Online Professional Development Part II Webcasting & Videoconferencing COABE Conference April 27, 2004 COABE Conference April 27, 2004 John Fleischman Outreach and Technical Assistance Network (OTAN) Sacramento County Office of Edducation John Fleischman Outreach and Technical Assistance Network (OTAN) Sacramento County Office of Edducation

AsynchronousSynchronous Print Textbook, Workbook, Study Guide AudioAudiotape Telephone, Audioconference, Short Wave Radio VideoVideotape Videoconference, Instructional TV Data Fax, , Listserv, Discussion Board, CAI, WBI Computer Conference, Chat Matrix of Modalities for DL

What is a Webcast? Live video and audio transmitted via the Internet Live video and audio transmitted via the Internet Simple definition: TV via the Internet Simple definition: TV via the Internet Live video and audio transmitted via the Internet Live video and audio transmitted via the Internet Simple definition: TV via the Internet Simple definition: TV via the Internet

Webcast Advantages Low cost Low cost Uses existing resources (network/Internet) Uses existing resources (network/Internet) People can travel to central locations or view Webcasts at their own locations rather than paying for travel, etc. People can travel to central locations or view Webcasts at their own locations rather than paying for travel, etc. Allows for low level of interactivity Allows for low level of interactivity Computer chat software Computer chat software Fax transmission Fax transmission Low cost Low cost Uses existing resources (network/Internet) Uses existing resources (network/Internet) People can travel to central locations or view Webcasts at their own locations rather than paying for travel, etc. People can travel to central locations or view Webcasts at their own locations rather than paying for travel, etc. Allows for low level of interactivity Allows for low level of interactivity Computer chat software Computer chat software Fax transmission Fax transmission

Webcast Disadvantages Relies on the Network Relies on the Network Can be prone to network congestion Can be prone to network congestion Requires high level of technical expertise at Webcast transmission site Requires high level of technical expertise at Webcast transmission site Requires low to mid level of technical expertise at receive sites Requires low to mid level of technical expertise at receive sites Host (receive) sites require a fast network/Internet connection – minimum T1 connection recommended Host (receive) sites require a fast network/Internet connection – minimum T1 connection recommended Relies on the Network Relies on the Network Can be prone to network congestion Can be prone to network congestion Requires high level of technical expertise at Webcast transmission site Requires high level of technical expertise at Webcast transmission site Requires low to mid level of technical expertise at receive sites Requires low to mid level of technical expertise at receive sites Host (receive) sites require a fast network/Internet connection – minimum T1 connection recommended Host (receive) sites require a fast network/Internet connection – minimum T1 connection recommended

How Does a Webcast Work? Video and audio are captured in a studio or meeting room and mixed together Video and audio are captured in a studio or meeting room and mixed together Video is “encoded” into a computer media format (Windows Media Player, etc.) Video is “encoded” into a computer media format (Windows Media Player, etc.) The encoded video is sent to a streaming server The encoded video is sent to a streaming server Viewing sites run the media software and connect to the host site’s server to view the video and audio Viewing sites run the media software and connect to the host site’s server to view the video and audio Video and audio are captured in a studio or meeting room and mixed together Video and audio are captured in a studio or meeting room and mixed together Video is “encoded” into a computer media format (Windows Media Player, etc.) Video is “encoded” into a computer media format (Windows Media Player, etc.) The encoded video is sent to a streaming server The encoded video is sent to a streaming server Viewing sites run the media software and connect to the host site’s server to view the video and audio Viewing sites run the media software and connect to the host site’s server to view the video and audio

How Does a Webcast Work? Video and audio  Video and audio  Switching equipment  Switching equipment  Encoder workstation  Encoder workstation  Streaming server  Streaming server  Internet  Internet  Receiving site computer Receiving site computer Video and audio  Video and audio  Switching equipment  Switching equipment  Encoder workstation  Encoder workstation  Streaming server  Streaming server  Internet  Internet  Receiving site computer Receiving site computer

Setup for Viewing Webcast Computer Projector Speakers Internet Chat Computer

Communicating with Presenters A chat program is used by receiving sites to communicate with presenters A chat program is used by receiving sites to communicate with presenters Questions are written on index cards at receiving sites and entered by “Chatmaster” Questions are written on index cards at receiving sites and entered by “Chatmaster” A chat program is used by receiving sites to communicate with presenters A chat program is used by receiving sites to communicate with presenters Questions are written on index cards at receiving sites and entered by “Chatmaster” Questions are written on index cards at receiving sites and entered by “Chatmaster”

Viewing Tips Set video computer screen size to 800x600 Set video computer screen size to 800x600 Video will look less “blocky” Video will look less “blocky” Test out the Webcast feed well before the event Test out the Webcast feed well before the event Ensure you can receive a 384 Kbps transmission without any problems beforehand! Ensure you can receive a 384 Kbps transmission without any problems beforehand! Set video computer screen size to 800x600 Set video computer screen size to 800x600 Video will look less “blocky” Video will look less “blocky” Test out the Webcast feed well before the event Test out the Webcast feed well before the event Ensure you can receive a 384 Kbps transmission without any problems beforehand! Ensure you can receive a 384 Kbps transmission without any problems beforehand!

