ICT guide

This simple guide is designed to explain the ICT requirements of the project in an easy to understand format.

What is videoconferencing?

Videoconferencing is a way of seeing and talking to people simultaneously across the internet.  You use your computer to view and listen to other people using your internet link and in response, the person you are watching and speaking to, can listen to and see you!  You are able to have conversations and hold a ‘virtual’ meeting via your computer without actually being in the same room.

Why use it in a classroom environment?

Many students will already be using this technology at home.  All it requires is a PC connected to the internet and a web-cam with microphone.  Students use these technologies to ‘chat’ to each other from home.  As a result, many will be familiar with the process and so you will be connecting with something they already understand the value of.  Increasingly, businesses are using this technology to avoid travel costs whilst still enabling ‘meetings’ to take place.

In the classroom, there are few technical requirements and little support required.  The videoconference enables students from any school to talk to those of another school or even to talk to ‘experts’ in the wider world without leaving the classroom.

What do I need to have in the classroom?

Ideally you will have an interactive white board (IWB) which will enable the whole class to see what is going on, on screen.  This should also be linked to speakers so that the class can hear what takes place in the conference.  Your PC needs to be connected to the internet and have a web-cam with microphone or web-cam and separate microphone installed.  Other than that, the only requirement is a web browser.

Summary of ICT requirements:

1. IWB
2. Speakers
3. PC with internet connection
4. Web-cam + microphone

What software do I need?

The videoconferencing software used in this project is called FlashMeeting.  This is a browser based application which means that you do not need to install anything – it all runs from the internet browser.  In addition, the software is FREE and secure.

How do I actually hold a conference?

First, you will need to register with the software provider so that you can use their software.  The website for FlashMeeting is http://flashmeeting.e2bn.net/

The site is very easy to navigate and has lots of useful information on it.  Go to the ‘Help’ pages to find out how to get a user account.  The details of this will be emailed to you so that you can get started.  There are also ‘tests’ which you can run to check that your computer has everything it needs in order to be able to run a videoconference.

Once you have an account you should book a meeting.  The process for this is very simple and you have to choose a date and time slot.  Once you have done this you will be sent an email which contains a URL (web address) which is a link that you need to follow to sign into your conference at the correct time.  This URL will also need to be sent out to anyone who is taking part in the conference.

Other people participating in the conference will also need to register for a user account and ensure they have the equipment necessary (same for all parties involved). 

On entering the ‘conference’ follow the on-screen instructions.  On connection, you will see your own web-cam view alongside anyone else who has logged into the conference (the people that you have sent the URL to).  Then you can get started!

Is there a user guide to help me?

Yes!  There is a QuickStart guide on the website as well as a set of FAQs which will help you to get started.

In addition, KCC have produced a number of resources such as http://www.kented.org.uk/ngfl/projects/Rivers/docs/flashmeeting%20sep3.pdf 

Alternatively, these can be found by searching for ‘FlashMeeting’ using Google.