In 1964, the Bell Pavillion at the New York World's Fair featured picturephones. That was the first time I encountered video conferencing.

How It Works
Using a software program, you establish a link by entering a phone or IP number.
Video and sound are recorded onto the computer where it is digitally compressed before being sent through the internet to another computer. The data is decompressed to display the video and sound at the other end.

Equipment Needed
• Computer
• Camera
• USB port
• Microphone & Speakers
• Networking Capability
• Software

Economical Cameras from Logitech

Software Available
• Microsoft's Net Meeting
• iVisit
• ICUII
• CUSeeMe
• PAX-it A program for scientists!

Sources of Information
• NASA
   Virtual field trips.
• Kodak Digital Learning    This site includes a glossary.
• Virginia Tech's Guide
• Pacific Bell*
   Tips on setting up, focusing on learning, multiple sites for virtual field trips.
• Global School House
• Web Teacher*
   Explains CUSeeMe software, excellent resource for teachers.
• Video Conferencing for Teachers
• Video Conferencing Cookbook
• Hazel's Homepage    Teachers share experiences with video conferencing.

Video Conferencing can include:
• Courses, Lessons and Tutoring
• Virtual Field Trips
• Professional Development
• Multi School Projects
• Community Events

Types of Conferences
• Person to Person
• Multipoint Videoconferencing (continuous presence) allows multiple participants.
• Broadcast- ex. NASA TV

Focus on Learning When Preparing Your Video Conference
• Establish Goals
• Schedule Conference
• Check Equipment
• Check Physical Setting
• Provide Supporting Materials
• Prepare Students

Glossary
• POTS is Plain Old Telephone Service. This does not provide enough bandwidth and the video can be poor resolution, choppy or jerky and sound out of sync.
• ISDN-Integrated Services Digital Technology for high speed and wide band. It sets standards so different vendors can connect.
• DTVC is software that that includes a whiteboard next to the video.
• Streaming- digital data is displayed as it is sent, you don't have to wait for it all to be downloaded.
• CUSeeMe- software originally developed by Cornell University as shareware. It is now commercially available. It used reflectors for multipoint video conferences.
• WebCams-inexpensive digital cameras. When choosing consider tradeoffs in image size, quality and frame speed. Consider bandwidth, connection and software. Best used for talking head video communication.
• Bridge- a connection maintained by a communications company to allow multipoint conferences.
• FPS-frames per second, 5-30
• Codec-COmpress-DECompress

Last Updated: July 30, 2002