Hosting your own Webcast Recommend fast network connection Recommend fast network connection Calculate bandwidth requirements ahead of time (384 Kbps x receiving sites = total bandwidth requirements) Calculate bandwidth requirements ahead of time (384 Kbps x receiving sites = total bandwidth requirements) Need technical staff to monitor the Webcast Need technical staff to monitor the Webcast Perform “live” tests ahead of time with all sites connected simultaneously to work out problems Perform “live” tests ahead of time with all sites connected simultaneously to work out problems Recommend fast network connection Recommend fast network connection Calculate bandwidth requirements ahead of time (384 Kbps x receiving sites = total bandwidth requirements) Calculate bandwidth requirements ahead of time (384 Kbps x receiving sites = total bandwidth requirements) Need technical staff to monitor the Webcast Need technical staff to monitor the Webcast Perform “live” tests ahead of time with all sites connected simultaneously to work out problems Perform “live” tests ahead of time with all sites connected simultaneously to work out problems

Production Tips - Computer Get a fast computer as your “encoder workstation” Get a fast computer as your “encoder workstation” Create streams with multiple bit rates (example: 384 Kbps, 256 Kbps, 128 Kbps) Create streams with multiple bit rates (example: 384 Kbps, 256 Kbps, 128 Kbps) PowerPoint presentations should be kept to no more than 5 lines per page with relatively large text PowerPoint presentations should be kept to no more than 5 lines per page with relatively large text Get a fast computer as your “encoder workstation” Get a fast computer as your “encoder workstation” Create streams with multiple bit rates (example: 384 Kbps, 256 Kbps, 128 Kbps) Create streams with multiple bit rates (example: 384 Kbps, 256 Kbps, 128 Kbps) PowerPoint presentations should be kept to no more than 5 lines per page with relatively large text PowerPoint presentations should be kept to no more than 5 lines per page with relatively large text

Production Tips - Video Select a good location for your productions Select a good location for your productions Use two cameras & switcher, if available Use two cameras & switcher, if available Ensure adequate lighting is available Ensure adequate lighting is available Use “external” microphones to ensure quality audio Use “external” microphones to ensure quality audio Use a scan converter for computer output (converts computer to video signal) Use a scan converter for computer output (converts computer to video signal) Select a good location for your productions Select a good location for your productions Use two cameras & switcher, if available Use two cameras & switcher, if available Ensure adequate lighting is available Ensure adequate lighting is available Use “external” microphones to ensure quality audio Use “external” microphones to ensure quality audio Use a scan converter for computer output (converts computer to video signal) Use a scan converter for computer output (converts computer to video signal)

Create a Webcast web page Create generic Web page for upcoming/archived Webcasts Create generic Web page for upcoming/archived Webcasts What should the Web page include? What should the Web page include? Test or sample video streams Test or sample video streams Companion PowerPoint or other files Companion PowerPoint or other files Technical information Technical information Archived Webcasts Archived Webcasts Create generic Web page for upcoming/archived Webcasts Create generic Web page for upcoming/archived Webcasts What should the Web page include? What should the Web page include? Test or sample video streams Test or sample video streams Companion PowerPoint or other files Companion PowerPoint or other files Technical information Technical information Archived Webcasts Archived Webcasts SCOE Webcast page SCOE Webcast page

Types of Webcasts for PD Webcast with computer chat Webcast with computer chat Webcast with chat and local facilitation Webcast with chat and local facilitation Webcast with chat and video and/or DV distribution Webcast with chat and video and/or DV distribution Webcast with computer chat Webcast with computer chat Webcast with chat and local facilitation Webcast with chat and local facilitation Webcast with chat and video and/or DV distribution Webcast with chat and video and/or DV distribution

Webcast with Computer Chat Useful for: Useful for: RFP, RFA announcements RFP, RFA announcements Provision of regulatory information Provision of regulatory information Specialty presentations Specialty presentations Example Example Useful for: Useful for: RFP, RFA announcements RFP, RFA announcements Provision of regulatory information Provision of regulatory information Specialty presentations Specialty presentations Example Example WIA application process WIA application processWIA application processWIA application process

Webcast with Chat & Local Facilitation Useful for: Useful for: In-depth training on a process or procedure In-depth training on a process or procedure Sharing specialist expertise with many locations simultaneously Sharing specialist expertise with many locations simultaneously Combining direct information with local practice / collaboration Combining direct information with local practice / collaboration Example Example Useful for: Useful for: In-depth training on a process or procedure In-depth training on a process or procedure Sharing specialist expertise with many locations simultaneously Sharing specialist expertise with many locations simultaneously Combining direct information with local practice / collaboration Combining direct information with local practice / collaboration Example Example EL Civics Training EL Civics Training EL Civics Training EL Civics Training

