Saint Leo University
VIDEO TEACHING & TRAINING
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
Revision: February 7, 2011
Office of University Technology Services
Mail Code: 2066
33701 State Road 52
PO Box 6665
Saint Leo FL 33574-6665
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 2
TAB A VTT PROGRAM POINTS OF CONTACT .................................................................. 3
TAB B ITEACH VTT SITE RESPONSIBILITIES ................................................................... 5
TAB C PERSONNEL RESPONSIBILITIES............................................................................. 6
TAB D DAILY OPERATIONS ................................................................................................. 8
TAB E SCHEDULING PROCEDURES ................................................................................. 10
TAB F
VTT COURSE DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES ...................................................... 12
TAB G GUIDELINES FOR TEACHING WITH VTT............................................................ 14
TAB H FACILITATOR GUIDE .............................................................................................. 16
TAB I
VIDEO CONFERENCING ETTIQUETTE ................................................................ 18
TAB J
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................... 20
TAB K NEW SITE IMPLEMENTATION CRITERIA ........................................................... 21
TAB L GLOSSARY ................................................................................................................ 22
TAB M INCLEMENT WEATHER AND CENTER CLOSURE PROCEDURES .................. 52
TAB N APPENDICES ............................................................................................................. 53
VIDEO CONFERENCE CRITIQUE ........................................................................................ 54
Saint Leo University
VTT Standard Operating Procedures
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Introduction
This documentation is modeled after the standard operating procedures of the United States Navy
video conferencing network and augmented with original materials developed by Saint Leo
University Office of Information Technology. Its purpose is to communicate the standards and
procedures used to deliver instructional and conferencing content via the video conferencing
systems operated by Saint Leo University. Questions regarding this documentation should be
forwarded to:
VTT Project Manager
Office of University Technology Services
ITEACH
The Saint Leo University VTT system is known as ITEACH- Interactive Teleconferencing
Education and Conferencing Halls. ITEACH is a network of video conferencing and
multimedia classrooms located at the University campus and University Centers throughout the
United States. ITEACH utilizes state-of-the art videoconferencing technology to provide
educational services to Saint Leo students, faculty and staff.
Online Resources
Many resources, including this documentation and the Conference Scheduling Request Form are
available on the VTT web site at http://www.saintleo.edu/vtt .
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TAB A
VTT PROGRAM POINTS OF CONTACT
Chief Information Officer
Overall Operational Responsibility
Les Lloyd
Mail Code: 2066
Phone: 352-588-8415
FAX: (352) 588-8505
Email: les.lloyd@saintleo.edu
VP of Continuing Education
Responsible for Academic Program and Schedule Administration
Dr. Edward Dadez
Mail Code: MC 2277
Phone: (352) 588-8206
FAX: (352) 588-8207
Email: ed.dadez@saintleo.edu
Associate Chief Information Officer and Chief Security Officer
Responsible for VTT contracts, technology, and staff
Steven Carroll
Mail Code: 2066
Phone: 352-588-7551
FAX: (352) 588-8505
Email: steven.carroll@saintleo.edu
Project Manager for VTT
Responsible for scheduling of VTT courses and coordinating technology training courses and
basic training for use of VTT facilities.
Gertrude Jean Pierre
Mail Code: 2066
Phone: 352-588-7444
FAX: (352) 588-8505
Email: gertrude.pierre@saintleo.edu
Technology Manager for VTT
Responsible for VTT operations, bridge management, codec updates and other technical matters
concerning the operation of the ITEACH system.
Patrick Mark McCartney
Mail Code: 2066
Phone: 352-588-8208
FAX: (352) 588-6425
Email: mark.mccartney@saintleo.edu
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Instructional Designer for VTT
Responsible for VTT pedagogical and methods training and working with faculty to design
courses for VTT delivery.
Claudia Ruiz
Mail Code: MC 2066
Phone: 352-588-7542
FAX: (352) 588-7378
Email: claudia.ruiz@saintleo.edu
Network Manager
Responsible for network management and reporting. Establishing network connectivity at new
sites.
Howard Berg
Mail Code: 2066
Phone: (352) 588-7576
FAX: (352) 588-8505
Phone: (352) 588-8495
Email: howard.berg@saintleo.edu
VTT Technicians
Responsible for maintaining the bridge and troubleshooting VTT.
Darius Lewis
Mail Code: 2066
Phone: 352-588-7582
FAX: (352) 588-6425
Email: darius.lewis@saintleo.edu
Robert Ballard
Mail Code: 2066
Phone: 352-588-7571
FAX: (352) 588-6425
Email: robert.ballard@saintleo.edu
Help Desk Support Technician
Responsible for help desk operations, trouble ticket recording, trouble triage, problem escalation
and resolution assurance.
Phone: 352-588-8888
Email: Helpdesk@saintleo.edu
University Center Directors
Overall responsibilities for University Center operations.
Directory: http://www.saintleo.edu/SaintLeo/Templates/Inner.aspx?pid=103
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TAB B
ITEACH VTT SITE RESPONSIBILITIES
The following defines the responsibilities of all VTT sites:
1. Provide VTT Site Coordination
a) Each VTT site will provide a Saint Leo staff member to provide local site coordination of
VTT related activities. Site coordinators perform many of the same support functions
provided traditional face-to-face courses.
b) Each VTT site will identify to the VTT Project Manager at the University Campus a
point of contact for matters concerning VTT operations.
c) The site coordinator assists the VTT at the University Campus with scheduling facilities,
disbursement of materials to facilitators and faculty and identification of facilitators.
d) Ensures adequate classroom space is identified to include tables, chairs, carpeting,
lighting and electrical power.
e) Provide a ‘drop box” location for course facilitators to drop-off course materials collected
in class per the faculty member’s instructions.
f) Reports to the VP of Continuing Education the educational needs of the site.
2. Provide VTT Course Facilitation
a) Each VTT site will identify at least one University Center staff members who will
participate in basic training for operation of VTT equipment and facilitation.
b) Site facilitators must be trained and qualified to operate VTT equipment and facilitate the
classroom in accordance with this instruction. Hands-on training of facilitators is
provided by the Office of University Technology Services, by arrangement with local
University Center or online. All site facilitators will comply with this instruction
c) For academic courses, each VTT site will identify a site facilitator. This facilitator may
be a University staff member, student, or a student in the academic course. Personnel
performing duty as site facilitators may be University staff, selected students, or
temporary contracted personnel. These people are capable of providing basic facilitation
of the VTT equipment.
d) Academic course site facilitators will be compensated one-hundred and fifty dollars $150
at the end of the course.
e) Ensure the availability and report any problems with network communication lines to or
attached equipment in the VTT classroom(s) and office area.
3. Provide Course Enrollment Services
a) In accordance with University policies, each VTT site will provide enrollment and
support services to students learning at that site
b) The VTT sites will be assigned course codes by the University Registrar for instruction
delivered at each site.
c) University Centers are responsible to advertise, advise, enroll and support students
attending VTT courses at their location in the same way that they support students
learning in traditional courses.
d) Students may enroll for courses via eLion or in person at the Center.
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TAB C
PERSONNEL RESPONSIBILITIES
The responsibilities of key principals in the operation of the ITEACH VTT system are:
1. Associate Chief Information Officer
a) Overall responsibility for VTT technical operations and support services.
b) Maintain operational budget for hub and sites for travel, peripheral equipment, and
services.
c) Compose funding proposals and fund proposal presentations for efforts toward expansion
and/or modification of the ITEACH Network.
d) Maintain operational standards, policies and procedures for operating the ITEACH
system.
e) Put forth plans for the expansion and standard operating procedures and policies of the
ITEACH system.
2. VTT Project Manager –.
a) Assist the Associate CIO to maintain accuracy and currency of VTT web page.
b) Coordinate VTT course schedule with campus and remote sites.
c) Manage and promulgate network schedule for all VTT sites.
d) Ensure staff and faculty training is conducted for remote sites.
e) Reserve rooms and VTT equipment for classes and meetings.
f) Use Polycom Conference Suite to provide course/conference schedule to new sites and
ensure sites are added to the schedule to teach/receive courses.
3. ITEACH Video Conferencing Technician
a) Supervise daily operation and maintenance of equipment in accordance with these
standard operating procedures. Configure hub as required to support training and
conferencing.
b) Manage and operate hub and remote sites in accordance with this instruction.
Troubleshoot hub and remote site outages in a timely manner, coordinating with
equipment and communications link providers as required.
c) Ensure the accurate programming and scheduling of courses and conferences into bridge.
d) Keep current on new technologies and advise the Project Manager on equipment
upgrades/enhancements that could improve network operations.
e) Assist in the implementations of new sites that will be added to the hub. Assistance will
include testing communication lines, equipment, and peripheral devices.
f) Use Polycom Global Management System to monitor, manage and update end-points in
the ITEACH system.
g) Use Polycom Conference Suite to provide course/conference schedule to new sites and
ensure sites are added to the schedule to teach/receive courses.
h) Use Polycom Bridge Management Software to schedule, monitor and control conferences
as required.
i) Provide site facilitation and train remote site technician/facilitators, either locally at the
Centers or via the VTT system.
j) Conduct instructor/presenter orientation training as required.
k) Coordinate procurement of equipment and technical assistance between equipment
contractor and the hub sites.
l) Perform facilitator duties as required, as shown in TAB H.
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4. Network Manager
a) Establish new communications lines according to plans and needs as expressed by the
CIO.
b) Monitor/manage all communication lines for VTT applications.
c) Provide monthly reports on network utilization or outages.
d) Ensure QOS parameters are fully functional and operating according to design.
5. VP of Continuing Education
a) Coordinate VTT course research and selection with Center Directors, faculty and Deans.
b) Oversee marketing and advertising of VTT services, courses, and conferences for the
Center’s region. Ensure remote sites promote and advertise the VTT courses to students
in their area.
c) Monitor retention and course satisfaction metrics relative to Saint Leo University
standards and other modes of instructional delivery.
d) Consult with site facilitators to determine the most effective means to increase utilization
and throughput.
6. Instructional Design Technician
a) Provide assistance and coordination for the transition of online and traditional courses to
VTT format
b) Conduct instructor/presenter orientation training.
c) Provide pedagogical and content development support for Instruction, Training and
Administrative meetings.
d) Review training/conference materials for suitability in accordance with established SLU
standards.
7. Registrar
a) Finalize course schedules and assign course numbers for VTT courses at each site.
b) Oversee data entry of courses into Datatel system according to University standards.
8. Site Facilitator (Remote and Host)
a) Supervise remote site operation and configuration of equipment in accordance with the
standard operating procedures.
b) Report site outages in a timely manner, coordinating with help desk technicians as
required.
c) Provide monthly site schedule and all updates to local quota control as appropriate.
d) Inform hub site of the number of expected students for each convening at least 1 day in
advance.
e) Provide student/attendee utilization figures to hub manager at the end of each week (copy
to chain of command encouraged).
