Learning Technologies for C21st

Jayne McIlgorm – Technical Consultant – C2K

Video Conferencing Pre Jan 2005

• Limited number of schools video conferencing using ISDN.

• A small number of projects in existence.

• Dissolving BoundariesC2K provided isdn lines.Dissolving Boundaries project provided phones.

• North Eastern Education Library BoardGreat interest in investigating and promoting virtues of video conferencing. Initially due to number of remote schools in that area.

Video Conferencing using IP

• Investigated several options.

• Piloted Hyperwave ECS - Hyperwave EConferencing Suite

• Server based product providing collaboration tools and video conferencing.

• Used for collaboration between schools in Northern Ireland.

• Firewall issues for conferencing with external parties.

September 2005 – Joined VCSP2

Caused C2K to consider :

• C2K Infrastructure in relation to Video Conferencing.Bandwidth, Security, Gatekeeper, MCU etc.

• Options for school end points.

• How best to promote and implement Video Conferencing services to schools.

• Training and support issues.

Issues

• Network Address Translation

• Firewall Issues

• Bandwidth

• Cost

• Time and Resource

Infrastructure

• Installed Tandberg Border Controller

• Based on Tandberg Expessway technology and utilises H.460.18 and H.460.19 standards.

• Allows video traffic to easily traverse firewalls

• Allows video traffic to be NAT’ed without problems.

Infrastructure

• Multi-point Conference Unit ( MCU)

• ISDN gateway for inbound and outbound connectivity.

• Management InfrastructureEndpoint ManagementBandwidth ManagementFirmware updatesCall LogsRemote support

• Web-based scheduler

• August 2005 C2K installed a 10Mb link onto JANET. (now upgraded to 100Mb)

• Registered C2K gatekeeper with JVCS

• Implemented E.164 Ukerna Dialling Plan

C2k pre-fix 0044 025 <DENI#> <endpoint #>

Eg. 0044 025 1420023 001

Link with Janet

• C2K Management currently considering funding issue.

• C2K negotiating with managed service provider to secure best value.

• C2K endeavour to supply every school in NI with an endpoint suitable for conferencing in a classroom environment.

• Evaluated Tandberg 550 for Primary Schools and Tandberg 770 for postprimary.

Endpoints

Current deployment

Currently C2K facilitates any request for video conferencing by:

• Supplying Polycom PVX , webcam, headset, microphone and speakers.

• Giving advice and support to schools who are in a position to purchase their own VC kit.

• Around 20 QA’d endpoints.

• Most calls are currently booked through JVCS.

Current Projects

• My Town - SEN schools pilot

Two NI Special schools teamed up to work on an innovative online learning project using digital imaging, video conferencing and Learning NI.

• Dissolving Boundaries

School in NI partners with school in ROI to collaborate and foster relationships and an understanding of each other’s culture.

Current Projects

• Empowering Schools in Northern Ireland.

Involves Groups of schools within NI To empower and foster interactive collaboration online within our learning community.

• Magherafelt School Collaboration

5 Postprimary Schools in Magherafelt District wishing to collaborate with each other and FE college.

Current Projects

• Japanese Studies Project.

Postprimary Technology Project to build a computerised car with expertise from Toyama National College of Maritime Technology.

• Global Run Link – White Plains Middle School, NYSperrin Integrated School

The Global Run Project takes place worldwide in 10 schools who communicate, collaborate, and celebrate using videoconferencing

and integrative technologies yearlong. Empowering Youth Promoting Global Citizenship

Current Projects

• Teacher Training CollegesLecturers vc with student teachers on placement within schools.Mentoring role.

• MuseumsWorking towards Sept 06 Pilot content to be created and delivered to a number of rural primary and postprimary schools.

Future of VC in NI • C2K continue to seek funding to provide schools with an adequate

resource to ensure good quality video conferencing.

• C2K will continue to review and improve infrastructure and bandwidth availability to ensure good experience for schools .

• C2K to develop a strategy to deploy and promote video conferencing to schools.

• C2k to continue relationship with JVCS.