Webcast with Chat and Video and/or DV Distribution Useful for: Useful for: Situations where wider information distribution is required (training of trainers) Situations where wider information distribution is required (training of trainers) Implementing a continuum of training Implementing a continuum of training Example Example Useful for: Useful for: Situations where wider information distribution is required (training of trainers) Situations where wider information distribution is required (training of trainers) Implementing a continuum of training Implementing a continuum of training Example Example CAPA Assessment (testing implementation) CAPA Assessment (testing implementation)CAPA Assessment CAPA Assessment

What is a Videoconference? Real-time video and audio connection between 2 or more locations Real-time video and audio connection between 2 or more locations Simple definition: A telephone call with pictures Simple definition: A telephone call with pictures Real-time video and audio connection between 2 or more locations Real-time video and audio connection between 2 or more locations Simple definition: A telephone call with pictures Simple definition: A telephone call with pictures

“Levels” of Videoconferencing FormatBandwidthStrengthsWeaknesses Level 1 Small inexpensive cameras for desktop or laptop computers 56 KPBS – 384 KBPS- Low cost - Minimum connectivity requirements - Ease of use - Small screen display - Minimum frame rate (1 or 2 FPS) - Good for image representation only Level 2 Mid-range self- contained equipment useful for connecting small groups 384 KBPS to 2 MBPS- Good for individuals and small groups - Multipoint videoconferences - Small delays can occur with video transmission - Costly equipment for bridging multiple sites Level 3 High-end interactive video via high-speed LANs and WANs 2 MBPS to 6 MBPS- For “high stakes” videoconferencing - Real-time video without delay or image degrading - Expensive equipment - Requires separate video equipment

It requires no more skills than using the Yellow Pages It requires no more skills than using the Yellow Pages Level 1 - Desktop

Useful for staff development where online presence is needed Useful for staff development where online presence is needed Relies on chat or audio Relies on chat or audio Good shareware available Good shareware available Useful for staff development where online presence is needed Useful for staff development where online presence is needed Relies on chat or audio Relies on chat or audio Good shareware available Good shareware available VRVS

It’s a great deal easier then herding cats It’s a great deal easier then herding cats Level 2 – Conference Room

Point-to-point Point-to-point Multipoint Multipoint Best for professional development Best for professional development Statewide or national meetings Statewide or national meetings Connecting with guest speakers Connecting with guest speakers Virtual field trips Virtual field trips Point-to-point Point-to-point Multipoint Multipoint Best for professional development Best for professional development Statewide or national meetings Statewide or national meetings Connecting with guest speakers Connecting with guest speakers Virtual field trips Virtual field trips

Level 2 – Conference Room Hardware Hardware Polycom Polycom Tandberg Tandberg Sony Sony Cost Cost $400 to $10,000 $400 to $10,000 Connectivity Connectivity ISDN ISDN Internet Protocol (IP) Internet Protocol (IP) Hardware Hardware Polycom Polycom Tandberg Tandberg Sony Sony Cost Cost $400 to $10,000 $400 to $10,000 Connectivity Connectivity ISDN ISDN Internet Protocol (IP) Internet Protocol (IP)

Level 3 – High Stakes Unfortunately it requires the expertise level of a jet pilot Unfortunately it requires the expertise level of a jet pilot

K-12 Videoconferencing – Interactive Videoconferencing. A Literature Review by Marilyn Heath and Donald Holznagel. A Policy Issues Review by Kirk deFord and K. Victoria Dimock K-12 Videoconferencing – Interactive Videoconferencing. A Literature Review by Marilyn Heath and Donald Holznagel. A Policy Issues Review by Kirk deFord and K. Victoria Dimock Effective Use of Desktop Videoconferencing in Teacher Education and Professional Development. NCAL TECH21 Report by Janet C. Smith Effective Use of Desktop Videoconferencing in Teacher Education and Professional Development. NCAL TECH21 Report by Janet C. Smith K-12 Videoconferencing – Interactive Videoconferencing. A Literature Review by Marilyn Heath and Donald Holznagel. A Policy Issues Review by Kirk deFord and K. Victoria Dimock K-12 Videoconferencing – Interactive Videoconferencing. A Literature Review by Marilyn Heath and Donald Holznagel. A Policy Issues Review by Kirk deFord and K. Victoria Dimock Effective Use of Desktop Videoconferencing in Teacher Education and Professional Development. NCAL TECH21 Report by Janet C. Smith Effective Use of Desktop Videoconferencing in Teacher Education and Professional Development. NCAL TECH21 Report by Janet C. Smith Research and Reference

“There is one thing worse than not being able to see, being able to see and having no vision” Helen Keller “There is one thing worse than not being able to see, being able to see and having no vision” Helen Keller