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The purpose of this page is to provide information about how educational leaders have been using web and videoconferencing in the NWT in recent years. Return to the new Education Renewal site or to the older site NWT Education Renewal

January 15, 2015. A video conference monthly meeting of the Exploration of Options Advisory Group within the Pathways & Graduations Implementation Planning Working Group using GoToMeeting & Openvoice. This meeting included both locals in person and online, and online participants from the Sahtu. One participant from the Dehcho decided to use only the teleconferencing feature of this service. Image courtesy of bwile.

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__** VIDEOCONFERENCING **__

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 * What is videoconferencing?**

Videoconferencing (VC) is communicating live (or synchronously) with others over the internet -- seeing and hearing them almost as though you were in the same room through an audio and video signal enabled by a monitor, video camera, and sometimes a telephone. A telephone is not required (when VOIP -- voice over internet protocol -- is possible) but it is sometimes more reliable and recommended. Most of this wiki is explains videoconferencing over the GNWT Video Bridge, using the "telespeech" equipment (integrated video camera, big screen camera, and external mik). However, with web conferencing software such as GoToMeeting and use of the "webcam feature", videoconferencing-type experiences are becoming popular at Education, Culture & Employment, especially since this technology can be used with anyone in the world who can received an email link--as opposed to the considerable time it takes to become a videoconferencing "site" within the secure government network.

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ECE is using three kinds of videoconferencing:


 * Dedicated & Secure: video images & screen sharing**

Videoconferencing over the GNWT Video Bridge uses dedicated bandwidth from a regular network jack on the government's digital communication network (DCN). The video and audio are //both provided// through this system (no telephone required). Both host and distant participant need the conferencing units within this secure network. To connect to a site outside such a network, time is required for IT at both ends to establish access through their various firewalls. See Can the GNWT Video Bridge connect to sites out of the NWT? See Examples of specific NWT in-servicing & professional development uses


 * Undedicated & Secure: video images & screen sharing**

GoToMeeting is another option that is becoming popular at ECE (GNWT) as a Web conferencing tool. This tool is being used for simultaneous screen sharing and videoconferencing over the GNWT's DCN (digital communication network). Unlike the //dedicated// bandwidth used with videoconferencing over the DCN through the government's video bridge, GotoMeeting taps into the general internet available to all government employees and is //more subject to latency//. But its ease of use is very attractive since meetings can be held on demand through a simple email invitation to users--without booking ahead of time & use of a third person (such as the person at the video bridge who has to connect sites). A simple plug-in-play webcam into your government-issued computer, immediately gives the participant a view of all those in your office attending your meeting. While use of VOIP is possible, a telephone is more reliable. GoToMeeting integrates with Outlook making it very easy to sent invitations to participants. GoToMeeting can also be used on a parallel network such as cable-accessed internet.


 * Undedicated & Unsecure: video images & (potential for screen sharing)**

Skype is another type of Web-enabled videoconferencing that does not require a secure network and can happen instantly over a cable internet connection (see picture). It uses undedicated bandwidth and VOIP (voice coming through the internet) and is subject to latency. The government does not approve of Skype over the DCN because of its potential misuse of bandwidth resources. Some government divisions set up parallel networks using subscriptions to cable internet. Skype can be used on this kind of network. See Other video conferencing type software

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Present NWT uses
Video conferencing (VC) has been the technology,
 * enabling "tele-speech" or speech therapy services for school age children in the NWT. Just as small communities generally do not have speech therapists living in the community, but can access this expertise from a distance, education can also access expertise from a distance.
 * education is using to bring specialized information to small communities. Using a special network technology called "V-Connect", the Beaufort Delta Education Council is using videoconferencing to bring the live expertise of East Three Secondary School teachers in Inuvik to students in Aklavik, Fort McPherson (//see following two pictures//), and Tuktoyaktuk.
 * Early Childhood and School Services (ECSS, a division of Education, Culture & Employment, "ECE"), has used VC to in-service teachers about the Kindergarten curriculum pilot (see four pictures below). Also Education Operations and Development (EOD) is offering DEA/DEC in-servicing. This kind of in-servicing is expected to expand because:
 * it favors teachers not having to leave their schools or relieves Education Operations and Development (EOD) of trying to visit each school
 * subs/replacements are easier to find for a number of hours instead of days
 * costs of bringing even small groups of teachers to Yellowknife is prohibitive
 * more teachers can be in-serviced
 * ECE has also rebroadcasted a licensed resource to interested schools with VC from a large room where the broadcast was projected on a large screen for in-person attendees
 * ECE has co-written a locally developed course
 * ECE has broadcasted several live keynotes during a teacher's conference

