How do I arrange a videoconference?

  First and foremost, follow all district procedures.  Work with technology specialist.

 Who pays for a videoconference?

 There are several elements in the cost of a videoconference.  The provider (organization that provides live videoconferenced events) may have fees for their services.  If they do, your district is responsible for the cost. Arrangements will need to be made to pay the provider directly.  If the connection is via ISDN, there will be line charges.  These line charges will be paid to the ESC by your district.  A fair estimate of charges would be $.15 to $.25 cents per minute for call within the contiguous 48 states.  Additional charges would apply to foreign calls and calls to Alaska and Hawaii.  In all cases, your district will be charged the actual charges on our ISDN bill.  If the conference is held over your T-1 via Internet Protocol (IP) there is no additional charge, it is a part of your yearly Esconett fee. Please know that the quality of the ISDN call will generally be better than IP over the world-wide web.

 Are there providers who do program at no charge?

 YES, NASA and the Smithsonian are two locations that provide programming at no charge.  However, connection or ISDN charges will still apply.

 How far ahead to I have to plan a videoconference?

 You should be planning a conference 4 to 6 weeks ahead of time.  Your district needs time to process paperwork and there is limited space on the video bridge.  If you try to set something up on very short notice, the time slot you want may not be available.  Providers also have very busy schedules.  NASA in particular requires lead time.

I’m ready to try a videoconference.  What do I do now?

 Contact your technology specialist and be prepared to provide the following information:

1. Name of organization or provider

2. Tentative date(s) and time(s)

3. Have a first, second and third choice for your topic

4. Your name, a phone contact number, and your email address

5. Your goals, expectations and who their audience will be.

If they ask for other information, have them contact Gonzalo Sandoval directly at 972-5600.

 
What do you do the day before your scheduled conference?

1. Call or contact your provider by email to confirm.
   
   
2. Email your Technology Specialist.

How do I prepare my students to participate in a videoconference?

1. Discuss videoconference decorum.  Remember the camera sees everything!  So does the person on the other end of the conference.  Politeness counts!!!  Remind students they are not just in front of the TV at home.

2. Discuss the topic to be covered.  Make sure that your students have sufficient background to ask pertinent questions.

3. Help students to prepare a few questions ahead of time in case they feel intimidated.

4. Go in and let student see themselves on the equipment prior to the conference so that they can get past the novelty and focus on the content of the session.
   
   
5. Download any material provided by the presenter and review any materials they have requested students be familiar with.