9. Help Desk
a) Provide call center services, trouble ticket collection and problem redirection and
escalation.
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VTT Standard Operating Procedures
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TAB D DAILY OPERATIONS
1. Hours of Operation
Standard hours of operation are:
0800 to 2200 EST Monday-Thursday.
0800 to 1700 EST Friday-Saturday
Facilitation services are available on off-hours by arrangement.
All participating sites must be capable of full operation no later than 0800 EST. Conferences
involving multiple time zones sites can usually be scheduled to accommodate time differences.
2. Terminology
The following terms apply to the procedures contained in this SOP:
a) Host - VTT site where the course instructor is physically located.
b) Remote Site - VTT site other than the host site participating in the course or conference.
There will normally be multiple remote sites for each host site.
3. Daily Schedule
It is generally desirable to leave the equipment powered on at all times. This ensures that the
equipment is ready to go and that the VTT technicians can perform remote updates and diagnostic
procedures. The Polycom units will enter “sleep mode” after 3 minutes of non-use when not in a
conference. However, it is recognized that the University shares space at Centers with other
entities and as such, it may be necessary to power down and/or move the equipment out of the
way of other classes. The VTT technicians may coordinate alternative locations outside of the
classroom(s) where the equipment can be plugged in and used for meetings or stored.
4. Startup
When a site’s first event of the day is scheduled to start later in the day, the site staff or site
facilitator must power up the equipment in the morning upon arrival This will provide the VTT
Technician the opportunity to perform maintenance during off-hours and test the equipment well
in advance of the next planned use.
By 0900 hours: In a priority order based on scheduled start times, the VTT technician will
configure and/or confirm the network as required and/or provide coordination instructions for the
day’s schedule by at least 0900 hours the day of an event.
By 30 minutes prior to session –
1. The Course Facilitators should follow the guidelines established for course
facilitation. See TAB H for more details.
Within 15 minutes prior to scheduled start time - Make final assurance of good audio and video
capability with site facilitators and participation of all scheduled sites. Turn over video
conference to faculty member, presenter or meeting organizer.
At conclusion – Site facilitator administers critique of session if appropriate. Problem reports
are forwarded to the VTT Technology Manager and Project Manager.
At 15 minutes after scheduled complete time – terminate bridged conference.
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Report Problems Promptly
It is critical to immediately report all technical problems to the VTT technician. Sites that have
not been active for more than 72 hours will conduct on-line systems test with the hub 1 day prior
to their next scheduled network operation. Sites should indicate coordination of this test via
phone with the hub technician.
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TAB E
SCHEDULING PROCEDURES
1. Scheduling Authorities
a. The VP of Continuing Education is responsible for researching and coordination
course needs. Requests or questions concerning possible courses and sites should
be directed to that office.
b. Academic scheduling is centrally managed by the Office of the Registrar.
Questions concerning academic schedules should be directed to that office.
c. Technical scheduling and bridge programming of VTT sessions is centrally
managed by the University Technology Service and managed by the VTT
Technology Manager
2. Non-Bridged Conferences
Conferences that do not used the centralized bridge services to connection end-points are
generally referred to as non-bridged conferences.
a) The use of VTT equipment for spontaneous point-to-point communication between
sites is encouraged. Coordination for such use can be managed independent of
central authority or bridge requirements. However, such spontaneous use is only
allowed if the VTT facilities are not otherwise scheduled for use.
b) Most VTT endpoints are capable of performing multi-participant conferences without
the use of a bridge. However, this method is not advised as additional network
resources are used which could impact other mission critical computing activities at
the site.
3. Bridged Conferences
Conferences that use the central bridge or multipoint control unit can take advantage of such
features as continuous presence, dial-in phone participants and other features. It is also generally
considered a more efficient use of networking resources to use a bridged service when multiple
sites are participating in a conference.
a) Academic courses are automatically scheduled into the bridge by the VTT
Technicians using Polycom’s PCS software and according to the schedule provided
by the VTT Project Manager. The VTT Project Manager will provide the VTT
Technicians with the course schedule at least 21 days prior to the first meeting of the
course.
b) Meetings, seminars and other conferences can be scheduled by:
1) Completing the online form at
http://www.saintleo.edu/SaintLeo/Templates/Inner.aspx?pid=15658 or
2) Contacting the VTT Project Manager by phone or email to request a
reservation.
c) The VTT Project Manager will coordinate with conference schedulers to verify
information and determine specific technical settings for each conference. The
information and settings essential include:
1)
2)
3)
4)
The participating sites.
Date and start/finish times of conference
Continuous presence settings. (how many sites will be seen concurrently)
People and content settings: Will content be shown (computer based
images)?
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5) Special media requests or other technical needs.
4. Scheduling Priority
Academic instruction is the first priority. Academic course scheduling can be guaranteed only
within a 21-day window of the course start date. Scheduling priorities are established below.
Schedule requests are made by online, by phone, fax, or message to the VTT Project Manager
and centrally collated on the master schedule at the VTT web site. The master schedule is
continuously updated as needed and is sent via email to all VTT Center Directors.
A. Scheduling priority follows:
(1) Base Command Priority. On military bases, base command will be provided top priority
use of the VTT system.
(2) First Priority. Academic, for credit, courses. Course requests are made in accordance with
institutional policies and procedures and are the responsibility of the VTT Project
Manager and VP of Continuing Education. The VTT Project Manager in collaboration
with the Center Directors will establish the course schedule and meetings in accordance
with approved curriculum guides. The course schedule is then forwarded to the VTT
Technology Manager and technicians for input into the Polycom PCS scheduling system
and master schedule calendar.
(3) Second Priority. Non-Credit Courses, faculty development workshops and staff skills
development workshops.
(4) Third Priority. Administrative functions and Special Events
(5) Fourth Priority. All other activities
(6) Guest Priority. Other educational institutions may use the VTT system by making an
advance request to the Assoicate CIO.
2. The VTT Project Manager will produce a monthly utilization report.
3. Points of contact to schedule VTT courses or conferences follow:
VTT Project Manager, Mica Jean Pierre
Phone: 352-588-7444
Email: gertrude.pierre@saintleo.edu
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TAB F
VTT COURSE DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES
The full text of the VTT Course Development Guideline can be found online on the VTT website
(http://www.saintleo.edu/VTT) . The key points of this document are summarized here. The
following guidelines provide information concerning the adaptation and development of course
materials for delivery in a VTT environment.
1. Conduct a high level review.
Review your current course curriculum and see how it could be adjusted. Examination
of the following questions provides a means of stimulating new thoughts and consider of
different approaches to old teaching challenges:
a. How can I shift from teacher-centered teaching to student-centered learning?
b. Which course components need to be synchronous and which can be
done off-line?
c. How can I design a course with appropriate interactive components?
d. How can I approach assessment differently in order to measure learning?
2. Planning a course is a multi-step process that requires the following general steps:
I.
Determine course objectives.
Step 1. Who are your students?
Step 2. What do they need to know?
Step 3. What do they already know?
Step 4. What will they learn in this course?
II. Select and sequence course activities.
Step 5. What activities or tasks will student participate in?
III. Select or assemble instructional materials.
Step 6. What technology or teaching tools might you use?
Step 7. Do you need to create materials, templates, websites or other
materials?
Step 8. Do you need to get permissions for copyrighted content?
IV. Determine evaluation techniques and assessment mechanisms
Step 9. How will you assess your students?
Step 10.
How will you get feedback on your class?
3. Planning a Course Session
a. Establish Session Objectives
b. Determine Methods and Activities
c. Identify the Course Materials
d. Plan On-camera Time
e. Create Equipment Cues
f. Prepare Prior to the session
2. Checklist for the First Class Meeting
a. Warn students about the presence of cameras and microphones.
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b. Explain the use of push-to-talk microphones if you will be using them.
c. Explain what your plan is if the video conferencing system fails.
d. Describe how the facilitator will be setting up and testing the equipment
prior to each class session.
e. Have students review the video conferencing etiquette guide.
f. Set Guidelines and Explain Procedures for Answering Questions
g. Stress the importance of reducing background noise and use of the .
h. Clearly establish your expectations for student participation in the course.
i. Try to get students comfortable with the new way of communicating.
j. Discuss importance of pre-assigned activities.
k. On-Air time is important clearly identify and stress those activities that
must occur outside of the on-air time.
l. If you will be posting materials to the web make sure students can access
the website.
m. Make sure you provide an opportunity to interact in a fun way as part of
your learning exercises. In doing so, students will engage the course
and each other more enthusiastically.
In addition the course of development, it cannot be stressed enough that sufficient time and
practice be given before attempting to deliver a VTT class.
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TAB G
GUIDELINES FOR TEACHING WITH VTT
The following summarizes the contents of the “Guidelines for Teaching with Video
Conferencing.” Available on the VTT website at http://www.saintleo.edu/VTT
The ITEACH system has been configured to make VTT as similar as possible to a traditional
classroom environment, and to make the use of VTT as transparent as possible to the instructors.
However, it is important that faculty and presenters adequately prepare and practice teaching in
this environment the following points should be followed:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
(11)
(12)
(13)
(14)
(15)
Attend the VTT Instructor Training Course offered over the ITEACH system. For a
schedule of trainings, contact the VTT Project Manager.
Observe another VTT class in session before actually using the system. If possible, do
some practice teaching on the system to remote sites, which can be recorded and
reviewed. Portions of the actual instruction may also be recorded to evaluate teaching
effectiveness on VTT if desired.
Ensure graphics meet the established criteria. Consider converting hard copies to Power
Point Graphics if the ELMO, or overhead projector, will be used extensively (this
streamlines your presentation and facilitates switching between graphics).
Wear appropriate clothing in solid color patterns. Neutral colors work best. Avoid
large and bright jewelry pieces.
Speak more slowly and clearly.
Have students switch cellular phones or other electronics to the off or “silent” position
to avoid interruptions.
Ensure course materials, master course schedule, and course proctor guides are
delivered to the participating sites, and that site facilitators have been briefed on any
specific requirements (e.g., provide a schedule for distributing course materials,
describe any classroom reconfiguration required, provide guidance on grading
examinations to include remediation techniques and two versions of final examination,
etc.).
Do a communications check with each receiving site before continuing instruction after
a break. Notify the facilitator if any site appears to be missing.
Maintain eye contact with the camera as much as possible.
View the receiving sites on the rear monitor. When a student at one of the sites presses
the push-to-talk microphone and begins speaking, that student’s site will be displayed.
This allows virtual face-to-face interaction.
Encourage students with questions to wait to be recognized before asking them. Data
compression can delay audio transmission by up to 2/3 of a second. The effect is
similar to a cellular phone call. When more than one site speaks at the same time, all
will be heard, but the system will select only one to display. Determine who else has
spoken and ask them to be patient until it is their turn to be recognized.
