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Would you like to visit lions at the San Diego Zoo, artwork at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, or museums around the world? Video conferencing, or interactive video, provides two-way audio and video opportunities. In addition to interacting with people in remote locations, videoconferencing is also used for college coursework and professional development activities, telemedicine, and remote laboratories.

Access Points

Many schools and libraries have access to state, provincial, or regional video conferencing networks. For example, teachers in Indiana work together with the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC - formerly known as Vision Athena) to access, plan, and facilitate videoconferences. Use the Program Search to explore the varied types of programming available. Many people also use the Internet for video conferencing.

There are a number of ways to access video conferencing systems and equipment.

Video conferencing rooms. Some systems are housed in a special videoconferencing room that contains fixed cameras, monitors, microphones, and wiring. The room may contain an instructor's unit, document camera, and other hardware and software for teaching and learning. This is common in schools and libraries where courses and meetings might be held regularly.

Portable video conferencing systems. In some cases, portable equipment is used. For example, a cart might contain a monitor, camera, microphone, and computer. This video conferencing cart can be moved from room to room and plugged into wall outlets.

Web video conferencing. Finally, some systems use the Internet. This is often referred to as desktop video conferencing. In this case, a regular videocamera, or webcam, is hooked to an individual computer. Sometimes a large monitor is set up for a small group.

Software such as NetMeeting, CU World (formerly CU-SeeMe), and IChat AV from Apple can all be used for point-to-point or multi-point video sharing.

Point-to-point video conferencing involves sharing between two computers, while multipoint sharing is between more than two. With point-to-point you simply need the IP (Internet Protocol) address of your computer and the computer on the other end of the system. A reflector or mirror site or web server is required for multi-point sharing.

Video Conferencing Resources

readRead the off-site article, Elements of an Effective Internet Video Conference by Yvonne Marie Andres at Classroom Conferencing from GlobalschoolNet. Then, go to Video Conferencing Cookbook and explore their resources for video conferencing. Finally, learn more about video conferencing opportunities in your area. Some libraries offer video conferencing services. Create a chart showing the pros and cons of offering this service in your library.


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