Videoconferencing
Videoconferencing allows a two-way audio and video connection between two to several sites simultaneously in North Dakota as well as world-wide. It provides many creative and useful opportunities for learners and for collaboration among researchers, faculty, staff, and administrators. Opportunities include:
- Holding meetings with attendees physically located at other sites
- Offering classes where the students and teacher are not all at the same location
- Bringing outside speakers to class
- Connecting to experts
- Connecting student teachers with their master teachers
- Collaborating with remote colleagues
- Using special cameras or connections to conduct field or lab work
- Interviewing potential faculty or staff who are at a distance
Using these technologies also results in cost savings in travel and time.
Instructor/Speaker/or Event Facilitator
The facilitator is the most important piece of successful videoconference classes. They are the human connection and their goal is to use the technology to facilitate an effective educational experience for participants. Typically, they work closely with site coordinators to make the event run smoothly.
Consortium Scheduler
Each consortium has a designated scheduler to coordinate all event scheduling activities for the consortium. They schedule, input, and confirm classes and meetings. They advise consortium site coordinators of any changes (including additions, deletions, or cancellations) to the schedule.
Site Coordinator
The site coordinator is designated by the local site to coordinate on-location details. This person is the local point of contact and will be responsible for the schedule and arrangements of video classes or meetings.
Technical Coordinator
The technical coordinator is the person designated by the consortium to coordinate technical details in classroom maintenance and operation. The technical coordinator works in cooperation with the site coordinators to provide the technical support in the classrooms necessary for efficient operation.
Classroom Technician
The classroom technician is designated by the local site to be responsible for all duties involving the operation of a video class or meeting. Their responsibilities include ensuring videoconferencing classroom, cameras, and microphones are operational and the appropriate connections are made. They provide in-room technical assistance as required by local participants or event hosts. During an event, they respond to any technical problems and try to assist in resolving technical difficulties.
