Teleconferencing: Meeting the Needs of Prospective Students Kathleen S. Garlinghouse Denise Powers Wellin National Technical Institute for the Deaf Rochester Institute of Technology Rochester, NY

Videoconferencing and College Admissions The basics – what videoconferencing is Topics to peak the interests of student and professionals What you need to know to make it happen Advantages and Challenges Resources

Quick Poll (show of hands – ‘yes’) My school has videoconferencing equipment. I have facilitated a videoconference in the past. I have participated in a videoconference in the past. I am from a college. I am from a high school.

Videoconferencing – what is it? Videoconferencing technology allows people at two or more locations to see and hear each other at the same time.

NTID’s Equipment and Spaces Type of Equipment: Type of Equipment: V-Tel 232 LC5000D / VSXT1 CSU Polycom ViewStation

Distance Learning has more to do with learning than with distance. Focus on Learning Coordinators discuss specific examples of student needs. Both sites agree on the goals of the conference. Set an interactive expectation Decide on appropriate ways that students can ask questions, share experiences. Involve students in the planning.

3 Examples of Student Needs Admissions Testing Tips ACT, SAT-1, TOEFL Understanding Admission Decisions: testing, grades, extra curricular activities, importance of English and Math, use of recommendation letters. Parent’s Needs: taking the next step with their student, demystify the financial aid process. 1. Preparation for the transition to college

Student Needs (continued) 2. Leadership Experiences at College –Why is getting involved important? Provides connections to the university for greater chance of success –Understanding the balance of priorities: social, leadership, work, academics –What RIT/NTID has to offer: Student Government, Multicultural Clubs, Intramurals, RAs, student employment on campus, cochlear implant group, RITsign program

Student needs (continued) 3. Choosing a Major –The Pressure to Choose a Major understanding undecided student options –Understanding Resources career interest inventories, academic testing, workshops/programs available –Plan A, Plan B, Plan C The many different paths to obtaining a student’s goals.

3 Examples of Professional Development Uses 1. Use Videoconferencing for Meetings: Regional Teachers of the Deaf, Special Education Directors, Guidance Counselors, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors, Transition and IEP teams. 2. Questions about the Transition to College: Admissions, Academics, Employment. Schedule a videoconference visit to the campus to allow all educators the knowledge base.

Professional Development (continued) 3. Size up the institution: –View the Campus of Today Academic advising, signing up for courses has all changed. –Comparison Shop Every student seeking postsecondary education faces the task of choosing a school. What influence will you have?

Recent Admissions Videoconferences From NTID to you: Kentucky, Pennsylvania From your school to your neighbors: Videoconferencing at your site to remote locations.

Advantages of Videoconferencing Saves Travel Time and Expense Students and Professionals Gain Technical Skills View the Excellent Resources at RIT/NTID and elsewhere Students Learn through Technology— For their successful transition to college and their future careers

Challenges of Videoconferencing Requires Equipment, Technical Support, Planning Time Costs Involved: NTID Admissions will cover the call costs IF: NTID Admissions will cover the call costs IF: The videoconference is approved as an official recruitment activity. School provides a list of the students names, addresses, year level in school and/or professional participants’ contact information. School distributes materials we provide about NTID/RIT.

Ready for a Videoconference? Contact your Media Services or Technology Department or Main Office. Contact NTID Admissions. The counselor for your region will discuss the student and professional topics with you. With your input a conference will be planned. Refer the technology person to this site: to learn the NTID specific system requirements and connection information. Within two weeks from initial contact you will receive confirmation of date and time.

Resources Videoconferencing: Beginner’s Guide by Mary Schraeder Lasica, Pacific Bell Knowledge Network Explorer Videoconferencing: An Educator’s Guide by T. Logan and J. Radke NTID Videoconferencing Website U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration

Charles Johnstone—Hub Coordinator Camille Aidala—Program Facilitator Kathleen S. Garlinghouse—Admissions Counselor Denise Wellin—Associate Director of NTID Admissions Contact Information Thank you!