Strategies for Using Videoconferencing Technology in the K-12 Classroom:
A Teacher's Digital Handbook

 

HOME

 
main classroom page

Making Connections Tutorial:  
Software
How do I use the videoconferencing software?

Home    INTRODUCTION    Classroom    Curriculum    Implementation    Strategies

Behavior Guidelines  Document Sharing  Glossary  Hardware Tutorial  
Planning  Resource Sites  Set-up  Software Tutorial  Student Accommodation  Timeline

You may need to set your print properties to landscape in order to print the full page width. 

First of all, videoconferencing is as easy as making a phone call or using a simple computer program!  The tutorial below will walk you through the steps of using a PictureTel system.  The software is user friendly, self explanatory, and makes the use of the video systems an enjoyable experience. 

It is recommended that you contact your system administrator before making a videoconference call.  Your videoconference can tax a network system because of the bandwidth required the send audio and video over the network.   Your videoconference will be more successful with technical assistance and the call can be scheduled so that it will not disrupt other activities on the network if the system.  

Open the videoconferencing software from the program menu (Press <Start><Programs><Video Software>) or from a videoconferencing software icon listed on the desktop.  The screen capture examples shown below are from a PictureTel mobile unit.  Other units/systems may have different software, but the concepts shown here will be similar.  

 When you open the software, the software may require a password for entry into the system.  This password is available from your system administrator.  

When the software is open, you will see Status: Ready to Dial.  Press the "Make a Call" button in the upper left of the screen. 

The   "Make a Call" menu will give you the option to dial/ type in the address for your connection site (obtained earlier from the connection site contact) or you can click the "Directory" button to find the number.  If a number has been called before it may be listed in the directory.

Note that you can make a "voice only" call if you choose to do so.  This is an option that uses less bandwidth and may be a good idea if the video connections are breaking up or disconnecting.

The "Advanced" button is used to adjust the type of connection and the speed of the connection.  Generally it is preset by the system administrator to utilize the type of connections that are available in the network system.  Contact your system administrator before making changes.

If the number is listed in the directory, choose the name/number from the directory and click OK.  The unit will then dial the far-end site and connect with the party you are dialing.

When the connection is made the large screen will show the visual available at the far-end site.  You will have audio and visual contact with the people located at the far-end site.

 
Once you are connected, you may need to make adjustments to the signal you are sending.  You have quick access to adjust the audio and visuals you are sending by using the control buttons located on the lower part of the screen.
  • Audio:  Increase or decrease the volume by pushing the "Vol" buttons.  Push the "Mute" button to stop sending audio to the far-end
  • Visual:  Show the full screen by pushing the "Full Screen" button.  Control cameras at your site by simply clicking the "Camera" button at the lower right on the screen.  A menu (pictured) will appear that allows you to adjust the camera move right, left, up, or down.  This allows you to show one person, or a group in a classroom setting.  You can also zoom in or out to show close-ups of conference participants.  To do so use the buttons located to the right of the arrows.   
The "Options" down-arrow gives you access to a menu of controls that can be used during the videoconference.
  • Hang-up (ends the call)
  • Add voice call (add an audio session)
  • Full screen (shows full screen image)
  • Swap PIP/ Main Video (switch images between the picture-in-picture and main screen)
  • Remote Control (access to remote camera control)
  • Conference Sites (lists the conference sites)
  • Status Bar (if checked shows status bar)
  • Control Bar (if checked shows control bar)
  • Picture-in-Picture (PIP) (if checked allows for Picture in Picture)
  • People and Content List (menu of
  • Camera Controls (camera control menus)
  • Brightness (adjust brightness)
  • Video Snapshot
  • Tone Pad
  • Help

 
Push "Add or Remove Documents" allows you to share documents with the receiving party.  This can include word processed documents, presentations, pictures, spreadsheets, or other comparable documents.  (The receiving party must have comparable software loaded on their system in order to view the document.) 
When you are ready to end the videoconference, simply push the "Hang Up" button.  A dialog box will appear that asks you to confirm that you are ready to hang up.  Once you do so, the connection will be cancelled.


References/Site Map

conniepepper@cableone.net
Last updated 03/31/03