Ensure students at your site depress the push-to-talk microphone when asking questions
so remote sites will hear them.
Repeat all questions from students to ensure all sites heard them.
Notify the facilitator of any problems encountered with the system or equipment
operation, particularly if any of the prompts listed in TAB D are displayed.
Modify standard questioning strategies to keep receiving sites actively engaged.
Calling on the sites by location and the students by name will help hold their interest.
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(16) Inform the students if you will be available on the system during breaks, at lunch, or
after class. Provide remote site students with time either before or after class for extra
instruction or one-on-one questions.
(17) Minimize rapid arm movement and fast pacing. Video compression reduces the clarity
of objects in motion.
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TAB H
FACILITATOR GUIDE
In modern educational philosophy the term "facilitator" is often preferred over "instructor" since
the object is to facilitate learning. VTT facilitators, however, are not subject matter experts and
have no instructional duties. Their job is to make the VTT environment as pleasant and seamless
as possible for both students and instructor. This tab contains guidance for both host and remote
site facilitators.
1. Site Coordinator Responsibilities
At least two (2) weeks before class: Work with VTT Project Manager to identify facilitator
(Center staff or student)
a. Contact class facilitator and provide them with facilitator guideline information.
b. Obtain signed facilitation contract agreement.
c. Schedule facilitator training session if the facilitator is not previously certified.
d. Contact course instructor/point of contact to verify course schedule and materials to be
used. If materials are not on hand, order 2 weeks out.
e. Ensure instructions for course proctoring and testing are ready. These materials must be
distributed to the facilitators in advance.
2. Host Site Facilitator Responsibilities
a. Ensure instructor knows how to operate all VTT presentation equipment, including the
touch screen controls. Be readily available for assistance until the instructor is
comfortable operating the equipment.
b. Work with the instructor to ensure course presentation materials are legible in the VTT
environment.
c. The day prior to a convening, thoroughly prepare classroom, i.e., place materials on desk,
position cameras, and connect appropriate audio/visual media for particular use.
d. Make sure the bridge is programmed with the participating sites and appropriate settings
(e.g. people + content, H263/4, continuous presence, etc.)
e. Make adjustments to the cameras as required, and show the instructor how to adjust them
if required. Set camera presets as necessary. Position microphones.
f. Before the conference begins, inform the instructor of any known issues or possible
interruptions that may occur during course of instruction.
g. Show the students how to operate the push-to-talk microphone (remind them to ensure
the microphones are not activated unless they are actually being used). Stress to the
students co-located with the instructor that they must use the microphones so the other
sites can hear their questions. Direct them to give their name and site, then be recognized
by the instructor before asking their question. Remind the instructor to mute the podium
microphone during breaks to avoid inadvertent comments.
h. Notify the VTT Technician of any problems encountered that cannot be immediately
rectified.
3. Remote Site Facilitator Responsibilities
The following summarizes the responsibilities of the remote site facilitator. Additional
facilitation materials are available online at http://www.saintleo.edu/VTT . A tri-fold
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brochure is also available to help facilitators prepare a classroom for video conferencing.
a. 30 minutes prior to the course start obtain materials from site coordinator for distribution
during class per faculty’s instructions.
b. 15-30 minutes prior to the start of the class thoroughly prepare classroom for
course/conference:
1. Place course materials on desks,
2. Position both TV carts and cameras.
3. Verify power is turned on at both TVs and Polycom CODEC equipment
4. Perform microphone checks to ensure proper audio volume,
5. And connect appropriate audio/visual media for particular use.
c. On first day of class distribute the VTT etiquette guidelines.
1. Distribute the VTT etiquette flyers.
2. Show the students how to operate the push-to-talk microphones.
3. Direct the students to give their name and site, and then be recognized by the
instructor before asking their question.
4. Remind them that what the do and say can be seen and heard by other people
outside of the classroom.
5. Remind them that all subject matter questions must be addressed to the
instructor, not the local site facilitator.
d. During the course
1. remind students of good video conferencing etiquette as necessary. Make
adjustments with camera or volume and reposition microphones if necessary.
2. Distribute materials per instructor’s directions.
3. If you have trouble during the course with the video or audio portion, contact
the hotline at 352-588-7400.
e. At the end of the class session
1. Collect all materials per instructor’s request and turn into the Center office.
2. Return the chairs and carts to their appropriate locations.
3. Put away microphones and relocate carts to an appropriate spot in the
classroom. (LEAVE THE CODEC EQUIPMENT POWERED ON).
4. Notify the VTT technicians via the VTT Class Report Form
(http://www.saintleo.edu/SaintLeo/Templates/Inner.aspx?pid=15660) of any
problems encountered that cannot be immediately rectified.
f.
At the end of the last course meeting, ensure students fill out course critiques upon
completion of course. Stress that comments are encouraged. Turn in the evaluations to
the University Center Office.
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TAB I
VIDEO CONFERENCING ETIQUETTE
Etiquette refers to a set of behaviors or community standards that a group of people has agreed to
abide by. The following information outlines these behaviors in a video conferencing
environment. Your adherence will help ensure that videoconference is an enjoyable and
rewarding experience for everyone.
1. Review proper etiquette with students and attendees.
VTT etiquette should be reviewed with students during the first course meeting and reinforced
periodically as necessary. A tri-fold brochure with these etiquette guidelines is available from
http://faculty.saintleo.edu/resources/Vidconf/etiquette_brochure.pdf. Facilitators will provide a
copy of this document to each participant during the first course meeting. In addition, a short
introductory video on etiquette is also available on the web site.
Video conferencing etiquette guidelines are:
Be Aware
First of all, please remember that there are cameras and microphones in a video
conferencing classroom. This means that you can be heard and seen by other people not
in the room even if we can’t see or hear them.
Keeping Noise to a Minimum
Stray noises and side conversations within a video conference may distract from the
primary conversation. The microphones and speakers do not differentiate between
relevant and irrelevant sounds. They are very sensitive and will readily pick up any
conversation, whispers or transmit a sneeze.
If there is a noisy activity at the participating sites planned during the videoconference,
mute the audio during the activity.
Use your Normal Voice
Be sure that your speech is clear, loud enough to be heard in a regular situation (adjust
volume if need be), and slow enough to be easily understood.
Be aware of possible voice delays across the system and accommodate for the delays.
Look at the camera and far-site audience when talking to ensure that you are interacting
with your far-end audience as well as the participants in the same room. If you are
wearing a microphone, be sure the volume is properly adjusted. If you are using a fixed
microphone, be sure that you are in range to pick up your voice.
Keep Movements to a Minimum
Excessive movements can be very distracting and can degrade video quality. Avoid
rocking, pacing or dramatic gesturing.
Wear Video Friendly Clothing
Avoid bright or patterned clothing and flashy jewellery. These can be distractions over
televisions. Neutral or dark tones in solid patterns tend to work best in the video
conferencing setting. For fashion hints that work, take note of what TV news journalists
wear on the air.
Taking Turns Talking
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In larger meetings, once the session has commenced, if you wish to speak, wait for the
chair to invite you to do so, wait for a suitable pause, or make a silent visual signal to the
chair of the meeting. It is easy to accidentally interrupt or talk over someone, because of
the slight delay in audio between sites, and the comparative lack of ‘body language’.
Mute the Microphone When Not Talking
When your site is not the current focus, and if there is not an ongoing discussion, it is a
good idea to mute the microphone. Coughs, sneezes or fidgets will otherwise be heard by
all, and will cause a distraction at every site. In a multipoint conference these noises will
cause your site to be the visual focus of the meeting.
Announce Yourself
When you do get the opportunity to speak, identify yourself if you are not known to the
other sites, and speak clearly. Try not to pause for too long, and, if necessary, indicate
when you have finished.
Start and End on Time
Be aware that the meeting needs to start and finish promptly, and take notice of any
instructions given by the chairperson. Be prepared for his/her invitations to contribute,
and explain explicitly if there are no further points from your site.
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TAB J
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
1. Cost avoidance is the term used to describe travel and per diem savings that are realized
through the use of VTT. Network-wide cost avoidance is carefully documented, since any
location not cost effective (i.e., does not save more money than it costs to run) may be
disestablished as a VTT site.
2. Each site will track the following information and forward to the VTT Project Manager each
month for conferences not scheduled through VTT.
a. Conferences or course sessions conducted including:
i. Date and time of conference
ii. Length of conference
iii. Purpose of conference
iv. Sites participating
v. Names/number of participants at each site
2. VTT maintains logs of electronics and network problems. However, system outages must be
carefully documented to provide matching evidence and determine overall system reliability and
impact. Remote sites will log all outages and reasons for outages.
a. Hotline Notification: If an outage or problem occurs, the Hotline should be
immediately contacted.
b. Summary Report: A summary of outages should be included in the end-of-month
report provided to the VTT Project Manager. A brief summary of the impact of
outages on scheduled training should also be provided in this report.
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TAB K
NEW SITE IMPLEMENTATION CRITERIA
1. Implementation of additional sites will be limited by the availability of funding. Site evaluation
will include but is not limited to the following:
• Potential Cost Avoidance
• Sites requesting VTT
• Alternative delivery methods.
• Training
• University Strategic Plan.
• Existing VTT sites in close
proximity
2. Sites with the greatest potential for cost avoidance will be given priority consideration for
implementation. Although it is difficult to precisely estimate potential savings, the following
provides general guidance:
a. Determine the number of potential students for VTT courses currently offered, or
which could be offered if demand was great enough.
b. Availability of expert faculty near a University Center for programs offered by
that site.
c. Potential for travel savings and other administrative productivity gains.
d. The combine all expected conferences and courses to estimate a total savings and
course enrollment revenue that a potential site could realize from VTT. If the
total is somewhere near $30,000 per year, the site will almost certainly be cost
effective. An additional $25,000 (one-time cost) is also required for VTT and
peripheral equipment and room modifications.
e. If the potential site teaches courses other VTT locations could use, additional
cost savings could result. If the potential site teaches courses already available on
VTT, additional cost savings may result from eliminating the local instructor
costs.
f. Sites that meet accreditation, contract, strategic other critical issues that may be
facilitated by VTT, but do not meet savings potential criteria, will be reviewed on
a case-by-case basis and forwarded to the President’s staff for further
consideration.
g. Initial requests for new VTT sites should be forwarded to the VP of Continuing
Education:
VP of Continuing Education
Mail Code: MC 2277
Saint Leo University
PO Box 6665
Saint Leo, FL 33574-6665
Phone: (352) 588-8206
FAX: (352) 588-8207
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TAB L
GLOSSARY
1TR6
The German ISDN standards.
