Invite special guests to your class via web conferencing
Do you have a research collaborator, subject matter expert or other guest whom you would like to invite to speak with your class?
It’s no longer necessary to reserve special videoconferencing rooms in order to make a connection between your class and a remote participant. The new breed of web conferencing tools – iChat, Skype, Windows Messenger and others – along with a simple webcam and microphone makes it possible for your guest to connect directly from their office, lab or even their homes. SAS Computing has assembled a portable system that lets us bring these desktop conferencing technologies to your classroom. The system includes a laptop computer, video camera and wireless microphones; it connects to the classroom projection system. The result is that we can get good pictures and sound transmission in most classrooms with as little as 15 minutes of setup time. If your guest doesn’t have access to a webcam, they can simply connect via telephone and we’ll be able to set up an audio-only session.
SAS Computing portable conferencing equipment
Even though the technology is relatively simple, a successful videoconference session requires some planning. You and your guest will want to agree on goals for the session, and how to structure the conversation. Will they start with a presentation, and then open up to Q&A? Will your students be presenting their work for evaluation and comment by the guest expert? Will you need to display Powerpoint slides or other visual material in the session. Consider how you will moderate the discussion in the classroom. You’ll want to encourage a lively exchange but avoid having people talking over each other.
SAS faculty who want more information about videoconferecing for their classes should visit http://www.sas.upenn.edu/computing/mms/video_conferencing_services or contact the staff at SAS Computing Multi-Media Services. Faculty from other schools at Penn should check with their computing support providers to what options are available.
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