Videolinq Inservice 18-19 March 2009 - Christine Ruzic
Besides the normal operational issues a lot of the discuss centred around:
Desktop video – staff & students
More streamlined bookings
Workplace collaboration solutions
Unified communications solutions
1. New bridge installed
Network structure has greater functionality and visibility. Can operate 80+ sites simultaneously, but will need increased bandwidth. Now able to connect in home/personal computers to V/C network. More sites joining network each year.
Currently operating 58 rooms, 11 mobile, 1 auditorium, 16 desktops.
New screen layout (with presenter, participants and presentation available in inserts) Can predetermine when booking. Default will be for inserts of participants. Different configurations depending on number of connections. Admin and Educ bookings will have different screen layouts.
2. New online booking system being investigated. BNIT have written specification. May be part of new tender
3. All TBIT library technicians to complete Site Coordinator training. It may also be necessary for Security Guards to undertake Site Coordinator training for after hours V/C delivery if Bundamba library is closed.
4. Planned PD Day June 25 – whole of state; dial into selected conferences 4hr Educ am / 4hr Admin pm
5. Economic downturn has resulted in an increase in videoconferencing demand world wide – “flight freezes” by businesses and “carbon footprint” pressures.
6. Many, many examples given of innovative v/c delivery, particularly using NextG wireless. SQIT is delivery a Cert II / III Meat Process course between Beenleigh and Rockhampton sites. Auditorium v/c set-up has been installed at Townsville, also planned for Mt Gravatt to allow greater staff participations at forums, PD, etc. Videolinq will provide short term support for innovative practices. Multi campus delivery of Nursing.
7. PC video conferencing MOVI2 is now available. Pilot being undertaken by Beauty teacher at CQIT. Teacher located in TAFE, students at home, work, etc. One off cost. Can allow (eg)150 concurrent users, dependent on licence. Students must be registered. Still some policy and procedures rules to be refined before extensive use. Software can be duplicated and distributed many times– internet download. Can be used for point2point (corporate clients) or multiple users. Won’t work on dial up, needs at least ADSL. For conferences can book through v/c bridge.
Challenges:
a. Teacher delivery training
b. User training – support materials on my.TAFE
c. Students given camera for free for pilot, to use at home
d. Live recording of sessions– need to be re-recorded / reformatted / CD (hard copy) evidence
e. Doesn’t automatically disconnect – reduces no. of active users
8. Teleconferencing phones now available – about $3000. Suitable for staff meetings between remote staff.
NB. Videolinq will pay 50% of equipment replacement costs.