2B+D ISDN
One of the two network-to-customer interface standards defined under ISDN
(also called ISDN Basic Rate Interface). 2B+D ISDN comprises two B (bearer)
channels capable of transmitting 64kps of digitized information from voice,
video, and data, and one D "data" channel for control information.
4CIF
Four times Common Intermediate Format: 704x576 pixels.
A
ACELP
Algebraic code excited linear prediction is a coding used for voice compression
The reference to a 'code' is analogous to a 'look-up table' which contains likely
waveforms, which are based on statistical analysis of known signals (e.g.
human voice).
ADPCM
Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation. Differential pulse code modulation
that also uses adaptive quantitations; an audio coding algorithm which provides
a modest degree of compression together with good quality. Reduces
bandwidth requirements by storing differences between successive digital
samples rather than full values. An extension of the PCM audio encoding
format.
ADSL
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. High bandwidth network technology that
transmits at a higher rate in one direction than the other.
AGC
Automatic Gain Control. Algorithm to normalize volume regardless of the
speaking persons position relative to microphone.
A-Law
Is used in Europe, A commanding method for encoding-decoding audio signals
in 30channel pulse-code-modulated (PCM) systems.
Algorithm
A computational procedure that includes a prescribed set of processes for the
solution of a problem in a finite number of steps; the underlying numerical or
computational method behind a code or process. Algorithms are fundamental to
image compression as they allow an information-intensive file or transmission
to be squeezed to a more economical size.
AMI
Alternate mark inversion .The binary modulation code used by telephone
companies for data and digital voice transmission. AMI uses RZ coding in an
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alternate bipolar scheme, with logical zeros corresponding to 0 V, and logical
ones alternating between + 3 V and - 3 V. Self synchronization is possible with
this approach, but the number of continuous zeros must be limited.
ANSI
American National Standards Institute. The primary standards organization for
the U.S., ANSI plays a significant role in defining ISDN standards.
Antialiasing
A method for smoothing the jagged edges (stair steps) often seen in graphics or
video. The method reduces the jagged edges by placing intermediate shades of
color or gray around the steps.
ASF
Active Streaming Format. A Microsoft file format for digital video playback over
the Internet, or on a standalone computer. Kind of a wrapper around any of a
number of compression types, including MPEG. Part of Netshow, a proprietary
streaming media solution from Microsoft. Biggest competitor is Real Networks.
While this 'wrapper' support many standard formats, ASF files are themselves
proprietary.
Auto-tracking
Feature of a Pan/Tilt/Zoom camera that enables it to follow a speaker either by
voice detection (usual), by a color pattern recognition or by Radio signals (rare).
Helps to allow the speaker to move freely during a videoconference.
AVI
Audio Video Interleaved. A Microsoft format for digital audio and video playback
from Windows 3.1 Somewhat cross-platform, but mostly a Windows format.
Has been replaced by the ASF format, but still used by some multimedia
developers.
API
Application Programming Interface. A software application used to request and
carry out lower-level services performed by a computer operating system or a
telephone system operating system.
Application
An application is a software program that performs a particular useful function
for a user.
Application Sharing
This is a feature that allows two or more people to work together when one the
individuals does not have the same application, or same version of the
application. In application sharing, one user launches the application and it runs
simultaneously. Both users can make changes to the information using the
keyboard and mouse. Files associated with the application can be easily
transferred, so the results of the collaboration are available to both users
immediately. The person who launched the application can lock out the other
person from making changes, so the locked-out person sees the application
running but cannot control it (view only or Application Viewing).
Application Viewing
In personal conferencing, the users sharing the application can see every
keystroke or mouse movement made by the one user who is running the
application. The other users have no control over the application.
ARP
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Address Resolution Protocol. The procedures and messages in any
communications protocol which resolve local addresses to those of the network.
In TCP/IP, the protocols for translating between IP addresses and physical
addresses.
ARPANet
Advanced Research Projects Agency Network - The precursor to the Internet.
Developed in the late 60's and early 70's by the US Department of Defence as
an experiment in wide-area-networking that would survive a nuclear war.
ASCII
American Standard Code for Information Interchange, a digital coding scheme
that is capable of representing 256 characters. ASCII is a 7-level code for
asynchronous character transmission over a network. It is a "universal" code;
for instance, a file that uses another coding scheme can nearly always be
saved as an ASCII text so other systems that use other coding schemes can
get at the data. With 7-level ASCII, an eighth bit can be used for parity checking
that can be defined as odd or even.
ASF
Active Streaming Format. A Microsoft file format for digital video playback over
the Internet, or on a standalone computer. Kind of a wrapper around any of a
number of compression types, including MPEG. Part of Netshow, a proprietary
streaming media solution from Microsoft. Biggest competitor is Real Networks.
While this 'wrapper' support many standard formats, ASF files are themselves
proprietary.
Asynchronous
Lacking synchronization. A method of transmitting data over a network using a
start bit at the beginning of a character and a stop bit at the end. The time
interval between characters may be of varying lengths. In video, a signal is
asynchronous when its timing differs from that of the system reference signal.
AT&T 5ESS
The leading telephone switch platform, made by AT&T.
ATM
Asynchronous Transfer Mode. High speed (up to 155 mbps), high bandwidth,
low-delay, transport technology, integrating multiple data types (voice, video,
and data). ITU has selected ATM as the basis for the future broadband network
because of its flexibility and suitability for both transmission and switching. Has
a lot of future expectations.
Audio
In video communications, electrical signals that carry sounds.
Audio Bridge
Equipment that mixes multiple audio inputs and gives feedback to composite
audio to each station after removing the individual station's input.
B
B8ZS
Binary 8-Zero Substitution. Line-code type, used on T1 and E1 circuits, in which
a special code is substituted whenever 8 consecutive zeros are sent through
the link. This code is then interpreted at the remote end of the connection. This
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technique guarantees ones density independent of the data stream. Sometimes
called bipolar 8-zero substitution.
B channel
The ISDN circuit-switched bearer channels, capable of transmitting 64kps of
digitized information.
B-ISDN
Broadband ISDN. The ITU-T is developing the B-ISDN standard, incorporating
the existing ISDN switching, signaling, multiplexing and transmission standards
into a higher-speed specification that will support the need to move different
types of information around the public switched network.
Bandwidth
A term that defines the information carrying capacity of a channel. In analogue
systems, it is the difference between the highest frequency that a channel can
carry and the lowest, measured in hertz. In digital systems the unit of measure
of bandwidth is bits per second.
Bandwidth-on-demand
The ability to vary the transmission speed in support of various applications,
including videoconferencing. In videoconferencing applications, an inverse
multiplexor of I-Mux takes a digital signal that comes from a codec and divides
it into multiple 56 or 64 kbps channels for transmission across a switched digital
network. On the distant end, a compatible I-Mux recombines these channels for
the receiving codec, and therefore ensures that even if the data takes different
transmission paths, it will be recombined at the receiving end.
Bearer mode
The type of coding or compression which the telephone network is permitted to
perform on the bit stream carried on the bearer channel. In POTS, the bearer
mode will always be 3.1 kHz voice. A data bearer mode implies that the data
stream will not be compressed by the network (the connection is clear channel.
Binary
A method of coding in which there are only two possible values: 0 and 1 for a
given digit. Each binary digit is called a "bit".
Bit
Binary Digit. The basic signaling unit in all digital transmission systems used.
Bit rate (Bps)
The number of bits of information transmitted over a channel in a given second.
Bit rate allocation signal (BAS)
As specified in the ITU-T H.320 series of recommendations, bits in a frame that
enable the transmission of code words to describing the capability of a terminal.
Used to structure the capacity of the channel or synchronized multiple channels
in various ways and commanding a receiver to demultiplex and make use of the
constituent signals in such structures. The BAS signal is also used for controls
and indications.
Blanking
An ordinary television signal consists of 30 separate still pictures or frames sent
every second. They occur so rapidly; the human eye blurs them together to
form an illusion of moving pictures. This is the basis for television and motion
picture systems. The blanking interval is that portion of the television signal that
occurs after one picture frame is sent and before the next one is transmitted.
During this period of time special data signals can be sent which will not be
picked up on an ordinary television receiver.
B-Mac
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A method of transmitting and scrambling colored television signals. In such
transmissions MAC (Multiplexed Analogue Component) signals are timemultiplexed with a digital burst containing digitized sound, video synchronizing,
authorization, and information. MAC (A, B, C, D2) Subtypes refer to the various
methods used to transmit audio and data signals.
BONDING
Method for making several B channels look like one high-rate line by use of an
IMUX (inverse multiplexer.)
bps
Bits per second, a unit of measurement of the speed of data transmission and
thus of bandwidth.
BRI
Basic Rate Interface. In ISDN there are two interfaces, the BRI and the PRI or
Primary Rate Interface. The BRI offers two circuit-switched B (bearer) channels
of 64 kps each and one packet-switched D (delta) channel that is used for
exchanging signals with the network.
Bridge
In videoconferencing terminology, a bridge connects three or more conference
sites so that they can simultaneously communicate. Bridges are often called
MCUs (Multiple Conferencing Units).
A bridge is also considered a device that interconnects LAN's or LAN segments
at the data-link layer of the OSI model to extend the LAN environment
physically. They work with frames (as opposed to packets) of data, forwarding
them between networks. They learn station addresses and they resolve
problems with loops in the topology by participating in the spanning tree
algorithm
The term bridge can be used in audio conferencing to refer to a device tehat
connects multiple voice calls so that all participants can hear and be heard.
Broadband
The term applied to networks having bandwidths significantly greater than that
found in telephony networks. Broadband systems are capable of carrying a
large number of moving images of a vast quantity of data simultaneously.
Broadband techniques usually depend on coaxial or optical cable for
transmissions. They utilize multiplexing to permit the simultaneous operation of
multiple channels or services on a single cable. Frequently division multiplexing
or cell relay techniques can both be used in broadband transmission.
Buffering
The process by which a codec stores temporarily captured video frames before
encoding or decoding them in order to ensure regular and timely transmission
or reception. In videoconferencing, buffering is very limited, since
communications must take place in almost real-time, which allows for delays of
only a fraction of a second.
Byte
Is equal to 8 bits.
C
Caller ID
An identification (number, name) of the party calling. Can be in a form of an IP
in case of Video Conferencing
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CAP set
Data passed between an MCS and a conferencing system that identifies the
capabilities of the equipment, such as audio coding and transfer rate
capabilities.
CCITT
Consultative Committee for International Telegraphy and Telephony. Known as
the International Telecommunications Union.
CELP
Codebook Excited Linear Prediction. A digital voice compression technique
invented by AT&T, which provides good voice quality down to about 8kb/s and
sometimes to 4kb/s. The voice is first digitized as PCM and then passed
through CELP circuits. Like all source-coder systems, CELP transmits a
“profile” of the voice characteristics, and then reconstructs a close synthesis of
the voice at the other end.