Here a multi-school online debate is taking place between three regions of the NWT media type="custom" key="26800310"

A science lab with online students in three different schools media type="custom" key="26800326"

Here the Distance Learning teacher, normally located in Inuvik is visiting a participating community--and yet still teach the class! media type="custom" key="26939332"

Three students in a small community school are participating in a course hosted in Inuvik. (photo courtesy of Chris Gilmour) top

E-learning students need school-based support from educators (photo courtesy of Chris Gilmour) top

Other possible uses in the NWT
The videoconferencing units belong to the schools. Schools could be using these for top
 * intra and interregional professional learning communities
 * intra and interregional principal meetings
 * intra and interregional communications between students conducting similar work
 * tutoring

How many schools have the units?
Most schools outside Yellowknife have videoconferencing units. top

How is videoconferencing arranged?
A videoconference requires dedicated bandwidth to be scheduled at the secure "GNWT Video Bridge", the entity that technically connects the host and participants. After the host and participants have arranged between themselves //when// they want to meet, the school's organizer of videoconferences goes to vcscheduler.ca, logons using the credentials provided by the HealthNet Support desk. The HealthNet Support desk sees the requested meeting time in VCScheduler and "books the bridge" (GNWT Bridge). The "bridge" connects the videoconferencing participants 10 minutes before the meeting start time entered on VCScheduler. All videoconferencing participants should ensure to have their "Telehealth Unit" (also called codec) turned on in the morning of the conference. To avoid forgetting this, t he participants and host should attempt to leave their Telehealth Unit (usually a small box at the base and back of the TeleSpeech unit) turned on at all times for the bridge to be able to connect. The TV can be turned off between uses. top

How much does this service cost?
This service is free because the bridge is owned by the GNWT. top

What do you see on the screen?
The HealthNet Support desk at the bridge can be asked to provide a "continuous presence" or "voice activated" mode for the conference. In "continuous presence" mode, up to 7 participant sites can be seen at once by the host and participants in little rectangles on the screen. "Voice activated" mode provides an image of only the host and the person who is speaking. The host can also switch to a VGA mode (called "XGA") to show files on their laptop computer screen instead of him/her in the room. As a default the bridge will be set up as "continuous presence" for 2 participants (including the host) and voice activated for more than 2 participants. If you require a different setup than the default then you must leave a comment on VC Scheduler. top

Protocols for meetings
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 * Type || audio || image ||
 * "continuous presence" || * all participants except the speaker should have "mute" selected because all participants can talk and their background noises can be heard; this can be confusing to listen to || * all participants can be seen
 * but when "XGA" is used the image of the file on one's laptop is too small for participants to see well ||
 * "voice activated" || * dominate speaker is the only one heard; all others should have "mute" on, and then "unmute" to speak out and get the floor (like raising one's hand in a class) || * dominate speaker is shown on the screen and if others forget to put their mute on, the camera will show the room with the largest sound-- which might even be a participant with background noise. The key idea is to keep the mute "on."
 * when "XGA" is used, a large image of one's laptop file can be enjoyed ||

Videoconferencing etiquette
Videoconferencing is often chosen over Web conferencing (mostly sharing a file on a screen) and teleconferencing (traditional voice only meeting) because of the desire to see the participants in the meeting and how their body language and other visual cues communicate their involvement. It is easier to build rapport when you can see others.

In traditional face to face meetings, we know the cues that indicate boredom or engagement. Even though videoconferencing in from a distance and a screen, one's body language still communicates messages about engagement--sometime even more overtly in "continuous presence" mode where all participants can be seen at once on a screen.

