Around 30 schools in Wakefield have videoconferencing systems. These range from expensive desk-top systems to entry level webcams with industrial quality software. Historically schools have invested in the expensive systems, which retail for thousands of pounds. Often these do not get the level of use that their cost would justify. Now that Wakefield schools can videoconference over their broadband connection (IP videoconferencing at 384 kb/sec) cheaper solutions become an effective solution. Previously on ISDN connection (at 128 kb/sec) were of suitable quality but this incurred costly ongoing expenditure. Many schools across the district have purchased Polycom PVX with a Logitec Quickcam Pro 5000 webcam, which retail at between £115 and £150 as a package, as their starting point – opting to prove the technology within their classrooms before looking at investing in a desktop system in the future.
Polycom PVX runs from a PC or laptop computer with a broadband connection across the school network. Desktop solutions do not require a PC or laptop, they connect directly to a TV or data projector and have a network point to access the schools broadband.
For schools who have purchased this equipment, please find documents that will support your technicians in installing, setting up and activating the Polycom PVX and Logitec Quickcam Pro 5000 webcam solution on this page. Also available is a data sheet for this package – stating the basic requirements of a PC or laptop in order to run this solution.
The EdIT Centre can support the purchase of this equipment.
Videoconferencing connectivity
Once the videoconferencing equipment is set up schools establish a connection to a partner school, content provider (such as many of the national museums and galleries) or other organisations by connecting across the National Education Network (NEN). The NEN is a network that connects schools in England and Wales. The NEN uses the JANET network to allow videoconferences to take place between sites around the world. This means a connection from one school in Wakefield to another is as easy to establish as one with a school in New York or New Zealand.
The videoconference connectivity is managed by the Janet Video Conferencing Service (JVCS) based in Edinburgh. They have developed an online system that allows schools to book a connection in advance of the link (JVCS Booking Service) and another system that allows the user to control the connection and thus start a videoconference immediately (JVCS OnDemand). The staff a JVCS are available during the school day for support. At present these systems are funded service, therefore no cost is incurred by schools. This may change in the future.
To use these services schools need to register to access them. This can be done at www.jvcs.ja.net for the JVCS Booking Service and www.jvcs.ja.net/ondemand for the JVCS OnDemand Service. These systems must be used by schools. Direct links avoiding these systems can cause connection problems due to a lack of Quality of Service, resulting in picture and sound break up. In the UK IP addresses are not used to connect schools. A system of E164 numbers are used as an alias to the IP address. These are coded, similar to a telephone number.
Once registration has been approved schools can use these services immediately. Linked to this page are user guides produced by the LA to support schools in becoming familiar in using these online booking systems.
First steps
Schools should consider progression when starting to use videoconferencing. First of all consider ‘My First Videoconferences’ – links to somebody who can introduce videoconferencing to staff and students, encourage interaction and build familiarity with good practise.
Beyond this schools could look to establish a link with a content provider. Many of the national museums and galleries offer videoconference programmes to schools. Many of these are funded programmes resulting in no additional costs to schools. Why not take a tour of the Kennedy Space Centre with a Nasa expert or meet Florence Nightingale with the National Portrait Gallery? The key to successful use of the content providers is to link the videoconference with the subject’s programme of study – if videoconferencing allows a teacher to deliver content more effectively then it is a great teaching resource. However, if a text book will deliver your key messages better then use the text book!
Global Leap (www.global-leap.com) are one organisation that supports schools in accessing content providers. The Centre for Interactive Learning (CILC) in the US is another (www.cilc.org). Many of the national museums and galleries and other content providers can be booked direct via their website.
The next step on the progression ladder is to link with other schools. This requires more coordination, via email and/or telephone, to establish a common purpose. Contrasting localities is a common starting point. This could be done with a school within the same local authority or further a field. Be conscious that not all parts of the UK or the world have the same level of connectivity for videoconferencing as here in Wakefield – ask the right questions when planning and arrange a test call.
Beyond classroom to classroom links are international links. There are many excellent opportunities to enrich or support the national curriculum delivery by schools. The US is very active in this field.
Support
Support is available from Wakefield LA in relation to technical and pedagogical support. The Yorkshire and Humberside Grid for Learning (YHGFL) will also support schools who may find some technical problems. YHGFL can be contacted through the LA. Global Leap provides pedagogical support to schools also. Contact Global Leap via their website for details.
The Video Technology Advisory Service (www.video.ja.net/) also offers support and guidance ranging from purchasing equipment to using the JVCS services.