CEPT
Comite Europeanne des Postes et Telecommunications: European Conference
of Post and Telecommunications.
CERN
Centre Europeen pour la Recherche Nuclaire (CERN) is a large particle-physics
laboratory located in Geneva on the French-Swiss border. The World Wide
Web originated at CERN
Chair-control video switching
A video-switching method using the ITU-T Recommendation H.243 standard in
which a participant at a conference site selects the current broadcaster from the
controls provided by the conferencing system. The conference must be using
voice-activated video switching, and the H.243 Chair Control option must be
installed at the site. Contrast with user-selected video switching.
CIF
Common Intermediate Format, an optional part of the ITU-T's H.261 and H.263
standards. CIF specifies 288 non-interlaced luminance lines that contain 352
pixels. CIF is to be sent at frame rates of 7.5, 10, 15, or 30 per second. When
operating with CIF, the number of bits that result cannot exceed 256 K bits
(where K equals 1024)
CIR - Committed Information Rate.
The rate at which a Frame Relay network agrees to transfer information under
normal conditions, averaged over a minimum increment of time. CIR, measured
in bits per second, is one of the key negotiated tariff metrics.
Circuit Switched
An ISDN bearer service that provides a 64 kbps (sometimes 56 kbps) path
between two users for the duration of the call.
Channel negotiation
In the ISDN Q.931 protocol, the process by which a stored-program control
system enables the equipment at the customer premises to request a channel
that is different from the one indicated in the setup message.
Clock
A reference source for timing information for communication and computing
equipment and systems.
CODEC
A sophisticated digital signal-processing unit that takes an analogue input and
converts it to digital on the sending end. At the receiving end, another codec
reverses this by reconverting the digital signal back to analogue.
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Codec is a contraction of code/decode (some experts in the video industry
assert it also stands for compress/decompress). A codec takes the form of a set
of hardware or software components, or a combination of both.
Companding
A combination of a compressing at one point in a communications path for
reducing the volume range of signals, and followed by an expansion at another
point for restoring the original signal range.
Composite Video
A method of carrying video information, which combines chrominance and
luminance on a single wire, resulting in lower video quality than S-Video.
Compression
'Reducing the representation of the information, but not the information itself.
Reducing the bandwidth or number of bits needed to encode information or
encode a signal, typically by eliminating long strings of identical bits or bits that
do not change in successive sampling intervals. Compression saves
transmission time or capacity. It also saves storage space on storage devices
such as hard disks, tape drives, and floppy disks.
Continuous Presence
An optional type of conference where all sites view four other sites arranged in
a quadrant-screen display.
CPE - Customer Provided Equipment
Equipment not part of the public (ISDN) network located and owned by the end
user. This includes telephones, computers, etc…
CS-ACELP
Conjugate structure algebraic code excited linear prediction is a coding used for
voice compression.
CSD
Circuit-Switched Data. An ISDN circuit-switched call for data in which a
transmission path between two users, is assigned for the duration of a call at a
constant, fixed rate.
CSMA/CD
Carrier sense multiple access collision detect. Media-access mechanisms
wherein devices ready to transmit data first check the channel for a carrier. If no
carrier is sensed for a specific period of time, a device can transmit. If two
devices transmit at once, a collision occurs and is detected by all colliding
devices. This collision subsequently delays retransmissions from those devices
for some random length of time. Ethernet and IEEE 802.3 use CSMA/CD
access.
CSU - channel service unit
A device that interfaces between a communication network and data terminal
equipment. In T1 applications, referred to as a DSU (data service unit).
CSV
Circuit-Switched Voice. An ISDN circuit-switched call for voice where the
transmission path between two users is assigned for the duration of a call at a
constant rate.
CSV/CSD
Alternate Circuit-Switched Voice/Circuit-Switched Data. A B-channel
configuration that allows either circuit switch voice or data communication.
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D
D-Channel
An ISDN channel that provides a 16-kbps or 64-kbps packet-mode connection
between a servicing switch and a customer's premises. The channel carries
signal and control information for B-channel activity and also can carry user
data in the form of packets
Dataconferencing
A type of conferencing in an H.320 environment where conferencing systems
transmit ITU-T T.120 information-for example, a PC file-for interactive use by
conference participants.
DCE
Data Circuit-Terminating Equipment. A term that refers to the network side of a
communication link.
De-Multiplex
The process of separating two or more signals previously combined for
transmission over a shared channel. Multiplexing merges multiple channels
onto one channel prior to transmission; de-multiplexing separates them again at
an appropriate network node.
DES encryption
A data encryption algorithm in the public domain. It is the Data Encryption
Standard of the United States National Bureau of Standards.
Digital hierarchy (DS0, DS1)
A system of standardized transmission rate for digital signals using timedivision multiplexing techniques. The rates are:
DS0, 64 kbps (one voice channel)
DS1, 1.544 Mbps (24 voice channels) DS1C, 3.152 Mbps (48 voice
channels) DS2, 6.312 Mbps (96 voice channels)
DS3, 44.736 Mbps (672 voice channels) DS4NA, 139.264 Mbps (2,016
voice channels)
Distance Learning
The incorporation of video and audio technologies into the educational process
so that students can attend classes and training sessions in a location distant
from that where the course is being presented. Distance learning systems are
usually interactive and are becoming a highly valuable tool in delivering of
training and education to widely dispersed students in remote locations or in
instances where the instructor cannot travel to the student's site.
Dithering
Giving the illusion of new color and shades by combining dots in various
patterns. This is a common way of gaining gray scales and is commonly used in
newspapers. The effects of dithering would not be optimal in the video
produced during a videoconference.
DMZ
De-Militarized Zone. A Term borrowed from the military where two forces are
separated by a physical boundary. In networking the term is used to represent
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the area between a public network (Internet) and a private network. In firewalls,
the DMZ host is forwarded all incoming connections from the public network.
Document Sharing
Sharing documents between two remote sites and being able to modify it from
the two groups (or more) and viewed by the others.
DSSI Protocol
Digital Subscriber Signaling System No. 1. The network access signaling
protocol for users connecting to ISDN. It includes the CCITT Q.931 and Q.932
standards.
DTE
Data Terminal Equipment. In a data communication network, the data source,
such as a computer, and the data sink, such as an optical storage device.
DTMF
Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency. A method of telephony signaling.
E
E1
A Europe-based digital system for transmitting voice and data over 31 channels
operating at a combined rate of 1.920 Mbps.
Echo Canceller
An electronic circuit that eliminates the echo effect on videoconference
telephony links. Echo cancellers are largely replacing obsolete echo
suppressors.
Echo Effect
A time-delayed electronic reflection of a speaker's voice. This is largely
eliminated by modern digital echo cancellers.
Echo suppression
Used to reduce annoying echoes in the audio portion of a videoconference. An
echo suppressor is a voice-activated "on/off" switch that is connected to the
four-wire side of a circuit. It silences all sound when it is on by temporarily
deadening the communication link in one direction.
EKTS
Electronic Key Telephone Service. The National ISDN-1 (USA) standard for
working with supplementary service on an ISDN telephone or analogue
telephone connected to an NT1 Plus device.
Ethernet
A LAN running on coaxial or twisted pair wiring, at 10 mbps. In Ethernet, all
terminals are connected to a single common highway or bus. A 10Mbps
broadcast bus technology with best-effort delivery and distributed access
control. It is a bus because all stations share a single communications channel;
it is broadcast because all transceivers receive every transmission. A Local
Area Network (LAN) characterized by 10Mbits transmission using CSMA/CD Collision Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection.
Ethernet switch
A device than connects local area networks (LAN). Ethernet switching is viewed
as one solution to deliver 10Base-T networks that are bandwidth-constrained
because of a new requirement to carry multimedia messages and interactive
videoconferencing communications. To qualify as an Ethernet Switch, a device
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must be capable of switching packets from one Ethernet segment to another
and exhibit very low port-to-port latency.
ETSI
European Telecommunications Standards Institute, a group charged with
devising Europe-wide telecommunications standards.
This group issues Common Technical Regulations (CTRs) some of which
pertain to video communications.
ESF -Extended Super frame Format
A framing format that extends a DS1 super frame from 12 to 24 frames so that
an 8 kbps F-bit pattern can be broken into three separate patterns: framing,
cyclic redundancy check, and a data link.
EWSD
The name of central office or Exchange equipment manufactured by Siemens
Stromberg-Carlson.
F
Fast Ethernet
A way to run Ethernet at 100 mbps on one or two pairs of standard, unshielded
telephone copper wire.
FDDI
Fiber Distributed Digital Interface. A high bandwidth networking scheme that
uses fiber optic cable. The topology relies on two rings for redundant 100Mbps
transmissions. FDDI uses a token passing access method similar to token ring
that results in a more deterministic performance than the contention-based
Ethernet.
fps
Frames per second. The number of frames contained in a single second of a
moving series of video images. 30 fps is considered to be "full-motion" video in
Japan and the US, while 25 fps is considered to be "full-motion" video in
Europe.
Fractional T-1
FT or fraction T-1 refers to any data transmission rate between 56 kbps and
1.544 mbps. It is typically provided by a carrier in lieu of a full T-1 connection
and is a point-to-point arrangement. A specialized multiplexer is used by the
customer to channel the carrier's signals.
Frame
A segment of an analogue or digital signal that has a repetitive characteristic, in
that corresponding elements of successive frames represent the same things.
Frame Relay
Industry-standard, switched data link layer protocol that handles multiple virtual
circuits using HDLC encapsulation between connected devices. Frame Relay is
more efficient than X.25, the protocol for which it is generally considered a
replacement.
Frame Rate
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Frequency in which video frames are displayed on a monitor, typically
described in frames-per-second (fps). Higher frame rates improve the
appearance of video motion. Broadcast TV (full motion video) is 30 frames-persecond.
Frequency division multiplexing (FDM)
Division of a transmission facility into two or more channels by splitting the
frequency band transmitted by the facility into narrower bands, each of which is
used to constitute a distinct channel.
Full-CIF
Full Common Intermediate Format: A 352-by-288 video format that is described
by the ITU's H.261 specification. FCIF is sometimes called CIF.
Full-duplex
Two-way, simultaneous transmission of data; a communication protocol in
which the communications channel can send and receive data at the same
time. Compare to half-duplex, where information can only be sent in one
direction at a time.
Full-motion video
Video reproduction at 30 frames per second (fps) for NTSC signals or 25 fps for
PAL signals. Also known as continuous-motion video. Videoconferencing
systems today run 10 to 15 frames per second at 128 Kbps, at higher speed
such as 384 Kbps a 30fps is achievable.
G
G.711
An ITU-T Recommendation entitled, "Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) of Voice
Frequencies". G.711 defines how a 3.1 kHz audio signal is encoded at 64 kbps
using Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) and either Mu-law (US and Japan) or Alaw (Europe) commanding.