It is a good idea to use the same polite behaviors during a videoconference that one uses in a face-to-face meeting. In both meetings, it is harder to communicate and build rapport if participants suddenly leave the room; talk to someone else in the room, or look down or elsewhere. The important thing to remember is that others can see what you are doing whenever you are in front of the camera. top

This DEA support meeting was between ECE and BDEC. Notice the use of the PowerPoint on a larger screen. The participants in BDEC are either looking at the host in the room, OR the host's presentation. In this configuration, the CODEX (video camera) is connected to two displays that have a mirror image of the host's computer screen.The host is using a wireless mouse and keyboard. In this image, the participants cannot see the host because they are looking at the PowerPoint which, in the picture, is on the big screen as well as in the small window inset on the right monitor. Videoconferencing in this context does not require the big screen--it is just for better viewing for the host as a presenter.

This was a five community meeting of the Literacy Network. It was being hosted out of Inuvik. This conference is in "voice activation" mode where you don't see all participants, just the host and the present, "unmuted" speaker. This mode was selected by the host because it allows for a larger image of the document that was shared. Another upside is being able to move about and not be seen while muted. The little downside is not being able to see the body language of all participants in various sites, say when a hand is raised; the participant needs to unmute and speak up to be seen. This image shows one of the sites, Yellowknife, unmuted, and sharing to Inuvik, the host.



Here a meeting is happening between seven communities about Junior Kindergarten. It is in "voice activation" mode which means you only see the host and one other window, usually yourself by default. If someone else took their mute off and spoke, that window would be the second window.

"Broadcasting" the 2014 NWT Teacher's Conference opening Keynote with Gabor Mate to Fort Smith (JBT) and Fort Simpson (Bompass)

Two individuals are working on a "locally developed course" between ECE and Inuvik. Notice how the host is sharing her laptop file. The participant sees the same file and a small image of the host in a top right hand box--just as the host is seeing the participant here.

(go back to "Present NWT uses")

(photo courtesy of bwile) top

 This image shows ECE and six BDEC schools watching a video together in "continuous presence" mode; note the small video viewing area in the top left corner. The meeting was one of a series that supports teachers in their understanding of a curriculum being piloted. (photo courtesy of bwile) top

In a different conference about the same curriculum, the participants watch a video together in "voice activation" mode; note the large viewing area; also note a local person attending the conference with the host

(photo courtesy of bwile) top

This image shows ECE in-servicing teachers gathered in Inuvik. The video conference is in "voice activation" mode enabling the teachers to use their "Self" button to make the video fill their screen with a small image of ECE in the corner. On the ECE screen as seen in this picture, ECE is using the "Self" button to make the image of the Inuvik teachers larger and the video smaller.

(photo courtesy of bwile) top

This is another image of ECE in-servicing teachers gathered in Inuvik. Here ECE has the teachers involved in a movement activity!

(photo courtesy of bwile) top (go back to "Present NWT uses")

Sometimes a group can be at the videoconference the host is holding. However they may want to see a larger image of the video that the host is sharing through the use of a digital projector on the wall or the room's interactive whiteboard. Simply use a VGA splitter.  This image shows a re-broadcast of a licensed product (licensed for rebroadcasting as well!). Here a recording of a webinar was made available to each school as well, and a live audience could attend. The computer on the podium is the source of the CD version of the webinar and is plugged into the VGA splitter (picture below). The VC unit and the room's digital projector are both plugged into the splitter. (go back to "Present NWT uses") (photo courtesy of bwile)

This image shows two Education and Operations (EOD) staff developing the skills of a DEC of a small community through face to face and sharing documents (photo courtesy bwile)

Videoconferencing to an international destination. A conference in Washington, DC (Intergovernrnental Affairs) direct IP to IP. Note: Must first be in the government's TSC firewall. This can be done independently with a TSC helpdesk ticket, or through the assistance of the GNWT video bridge personal (920-3430). If a call has not be made before, it can take up to three weeks. Work should be done to make destinations that were once connected to available in the VC Scheduler. top

