up and down staris could damage the equipment (not to mention your back).

You will need a clear path from the remote control to the videoconference camera. If furniture or people are blocking the infrared beam to the camera, you will encounter issues with the pan and zoom and layout features via remote control.

School libraries seem to work well. You may want to consider using extermnal speakers though in a library.