G.721
An ITU-T Recommendation entitled that defines how a 3.1 kHz audio signal is
encoded at 32 kbps using Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation
(ADPCM).
G.722
An ITU-T Recommendation that defines how a 7.5 kHz audio signal is encoded
at a data rate of 64 kbps.
G.723
An ITU-T Recommendation entitled, "Dual Rate Speech Coder for Multimedia
Communication Transmitting at 5.3 and 6.4 kbps".
G.723 is part of the H.323 and H.324 families.
G.728
An ITU-T Recommendation for audio encoding using Low Delay Code Excited
Linear Prediction (CELP). The bandwidth of the analogue audio signal is 3.4
kHz whereas after coding and compression the digitized signal requires a
bandwidth of16 kbps.
G.729
Part of the ITU-T's H.323 standard for videoconferencing over non quality-ofservice guaranteed LANs.
Gamma Correction
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It is a non-linear correction of intensity by a gamma value. Because the human
eye responds logarithmically to light, we need Gamma correction to see picture
brighter.
Gateway
The gateway allows LAN-based H.323 systems to interoperated with other
H.32x products. For instance, the gateway could link the H.323 session with an
H.320 (ISDN-based) system; an H.321 (ATM-based) system; an H.322
(isoEthernet-based) system; or an H.324 (POTS-based) system. At the present,
most H.323 gateway implementations are concerned with linking H.323 and
H.320 systems across a LAN/WAN connection.
GateKeeper
The Gatekeeper is an H.323 entity on the network that provides address
translation and controls access to the network for H.323 terminals, Gateways
and MCUs. The Gatekeeper may also provide other services to the terminals,
Gateways and MCUs such as bandwidth management and alias to network
address translation. It can also deny access or limit the number of simultaneous
connections to prevent network congestion.
Generic
Applicable to a broad range of applications, that is an independent application.
Genlock
The synchronization of a piece of video equipment by means of an external
video signal. In videoconferencing systems, all cameras should be genlocked
together.
Group 3 Fax
Currently, the most widely used facsimile protocol, which operates over
analogue telephone lines or with a terminal adapter over ISDN.
Group 4 Fax
A facsimile protocol that allows high-speed, digital fax machines to operate over
ISDN.
GroupWare
Software that runs on a LAN, and allows co-workers to work collaboratively and
concurrently. GroupWare is now being enhanced with video capabilities and
many of the new desktop conferencing products offer capabilities commonly
associated with GroupWare.
GSTN
General Switched Telephone Network a.k.a. Public Switched Telephone
Network (PSTN)
H
H0
In the ISDN, a channel that provides a 384-kbps connection, or the equivalent
six B channels, via a switched or non-switched portion of a network.
H11
In the ISDN, a channel that provides a 1.536-Mbps (equivalent to T1)
connection via a switched or non-switched portion of a network. The connection
operates at the equivalent 24 B channels.
H12
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In the ISDN, a channel that provides a 2.048-Mbps (equivalent to E1)
connection via a switched or non-switched portion of a network. The connection
operates at the equivalent 30 B channels.
H21
In the ISDN, a channel that provides a 32 Mbps connection via a switched or
non-switched portion of a network. The connection operates at the equivalent
512 B channels.
H.221
A framing portion of the ITU-T's H.320 Recommendation that is formally known
as "Frame Structure for a 64 to 1920 kbps Channel in Audiovisual Teleservices". The Recommendations specifies synchronous operation in which the
coder and decoder synchronize timing.
H.222
H.320 Recommendation specifies generic coding of moving pictures and
associated audio information.
H.223
Part of the ITU-T's H.324 standard specifying a control/multiplexing protocol,
which is formally called "Multiplexing protocol for low bit rate multimedia
communication".
H.230
A multiplexing Recommendation that is part of the ITU-T family of video
interoperability Recommendations. The Recommendation specifies how
individual frames of audiovisual information are to be multiplexed onto a digital
channel.
H.231
A Recommendation added to the ITU-T's H.320 family specifying multipoint
control unit used to bridge three or more H.320 compliant codecs together in a
multipoint conference.
H.242
Part of the ITU-T's H.320 family of video interoperability Recommendations.
H.242 specifying the protocol for establishing an audio session and taking it
down after the communication has terminated.
H.245
Part of the ITU-T's H.324 family defining control of communications between
multimedia terminals. H.245 is a system control protocol, which provides endto-end signaling for proper operation of multimedia terminal, and signals all
other end-to-end system functions. It provides for capability exchange, signaling
of commands and indications, and messages to open and fully describe the
content of logical channels.
H.261
The ITU-T's Recommendations that allows dissimilar video codecs to interpret
how a signal has been encoded and compressed, and to decode and
decompress that signal. It also defines two picture formats: CIF and QCIF.
H.263
H.263 is an ITU-T’s video compression recommendations backwardscompatible update to H.261. H.263 picture quality is greatly improved by using
a required pixel motion-estimation technique, predicted frames, and a Huffman
coding table optimized for low bit rate transmissions. H.263 defines five
standardized picture formats: SQCIF (Sub QCIF) 128x96, QCIF , CIF, 4CIF,
and 16CIF.
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H.264
H.264, also known as MPEG-4 AVC (Advanced Video Coding), is a video compression
standard that offers significantly greater compression than its predecessors. The
standard is expected to offer up to twice the compression of the current MPEG-4 ASP
(Advanced Simple Profile), in addition to improvements in perceptual quality. The H.264
standard can provide DVD-quality video at under 1 Mbps, and is considered promising
for full-motion video over wireless, satellite, and ADSL Internet connections.
The enhanced compression and perceptual quality of H.264 are obtained by motion
estimation, which minimizes temporal redundancies; intra estimation, which minimizes
spatial redundancies; transformation of motion estimation and intra estimation into the
frequency domain; reduction of compression artifacts; and entropy coding, which assigns
a smaller number of bits to frequently encountered symbols and a larger number of bits to
infrequently encountered symbols.
H.320
An ITU-T standard including a number of individual recommendations for coding,
framing, signaling and establishing connections (H.221, H.230, H.321, H.242, and
H.261). It applies to point-to-point and multipoint videoconferencing sessions and
includes three audio algorithms, G.721, G.722 and G.728.
H.323
The H.323 extends the H.320 to IP networks or Internet over LANs: Ethernet,
Token-Ring, and other packet-switched networks that do not guarantee QoS. It
supports both point-to-point and multipoint operations.
H.324
An ITU-T standard that provides point-to-point video and audio compression
over analogue telephone lines (POTS). It can incorporate H.261 video
encoding, but most implementations will probably use H.263, a scalable version
of H.261 that adds a 128-by-96 Sub-QCIF (SQCIF) format. Because of H.263's
efficient design, it may produce frame rates much like those of today's ISDN
H.320 systems through inexpensive hardware-assisted modems. The H.324
family includes H.223, a multiplexing protocol. H.245, a control protocol, T.120,
a suite of audio graphics protocols and V.34, a modem specification.
HDLC
High-Level Data Link Control. Bit-oriented synchronous data link layer protocol
developed by ISO. Derived from SDLC, HDLC specifies a data encapsulation
method on synchronous serial links using frame characters and checksums.
See also SDLC.
HMLP
High-speed multi layer protocol. Standard for high speed data transmission.
T.120 systems use this for high-speed transfer. HMLP channels are multiples of
64 kbps.
Homologation
Conformity of a product or specification to international standards, such as ITUT, CSA, TUV, UL, or VCCI. Enables portability across company and
international boundaries.
Host Site
VTT site where the course instructor is physically located.
HSD
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High Speed Data, in ISDN it is the transmission of Video, Audio and Data in
multiples of 64 Kbps
Hub
A network's or systems signal distribution point where multiple circuits convene
and are connected. Some type of switching or information transfer can then
take place. Switching hubs can also be used in Ethernet LAN environments,
which is an arrangement whereby a LAN segment might support only one
workstation. This relieves congestion through a process called micro
segmenting.
Huffman Coding
A loss less, statistically-based entropy coding technique used to compress data
in which the most frequently occurring code groups are represented by shorter
codes, and rarely occurring code groups are represented by longer codes.
I
IDEC™
Integrated Dynamic Echo Cancellation patented by PictureTel. Dynamically
eliminates conference echo so that true full-duplex audio is possible.
IEEE
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Professional organization
whose activities include the development of communications and network
standards. IEEE LAN standards are the predominant LAN standards today.
IGMP
Internet Group Management Protocol. Used by IP devices to report their
multicast group membership to an adjacent multicast router.
IMUX - Inverse multiplexer
A device using inverse multiplexing technology to aggregates multiple switched
channels to achieve a desired data rate for a session.
In-band signaling
Transmission within a frequency range normally used for information
transmission. Compare with out-of-band signaling.
In-Betweening
Activity of human brain when it is "filling in" the missing frames in visual data
stream, i.e. extrapolating visual information that is presented in two consecutive
frames.
Interoperability
The ability of electronic components produced by different manufacturers to
communicate across product line. The trend toward embracing standards has
greatly furthered the interoperability process.
Inverse Multiplexing
A process used to derive a single higher bandwidth channel from two or more
B-channels.
Internet Protocol (IP)
A protocol that provides for transmitting blocks of data between hosts identified
by fixed-length addresses. Because the IP has no mechanisms to augment
end-to-end data reliability, flow control, sequencing, or other services, these
routines are provided by other protocols.
ISDN
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Integrated Services Digital Network. A CCITT standard for integrated
transmission of voice, video and data. Bandwidths include: Basic Rate Interface
- BRI (144 Kbps - 2 B & 1 D channel) and Primary Rate - PRI (1.544 and 2.048
Mbps). A set of protocol and interface standards that effectively constitute an
integrated (voice, video, and data) telephone "network." These standards
promote global availability and compatibility of ISDN products and services. The
two types of ISDN discussed in this Guide are Basic Rate Interface (BRI) and
Primate Rate Interface (PRI). ISDN BRI (ISDN Basic Rate Interface) is the
interface to connect the desktop to the digital long distance network. ISDN BRI
provides two 64Kbps B ("bearer") channels to carry information content, the
voice, video, and data substance of a transmission. A separate 16Kbps D
("data") channel is used for call setup and signaling. ISDN BRI is often called
"2B+D" ISDN, for its combination of two B and one D channel. ISDN PRI
(Primary Rate Interface) is the ISDN equivalent of a T-1 circuit. It provides
23B+D (in North America) or 30B+D (in Europe) running at 1.544 Mbps and
2.048Mps, respectively. Each channel (time slot) is 64Kbps. One channel is
reserved as the D channel; the other 23, as bearer channels (23+D).
ISO
International Standards Organization. An international body concerned with
worldwide standardization for a broad range of products, including
communication equipment.
