Transcript The Basics of Webcasting

Online Professional Development
Part II
Webcasting & Videoconferencing
COABE Conference
April 27, 2004
John Fleischman
Outreach and Technical Assistance Network (OTAN)
Sacramento County Office of Edducation
Matrix of Modalities for DL
Asynchronous
Synchronous
Print
Textbook, Workbook,
Study Guide
Audio
Audiotape
Telephone,
Audioconference,
Short Wave Radio
Video
Videotape
Videoconference,
Instructional TV
Data
Fax, Email, Listserv,
Discussion Board, CAI,
WBI
Computer
Conference, Chat
What is a Webcast?
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Live video and audio
transmitted via the
Internet
Simple definition:
TV via the Internet
Webcast Advantages
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Low cost
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Uses existing resources (network/Internet)
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
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Computer chat software
Fax transmission
Webcast Disadvantages
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Relies on the Network
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Can be prone to network congestion
Requires high level of technical expertise
at Webcast transmission site
Requires low to mid level of technical
expertise at receive sites
Host (receive) sites require a fast
network/Internet connection – minimum T1
connection recommended
How Does a Webcast Work?
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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.)
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
How Does a Webcast Work?
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Video and audio 
Switching equipment 
Encoder workstation 
Streaming server 
Internet 
Receiving site computer
Setup for Viewing Webcast
Projector
Computer
Internet
Speakers
Chat Computer
Communicating with Presenters
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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”
http://chat.scoe.net
Viewing Tips
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Set video computer screen
size to 800x600
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Video will look less “blocky”
Test out the Webcast feed
well before the event
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Ensure you can receive a 384
Kbps transmission without any
problems beforehand!
Hosting your own Webcast
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Recommend fast network
connection
Calculate bandwidth
requirements ahead of time
(384 Kbps x receiving sites =
total bandwidth requirements)
Need technical staff to monitor
the Webcast
Perform “live” tests ahead of
time with all sites connected
simultaneously to work out
problems
Production Tips - Computer
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Get a fast computer as
your “encoder
workstation”
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
Production Tips - Video
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Select a good location
for your productions
Use two cameras &
switcher, if available
Ensure adequate lighting
is available
Use “external”
microphones to ensure
quality audio
Use a scan converter
for computer output
(converts computer to
video signal)
Create a Webcast web page
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Create generic Web page for
upcoming/archived Webcasts
What should the Web page include?
Test or sample video streams
 Companion PowerPoint or other files
 Technical information
 Archived Webcasts
SCOE Webcast page
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Types of Webcasts for PD
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Webcast with
computer chat
Webcast with chat
and local facilitation
Webcast with chat
and video and/or DV
distribution
Webcast with Computer Chat
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Useful for:
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RFP, RFA announcements
Provision of regulatory
information
Specialty presentations
Example
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WIA application process
Webcast with Chat & Local Facilitation
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Useful for:
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In-depth training on a
process or procedure
Sharing specialist
expertise with many
locations simultaneously
Combining direct
information with local
practice / collaboration
Example
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EL Civics Training
Webcast with Chat and Video and/or
DV Distribution
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Useful for:
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Situations where wider
information distribution is
required (training of trainers)
Implementing a continuum of
training
Example
CAPA Assessment (testing implementation)
What is a Videoconference?
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Real-time video and
audio connection
between 2 or more
locations
Simple definition:
A telephone call with
pictures
“Levels” of Videoconferencing
Format
Bandwidth
Strengths
Weaknesses
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 selfcontained 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
Level 1 - Desktop
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It requires no more skills than using the
Yellow Pages
Level 1 - Desktop
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Useful for staff
development where
online presence is
needed
Relies on chat or
audio
Good shareware
available
VRVS
Level 2 – Conference Room
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It’s a great deal easier then herding cats
Level 2 – Conference Room
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Point-to-point
Multipoint
Best for professional
development
Statewide or national
meetings
Connecting with guest
speakers
Virtual field trips
Level 2 – Conference Room
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Hardware
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Cost
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Polycom
Tandberg
Sony
$400 to $10,000
Connectivity
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ISDN
Internet Protocol (IP)
Level 3 – High Stakes
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Unfortunately it requires the expertise
level of a jet pilot
Research and Reference
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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
“There is one thing worse than not being
able to see, being able to see and having no
vision”
Helen Keller