Using a splitter to view on multiple screens
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__Setup of the Splitter:__ top
 * **For the host**. Plug the host's computer (for the host's video) into the "video in" (cream color in the picture)
 * **For others in the room**. Plug the projector/whiteboard into any one of the "video out" ports (blue in the picture)
 * **For the participants on the videoconference**. Plug the VGA chord from the CODEX (video camera on the videoconference unit--usually above the TV) into any one of the "video out" ports (white in the picture)
 * NOTE: It is always good to have a spare, extra long (eg. 16ft) VGA chord and several "mini-gender" changers on hand

Troubleshooting
1. **You** can see and hear them. **They** can hear you but can't see you. **You** may have pressed the privacy button that stops the capturing of your video image. On the remote control, the button has a picture of a person in a rectangle with a red line through it:

(photo courtesy of bwile)

Or, **you** may have pressed the grey camera button with the picture of the video camera:

(photo courtesy of bwile)

2. Place-based details (384kbps is the NWT standard)
 * Tuk's modem is now set to a greater capacity
 * Ft. McPherson. VC unit and the bridge tool at TSC had to be configured correctly
 * Paulatuk conference worked even in a blizzard. We tested ahead of time with the VGA-XGS screensharing feature (camera button)

Can the GNWT Video Bridge connect to sites out of the NWT?
Yes-but read the requirements:

__Government Videoconferences__ While this wiki's primary purpose is to provide an overview about in-servicing teachers within the NWT using videoconferencing, sometimes ECE or teachers will want to participate in meetings hosted from southern sites, or host a meeting with southern participants.

Currently these are the external bridges that the GNWT Bridge is able to connect to: 1 British Columbia - Telus (Vancouver) 2 Ontario - Ottawa - MGC operated by Resolve Collaboration 3 Ontario - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada 4 Nova Scotia - Telehealth Network 5 Newfoundland - Harbour Grace Court 6 Nunavut - Department of Health and Social Services 7 Yukon - Education Bridge 8 Alberta Justice - Court Services 9 Alberta Health Services 10 Alberta - Government of Alberta 11 Alberta - Education, School Technology Branch 12 Alberta - Wood's Homes

__Non-Government Videoconferences__ What about non-governmental meetings? Videoconferencing as a technology can be held between two IP addresses ("IP to IP") on a digital network. An example might be a school, or ECE wanting to participate in a meeting hosted by a national science or art organization. For security purposes, the GNWT does not automatically permit these kind of meetings since it uses the government digital communication network (DCN). However, it is possible according to these parameters:
 * //Planning ahead//. A formal request is made to the HealthNet Support Desk 4-6 weeks in advance
 * //Host information is known//. The IP address and videoconferencing equipment unit type is provided as well as phone numbers to contact the IT managers/technicians

The Technology Service Center's (TSC) needs to:
 * Place an exemption for that IP address (sometimes there are multiple ones involved) on the government's digital communication network (DCN) firewall
 * Test the IP address
 * Take addition time to establish a successful connection protocol procedure

NOTE: Both government (even for those listed as established government connections) and non-government videoconferences can take 4-6 weeks to arrange. top

Other video conferencing type software
 This image shows the use of GotoMeeting being used to develop a document between Inuvik, Hay River, and Yellowknife. GotoMeeting provides three important options: web conferencing/screensharing; optional use of Web cams; and voice over internet protocols (VOIP: voice over the internet instead of a land line telephone). In this meeting the telephone is being used to lessen the bandwidth required. People join a web conference like this by clicking the link provided in an email invitation which also contains the 1-800 telephone number.

GotoMeeting is being used for a regularly scheduled book club. The instructor is in British Columbia presenting to 80 NWT teachers. Here are three of the participants using a regular government computer and screen.

In this image, a small group meet with another individual to conduct work. They are using a wireless network that sometimes provides an unreliable signal. (return to "What is Videoconferencing?") Video Call with Skype [|(How to do it)] (photo courtesy of bwile)

Broadcasting top

Collective Intelligence
If you, reader, have additional knowledge about using videoconferencing for in-servicing teachers that would improve this page, contact blake_wile@gov.nt.ca. We would like to grow discussion on this topic. Together we are smarter. top