ITU
International Telecommunications Union. One of the specialized agencies of
the United Nations that is composed of the telecommunications administrations
of 113 participating nations. Founded in 1865 before telephone were invented
as a telegraphy standards body. It now develops international standards for
interconnecting telecommunications equipment across networks.
J
JPEG
Joint Picture Experts Group. A widely established still image compression
standard.
Jitter
The change in latency with time. This is a network problem that is very important
to video quality. Significant jitter destroys video.
K
kbps
Kilo-bytes per second - one thousand bits per second.
KB
1.
Kilobyte. A measure of quantity of memory or storage space. A kilobyte is
equal to 1,000 8-bit bytes, or characters, 1024 (210) bytes. Often
abbreviated K.
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2.
Kilo baud. 1,000 bits of data per second. Stated as a modem's
transmission speed for data rates, such as 19.6KB; 19,600 bits per/sec
transmission rate of data.
Kelvin (K)
The temperature measurement scale used in the scientific community. Zero K
represents absolute zero, and corresponds to minus 459 degrees Fahrenheit or
minus 273 Celsius. Thermal noise characteristics of LNA or LNB used in
satellite communications are measured in Kelvin’s. The lower number the
better.
Kilohertz (KHz)
One thousand hertz, or one thousand cycles per second.
L
LAN
Local Area Network (LAN). A network of computer and other devices for
communication within a restricted geographic area, such as a building or a
campus.
LATA
Local Access and Transport Areas. The areas within which the Bell Operating
and independent telephone companies can provide transport services. InterLATA connections must be provided by Interchange
carriers.
Latency
The length of time it takes a packet to move from source to destination; delay.
Life-size
The size of imagery presented on the display is equal to that of real objects or
person.
LD-CELP
An acronym for low-delay, code-excited linear prediction. This type of coder
uses a parameterized coding technique to encode defining characteristics of an
input signal.
LEC
Local exchange company (USA), the local telephone office that provides
service between the long-distance carrier and the customer premises.
Depending on the location, the LEC may be part of an RBOC (Regional Bell
Operating Company) or an independent telephone company, such as GTE or
United Telephone. RBOC refers to the seven Bell companies that were part of
AT&T before divestiture. Each RBOC is broken down into a number of LECs.
For example, the Ameritech RBOC includes Illinois Bell, Ohio Bell, Wisconsin
Bell, etc.
Local loop
The pair of copper wires that connects the end user to the telephone company's
central office, which is the gateway to the global telephone network. These
wires, originally installed for analogue communications, are the same wires
used for ISDN service but require new equipment at the end user's premises
and at the telephone company.
LOSSLESS vs. LOSSY COMPRESSION
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Loss less ensures that the original data is exactly recoverable. It is widely used
in many computer applications such as databases and spreadsheets and in
serial data transmission using modems. Loss causes the original data not to be
completely recoverable; coding is based upon human visual perception where
95% of the data in a typical image may be discarded without a noticeable loss
in resolution.
LSD
Low Speed Data; in ISDN it is the transmission of Video, Audio and Data in a
single 64 Kbps
M
MBONE
Multicast Backbone. A collection of Internet routers that support IP multicasting. The MBONE is used as a "broadcast (actually multi-cast) channel" on
which various public and private audio and video programs are sent.
mbps
Megabits per second or approximately one million bits per second.
MLP
Multi-layer protocol for data (in H.221). MLP data and audio can only be placed
in the first 64 kbps channel of a connection. T.120 must use the MLP or HMLP
channel.
MPEG:
Moving Picture Experts Group. Generally used to refer to coding standards for
video images sent over INTERNET. MPEG coding is a common standard for
which a number of public domain players exist.
mu-law
North American companding standard used in conversion between analogue
and digital signals in PCM systems. Similar to the European a-law.
Multicasting
Conferencing applications that typically use packet-switched transmission to
broadcast a signal that can be received by multiple recipients.
Multimedia Conference Server (MCS)
A software-controlled switching device that interconnects H.320-compliant
conferencing systems and accepts T.120-compliant endpoints in the H.320
conference.
Multiplexer
Electronic device that divides the bandwidth of a channel by frequency or time
to enable multiple devices to share the channel.
Multiplexing
In data transmission, a function that permits two or more data sources to share
a common transmission medium with each data source having its own channel.
The process of combing multiple signals onto a single circuit using various
means.
Multipoint
Communication configuration in which several terminals or stations are
connected. Compare to point-to-point where communication is between two
stations only.
Multipoint Control Unit (MCU)
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A device that bridges together multiple inputs so that three parties or more can
participate in a videoconference. The MCU uses fast switching techniques to
patch the presenter or speaker's input to the output ports representing the other
participants.
Multipoint Conferencing Server (MCS) (also see MCU)
A hardware or software H.323 device that allows multiple videoconferencing (or
audio or data) users to connect together. Without an MCS typically only pointto-point conferences can take place. Commonly supports voice activated
switching, where whoever is talking is broadcast to all users, but new systems
support "Hollywood squares", where multiple windows show each participant.
ITU-T standard H.231 describes the standard way of doing this. Many current
systems only support H.320 (ISDN) but many vendors are working to upgrade
their products to support H.323 (LAN, Internet) as well. In the H.320 space, this
functionality is referred to as a multipoint control unit (MCU). Sometimes these
terms are used interchangeably, although they refer to somewhat different
implementations.
MVIP
Multi-Vendor Independent Protocol. MVIP is basically a multi-channel TDM bus
on a ribbon cable. The main application is to link cards within a P.C. chassis,
however, there are now extensions to the basic specification that allow chassis
to chassis inter-connect and higher bandwidth between cards than the original
specification. The MVIP bus conveys 16 bi-directional 2M streams (or eight
pairs if you will) with separate clocks. This enables all 32 of the notional time
slots within each 2Mbit/s stream to be used for data. Synchronization is
provided by an 8kHz signal on the bus. There is also a 4MHz signal on the bus.
Thus there are a notional 256 bi-directional 64k channels on the bus. The
applications of the MVIP bus are many and varied. Voice, data and video
applications can be mixed. There are upward of 50 vendors of products that
support MVIP making cards from line interfaces and ISDN cards through to
digital modems, voice processing systems and automated attendant system
cards. The MVIP bus has enabled Systems Integrators to produce quite
complex telephony and data systems by combining sub-systems, in the form of
cards with MVIP support and third party applications software, from multiple
vendors.
N
NET3
Norme Europeanne de Telecommunications; the European-wide standard for
ISDN. The trade name for the standard is Euro-ISDN.
NDIS
Network Driver Interface Specification. Developed by Microsoft
NDIS provides a common set of rules for network adapter manufacturers and
network operating system (NOS) developers to use for communication between
the network adapter and the NOS.
Most network adapters now ship with an NDIS driver. If the NOS you use
support NDIS, which most do, you can use any network adapter that has an
NDIS driver.
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NetMeeting
Microsoft NetMeeting is a real-time Internet oriented videophone. The
NetMeeting client includes support for the ITU's T.120 and H.323 standard and
provides multi-user application sharing and data conferencing. NetMeeting also
includes a whiteboard and a chat function.
NetBEUI
NetBIOS Extended User Interface. Microsoft's implementation of Net-BIOS
used in Windows.
NETBIOS
Network Basic Input/Output System; An IBM protocol. It enables IBM PCs to
interface and have access to a network.
Network
A group of stations (computers, telephones, or other devices) connected by
communications facilities for exchanging information.
Connection can be permanent, via cable, or temporary, through telephone or
other communications links. The transmission medium can be physical (copper,
wire, fiber optic cable etc.) or wireless, for example via satellite.
NFAS (Non-Facility Associated Signaling)
NFAS is an ISDN capability which allows a T1/PRI trunk to control B channels
of its own as well as other T1/PRI links. This networking capability allows an
MCU (e.g. Montage) to support a single call-by-call group spanning multiple
ISDN PRI interfaces. Call-by-call capability allows a single phone number on a
PRI line to have multiple service types and data rates. This results in requiring
fewer phone numbers for PRI services and reduces network configuration and
complexity. Additionally, having fewer phone numbers allows lower costs, as
there is a charge for each phone number configured for a PRI line. This feature
allows users to define one pool of call-by-call phone numbers that can be
reached on any of the T1/PRI interfaces in the MCU.
NI-1 (National ISDN-1)
A specification for a "standard" ISDN phone line (USA). National ISDN 1 is
intended to be a set of standards that every manufacturer can conform to. For
example, ISDN phones that conform to the National ISDN 1 standard will work,
regardless of the central office the customer is connected to. Future standards,
denoted as NI2 and NI3, are currently being developed.
NT1
Network Termination type 1. The NT-1 is a device which converts the two-wire
line (or "U" interface) coming from your telephone company into a 4-wire line (or
"S/T" interface). The NT- 1 is physically connected between the ISDN board of
your videoconferencing system and your ISDN phone line. The NT- 1 supports
network maintenance functions such as loop testing.
NT DMS-100
A telephone switch platform made by Northern Telecom. These switches use
proprietary or NI-1 software.
NTSC
National Television Systems Committee. A television broadcasting system
using 525 picture lines and a 60Hz field frequency. (Interlaced 30 frames per
second) Developed by the Committee, and used primarily in the U.S., Canada,
Mexico, and Japan.
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O
Out-of-band signaling
Transmission using frequencies or channels outside the frequencies or
channels normally used for information transfer. Out-of-band signaling is often
used for error reporting in situations in which in-band signaling can be affected
by whatever problems the network might be experiencing. Contrast with in-band
signaling.
OSI
Open System Interconnection. International standardization program created by
ISO and ITU-T to develop standards for data networking that facilitate multi
vendor equipment interoperability.
OSI reference model
Open System Interconnection reference model. Network architectural model
developed by ISO and ITU-T. The model consists of seven layers, each of
which specifies particular network functions such as addressing, flow control,
error control, encapsulation, and reliable message transfer. The highest layer
(the application layer) is closest to the user; the lowest layer (the physical layer)
is closest to the media technology. The lower two layers are implemented in
hardware and software, while the upper five layers are implemented only in
software. The OSI reference model is used universally as a method for teaching
and understanding network functionality. Close in some respects to SNA. See
application layer, data link layer, network layer, physical layer, presentation
layer, session layer, and transport layer.
P
PAD
Packet assembler/dissembler.
Device used to connect simple devices (like character-mode terminals) that do
not support the full functionality of a particular protocol to a network. PADs
buffer data and assemble and disassemble packets sent to such end devices.
Packet
A sequenced of digitized information that is sent and switched as a unit.
Computer data is sent via packets. The traffic on the network is divided into
small pieces called packets that are multiplexed onto high capacity inter
machine connections. A packet, which usually contains only a few hundred
bytes of data, carries identification that enables computers on the network to
know whether it is destined for them or how to send it on to its correct
destination.
