Webcasting and Interactive Video Options for Students and Staff in the KETS Environment

KySTE 2008 - Webcasting and Interactive Video Options for Students and Staff in the KETS Environment This session was described as "webcasting - the interactive video options, at no or low cost, for remote classroom interaction in the KETS / K12 environment. Maybe I'm just ignorant, but the last part sounded redundant. In my mind, KETS & K12 refers to, essentially, the same thing. The only difference may be that one way is public schools wording, while the other is non-public school jargon.

Our presenter, Dan Klaber, ran us through the background and setup needed for webcasting. At this point let me say that, if it was me, I would still just uStream. Before you go, check out VZOchat. From here on, stay or go. It's always up to you.

With that said, this blog is more a list of hardwares and softwares discussed. If you're really not reading a list of tech stuff, back out now.

With that comment out in the open, I'll say that I added the image of what Dan had on hand and placed it below the lengthy list. I snapped the image with my Apple's PhotoBooth. So, it's a mirror-image of the actual setup used in this session. Some components you will see in this reverse image are included in this lengthy list:

• Encoding Laptop
• Dell Lattitude D820
• w/ Windows Media Encoder 9 software loaded
• Monitoring Laptop
• Dell Lattitude D820
• w/ Windows Media Encoder 9 software loaded (backup)
• Windows Media Player (free download)
• Video Camera
• Sony HandyCam DCR TRV 340 w/ firewire or USB
• Web Cam atop the laptop
• Logitech Quick Cam Pro 9000 (USB camera & mic)
• Mixer
• Behringer UB802 ($49 from Musicians Friend)
• full description is the EURORACK UB802 Ultra Low-Noise Design 8-Input 2-Bus Mixer
• If your mixer does not provide "phantom power", you'll need to rethink your mixer & mics.
• Microphones
• Crown PCC 160 (phantom-powered cardioid microphones)
• MISC:
• Power strip
• Tripod
• Network Cables (2)
• Extension Cords
• Power Strip
• OTHER CABLES
• Firewire
• USB
• XLR (microphones)
• 1/4 to 1/8 phone (mixer to sound card)
• Server (check with your IT/MIS
• Software for Interactive Video
• Skype 3.8 (www.skype.com )
• VZOChat 6 (www.vzochat.com)

District Webcasting Webcasting Configuration Setting it up:

• load Windows Media Services 9 on the server
• Load Windows Media Encoder 9 on a workstation
• Request a DNS / Firewall entry
• Start Webcasting

Hey - I don't have Cash for this Setup

• Webcam w/ Mic = $50 or >
• Mixer = $50-100
• Video Camera (you probably already have one)
• External Microphones (check around and be surprised)
• Server (ask)
• PC / Laptop (sorry Mac, this session was PC-based)

Applications

• 1-way or 1-many communication
• PD
• "Camtasia"-type training
• Streaming
• Academic events
• Athletic events

Concerns

• Great Idea . . . but now you Own It!
• Bandwidth / # of players connecting to the publishing point
• Proper training / usage

Interactive Communications Setting it up

• (2) PC's or laptops with WebCams or Cameras and Microphones
• Download Software
• Skype, or
• VZO (here's a link to VZOchat)
• Set up user accounts
• Test the configuration

VZO Chat Skype Applications

• Homebound students
• Remote meetings
• Interactive training
• Guest speakers / professors