video_conferencing

**//What is Video Conferencing?//**

According to Wikipedia, "A videoconferencing (also known as a videoteleconference) is a set of interactive telecommunication technologies which allow two or more locations to interact via two way video and audio transmissions simultaneously."

There are two types, dedicated systems and desktop system.

This technology may sound complicated, but many teens and adults regularly use it without even knowing! Webcamming with friends and family in other locations is one way that a person can use video conferencing in a personal setting.


 * //Necessary Equipment//**

- Video Input: //Video Camera or webcam -// Video Output: //Computer monitor, television, or projector// - Audio Input: //Microphones// - Audio Input: //Usually loudspeakers associated with the display device or telephone// -Data transfer: Analog or digital telephone network, LAN, or internet


 * //History//**

Video conferencing was first introduced at the 1964 World's Fair held in New York. At first it was only two closed circuit televisions connected by a cable. NASA used this technology on its early space missions. AT&T was the first phone company to capitalize on the invention with the creation of the Picturephone in 1970. However, the technology was very expensive at $160/month for each fixed end-point. Video conferencing usage was continued among private corporations until1982 when IBM Japan established a 48,000 BPS link to the US for weekly business meetings. In 1991 IBM introduced the first computer based video conferencing system called PicTel, which cost $20,000. Soon after free services like MSN messenger and Yahoo messenger made low-quality video available to their members.

[|Click here for a detailed timeline]


 * //Uses of Video Conferencing//**

Video conferencing can be used in many fields including, but not limited to
 * Telemedicine
 * Telecommunication
 * Education
 * Surveillence
 * Security
 * Emergency Response


 * //Elementary Classroom ideas//**

By using video conferencing teachers can now introduce their students to a whole new world of places and people. The best part is that the stress and confusion of getting permission slips signed by parents, organizing transportations by buses or carpool, and paying for plane tickets or admissions can be totally bypassed!

Students can easily: - Go on virtual fieldtrip - Connect students with children from other countries to discuss difference in cultures and lifestyles - Share in a global "Show and Tell" - Produce an original play and perform it for other students via video conferencing


 * //Using Video Conferencing//**

Today's popular messengers such as MSN, Yahoo, and AIM offer different versions of video conferencing to their prescribers. This wiki page will teach you how to webcam with your friends using Apple's version, iChat.

-To use iChat, you must first create an account through either AIM, iChat, or. -To create an account on AIM, go to [|www.aim.com] and click on "get a screenname" -Click the "Create an account" option and press the continue button -You will then be required to create a username, password, and supply a little information about yourself. Press submit when finished.
 * Creating an account:**

//Congratulations, you now have an AIM screenname! You are now ready to log into iChat.//

-Click on the iChat icon -For the first account: change the account type to "AIM" and enter your screenname and password. This screenname is now saved as your default iChat screenname. -To change accounts, press iChat at the top left corner of the window and open the preferences -Push the + button to add your new account -Your buddylist will open up showing which of your friends is avaible

-Click on an available friend -Press the green video camera button located on the screenname -Wait for your friend to accept the request
 * Initiating a video conference:**

-Press the accept button
 * Accepting a video conference request:**


 * //Resources For Future Learning//**

• http://www.ivisit.com/ (video conferencing, voice calls, instant messaging, and file sharing) • http://download.camfrog.com/ (Free webcam chat rooms) • http://www.eyeballchat.com/ (video chat)


 * //Application to Future Teaching//**

• http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/vidconf/adventures.html (list of virtual field trips) • http://www.ideasdirectory.com/index.cfm (distant learning) • http://k-12.pisd.edu/distance_learning/electric-lit.htm (language arts) • http://www.kn.att.com/wired/pubs/ISDN/ (information about video conferencing) • http://www.netc.org/digitalbridges/teachersguide/toc.html (teachers guide to video conferencing distance education)


 * //Our PowerPoint//**



Sources: http://www.wired.com/news/images/full/ichatav_screen_f.jpg http://www.wiredred.com/video-conferencing-history.html http://www.camerawatch.net/a_PolycomV300102.jpg

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