Video Conferencing

[alexknight]

Hi

Our Head is keen on the idea of video conferencing with a school that we twin with in Canada,

They have sent me this e-mail, and to be frank, I do not have a clue about video conferencing.

What I would like to know is the sort of costs invloved and equipment needed and also what the follwing mean (and if it makes sense to anyone).

Alex

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There is a key question you need to ask, and you may just want to forward this on to their tech. The is the question LTSS had for us:

"UK, does your equipment support a dial-in protocol of 38.116.200.5##40001234 - where the first part is the IP address, the ## are literal (i.e. entering the symbol twice), 4000 would be the bridge's entrance/extension, and 1234 would be the meeting room number."

If they are able to enter the periods and pound (#) signs in the dial-up to the teleconference, we can move forward exploring the technology more. If they have a system that does not allow this, then we are in difficulty.

As for Huttonville, we can supply the camera equipment for the VC (Video Conference) opportunity. We will need to work out the logistics, but I would suggest 1 'space' to 1 'space' i.e. class to class (you could put 50 students into 1 space). Timing would be the new year.
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[Geoff]

What existing Video Conference setup/equipment do you have?
Does you LEA have anything setup (Lancs runs a scheme for us here + has a gatekeeper)

[alexknight]

Hi,

At the moment we do not have any video conference equipment, and I wouldn't think that our LEA would be able to help.

Alex

[plexer]

You may not think the LEA can help you but a quick phone call would confirm it either way they may be able to offer advice and guidance on what to do.

The easiest way to videoconference with schools at the moment is via E164 numbers which are just like telephone numbers. We have a plycom unit which is IP only and by entering an E164 number we can connect to anyone else.

Otherwise if you are able to get a direct ip to ip connection that is also possible i.e they set their vc unit up with a public ip and you do the same then you can call between the 2 units.

Ben

[Geoff]

If your stuck behind your LEA's firewall (like we are in Lancs) you'll need the LEA to run a GateKeeper service to get anywhere.

[alexknight]

I will contact our LEA and see if they can help and then get back to you all.

thanks for the help

Alex