Set Up a Video Conference in the Classroom

Decide on equipment.

Video conferencing rooms: These rooms are set up for the maximum efficiency and are the easiest to use. Video conferencing rooms are great for large classes. In these types of rooms, the equipment is always set up and ready to be used and this is convenient for teachers who do not have time in the day to set up equipment. Video conferencing rooms host a variety of equipment but most have cameras (one pointing at the teacher and the other toward the students, a document camera, monitors, projectors and Smart Boards and peripheral equipment like a DVD player. Speakers are usually installed to generate sound throughout the class and microphones are set up on the tables. Teachers can wear microphones via lapel pins.

Mobile units: If you are using a mobile unit, decide in advance where you should place your unit for optimal viewing. Take student's needs and classroom setup into consideration. Students should be seated in front of the screen for optimal viewing. If possible, seat the students around a table near the monitor or screen.

Choose your software. There are many types of online video conferencing software such as WebEx, Microsoft Live and Mega Meeting. If your school does not provide software for your video conference, you will have to procure the software or download a free program. Big names like HP and Adobe have quality software for this purpose, but there will most likely be a fee. Look at the software specifications to make sure it is compatible with your operating system. For example, some video conferencing software will only work with PCs and not with Macs. Check to make sure the software provides secure connections.

Set up your software. Once you decide on software and get it loaded, you will need to input some information for the program to run. Most software like this is wizard-based, meaning you will just have to input information into the spaces provided. Be prepared to input information like your name, email address and Internet service provider (ISP) address. If you don't know your ISP address, go to http://www.ip-adress.com/ and this site will show you your ISP address. You will also need to input your video and your audio source. Once that information is loaded, your software will be ready to use.

Determine conference type. There are four types of video conferences from which to choose: point to point, group conference, cybercast and multicast.

Point to Point: This is a one-on-one video conference where you talk to one person at another location. You have to enter his location by adding him to your contact list with his email address and ISP.

Group conference: This is relatively the same process as setting up a point to point but with a group. To connect to a group, create a contact by adding the group's ISP address or the conferences website address (URL).

Cybercast: This is a group conference where one person shows a video and presents simultaneously. Cybercasts are great for remote training and presentations. Set up a cybercast connection the way you would set up a group conference.

Multicast: Mutlicasts are used when people do not want to go through a server. Only some software supports a multicast. To use this process, begin by choosing the multicast conference option for hosting a meeting.