Packet Switching
A technique for transmitting data in which the message is subdivided into
smaller units called packets.
PAL
Phase Alternate Line. A color television broadcasting system developed in
West Germany and the U.K. that uses 625 picture lines and a 50Hz field
frequency (frame rate is 25fps)
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NOTE: The number of pixels on a PAL or SECAM screen is almost 40 percent
higher (20 percent greater vertically and horizontally) and images look sharper.
Also, since PAL and SECAM were developed after NTSC, they allow a greater
bandwidth for color. This also helps to provide a sharper signal. NTSC standard
was established for Black and White TV in the 1940s. The standard was
expanded in the 1950s to include color, and it was constrained by having to be
backward compatible with existing Black and White televisions.
Pan
To pivot a camera in a horizontal direction.
Pixel
This is the smallest addressable display unit available at a given video address
ability. There is no physical thing on a display that can be called a pixel. Pixels
exist only in the graphics controller bitmap. The screen image in the bitmap is
composed of an array of pixels, arranged in a rectilinear fashion, with the X-axis
running horizontally, perpendicular to the Y-axis. A pixel consists of intensity
only (in grayscale monitors) or color and intensity information (red, green & blue
in color). While a pixel usually corresponds to a square or rectangular area, it is
displayed as a number of spots on a CRT. One pixel usually consists of 1.2 or
more dot triads. Flat panel displays are a special case where individual pixels
correspond directly to a picture element on the display.
POTS
Plain Old Telephone Service. Conventional analogue narrowband telephone
line using twisted-pair copper wire for transmitting voice calls.
Powering
ISDN equipment needs to be powered like a computer or other appliance
(unlike pre-ISDN telephone sets).
PPP
Point-to-Point Protocol. A communication protocol that allows a computer using
TCP/IP to connect directly to the Internet new PPP/MP also allows different
remote access devices to communicate with each other.
PPP/MP
Point-to-Point Protocol/Multi link Protocol. The new Point-to-Point Protocol for
ISDN connection that allows use of both B channel for remote access to the
Internet. PPP/MP also allows different remote access devices to communicate
with each other.
PRI
Primary Rate Interface (PRI) In the ISDN, a channel that provides digital
transmission capacity of no more than 1.536 Mbps (1.984 Mbps in Europe) in
each direction. The interface supports combinations of one 64 kbps D channel
and 23 x 64 kbps (in the USA) and 30 x 64 kbps (in Europe) B channels.
Protocol
This is a standard procedure agreed upon by regulating agencies, companies,
or standards setting bodies to regulate transmission and therefore to achieve
intercommunications between systems or networks.
PT716
The PictureTel extension to the H.320 standard for optimizing audio bandwidth.
It provides 7 kHz of audio using only 16 kbps of bandwidth. This is a newly
developed technology from PictureTel
PT724
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The PictureTel extension to the H.320 standard for optimising audio bandwidth.
It provides 7 kHz of audio using only 24 kbps of bandwidth. This technology
was submitted tot the ITU for incorporation in the H.320 standards extensions.
PTZ
Pan-Tilt-Zoom. Camera functionality.
Q
QCIF
Quarter Common Intermediate Format (QCIF). An ITU-T video format that
governs the transmission of video signals over the ISDN. The video format
specifies 144 lines of 176 pixels. Contrast with Common Intermediate Format.
QQCIF
Quarter Quarter Common Intermediate Format. A ITU-T video format that
governs the transmission of video signals over the POTS and ISDN. The video
format specifies 77 lines of 88 pixels. Contrast with Common Intermediate
Format.(CIF)
R
RAS
Registration, Admissions and Status Channel: An unreliable channel used to
convey the Registration, Admissions and Status messages and bandwidth
changes between two H.323 entities.
Rate Adaptation
The process of converting a digital stream of data into a different format and
rate. (For example, this allows 64 kbps data to interoperate with 56 kbps data.)
RBOC
Pronounced "R-BOCK." Regional Bell Operating Company, one of the seven
Bell companies that resulted from the AT&T divestiture. Each RBOC is broken
down into a number of LECs. The RBOCs are Nynex, BellAtlantic, Bell South,
Southwestern Bell, Ameritech, US West, and Pacific Telesis.
Real-time
The processing of information that returns a result so rapidly that the interaction
appears to be instantaneous. Telephone calls and videoconferencing are
examples of real-time applications. These kinds of real-time information not
only need to be processed almost instantaneously, but also it needs to arrive in
the exact order it's sent. A delay between parts of a word, or the transmission of
video frames out of sequence, makes the communication unintelligible. The
telephone network is designed for real-time communication.
Receiver (Rx)
An electronic device that enables a particular videoconference signal to be
separated from all others. Being received by an earth station, and converts the
signal format into a format for video, voice or data.
Remote Site
VTT site other than the host site participating in the course or conference. There will
normally be multiple remote sites for each host site.
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Restricted Channel
A digital communications channel for which each increment of p gives a useful
capacity of only 56000 bits per second, instead of 64000 bits per second. This
is currently common in North America, and was originally due to a ones density
limitation in T1 circuits.
RGB
Red, green, blue. The additive used in color video systems. Color television
signals are oriented as three separate pictures: red, green and blue. Typically,
they are merged together as a composite signal but for maximum quality and in
computer applications the signals are segregated.
Reliable Transmission
Connection-oriented data transmission that guarantees sequenced, error-free,
flow-controlled transmission of messages to the receiver.
Remote Party
The remote party is the party that initiates the call in the case of an incoming
call, and receives the call in the case of an outgoing call.
Restricted Networks
A restricted network refers to the local network through which an ISDN line is
connected, namely a 56 K switch (and not 64 K); the call is using only 56 K of
the 64 K available for each B-channel.
Roll-about
A totally self-contained videoconferencing system that includes a codec,
monitor(s), audio system, and network interfaces. These systems can, in
theory, be moved from room to room.
Router
Equipment that facilitates the exchange of packets between autonomous
networks (LANs and WANs) of similar architecture. Routers move packets over
a specific path or paths based on the packet's destination, network congestion
and the protocols implemented on the network.
RS-232-C
A set of standards specifying various electrical and mechanical signals for
interfaces between computers, terminals, and modems. In personal computer
world, the original PC and PC/XT used the 25-pin RS-232 connector. With the
introduction of the AT-class personal computers, the serial connector was
reduced to the 9-pin version.
RSVP
Resource Reservation Protocol. IETF specification. Allows applications to
request dedicated bandwidth.
RTP/RTCP
Real-Time Protocol / Real-Time Control Protocol: IETF specification for audio
and video signal management. Allows applications to synchronize audio and
video information.
S
S-Video
A method of carrying video information on a cable that separates luminance
and chrominance on separate wires, thereby providing higher video quality than
composite video. See also Chrominance, Luminance and Composite Video.
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sensory rich information
Information that consists of multiple sensory data (video, audio, olfactory, and
/or tactile.)
SECAM
Sequential Couleur a Memoire. Colored television broadcasting system using
625 picture lines and a 50Hz field frequency (frame rate is 25fps), in which the
two color-difference signal are transmitted sequentially instead of
simultaneously. Developed and used in France, also used in the Soviet Union.
Scrambler
A device used to electronically alter a signal so that it can only be viewed or
heard on a receiver equipped with a special decoder.
SG4
The Software Generation 4. PictureTel algorithm for video and audio
compression.
SNMP
Simple Network Management Protocol. Standard for retrieving and transmitting
management information (configuration, control, performance monitoring, etc.)
Information is formatted according to MIBs (Management Information Base).
Based on TCP/IP protocol.
set-top videoconference device
A videoconference appliance which is designed to be placed on top of a TV
(hence the name) typically, although this is not the only way to use it. It mostly
includes a Pan/Tilt/Zoom camera, and is controlled with a remote. Examples
are a Polycom Viewstation, a Tandberg 880 or a Sony PCS-1600.
SIP
SIP stands for Session Initiation Protocol. SIP is a text-based protocol, similar
to HTTP, for initiating communication sessions such as video and audio
conferencing, telephony, instant messaging, presence, and events notification
(including uses in interactive gaming and virtual reality.)
streaming media
Sending video or audio over a network as needed, such as Real Audio/Video or
Microsoft NetShow, instead of forcing the user to download the entire file before
viewing it. Typically a few seconds of data is sent ahead and buffered in case of
network transmission delays. (Although some data is buffered to the hard drive,
it is written to temporary storage and is gone once viewing is complete.
SPID
For certain switch types, the ISDN provider assigns the user with one or two
Service Profile Identifiers (SPIDs). The SPIDs are sent to the network when the
system is initialized to identify the user to the network. This information is
available from the ISDN provider and is provided to the buyer when purchasing
an ISDN line.
SS#7
Signaling System Number 7. A common channel signaling system that
performs network-signaling functions. Used to establish ISDN call functions.
SS#7 is typically used inside the ISDN network cloud transparently to the user.
S/T interface
A four-wire ISDN BRI interface presented to the customer by the PTTs non–
North American markets.
Supplementary Service
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A capability or service that acts on a bearer service (e.g., call hold suspends a
circuit-switched connection).
Synchronization
The process of orienting the transmitter and receiver circuits in the proper
manner in order that they can be synchronized . Home television sets are
synchronized by an incoming sync signal with the television cameras in the
studios 60 times per second. The horizontal and vertical hold controls on the
television set are used to set the receiver circuits to the approximate sync
frequencies of incoming television picture and the sync pulses in the signal then
fine tune the circuits to the exact frequency and phase.
Switched 56
Switched 56 services allow customers to dial up and transmit digital information
up to 56 Kbps in much the same way that they dial up an analogue telephone
call. The service is billed like a voice line-a monthly charge plus a cost for each
minute of usage. Nearly all LECs and IXCs offer switched 56 service and any
switched 56 offering can connect with any other offering, regardless of which
carrier offers the service.
Switch
A device that establishes, monitors, and terminates a connection between
devices connected to a network.
Switching
The process of setting up a connection between an input and an output. It
allows a subscriber to establish communications with multiple parties by
sending their address to the switch, which will then attempt to make a
connection.
Switch type
The type of ISDN network you are connected to. This information is available
from the ISDN provider and provided to the buyer when purchasing an ISDN
line.
T
T-1
High-speed digital transmission system at 1.544 Mbps.
T.120
The ITU-T's "Transmission Protocols for Multimedia Data", a data sharing/data
conferencing specification that lets users share documents during any H.32x
videoconference. Like H.32x specifications, T.120 is an umbrella
Recommendation that includes a number of other Recommendations. Dataonly T.120 session can be held when no video communications are required,
and the standard also allows multipoint meetings that include participants using
different transmission media. The mandatory components of T.120 include
recommendations for multipoint file transfer and shared-whiteboard
implementation.
TCP/IP
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. A defacto transport protocol
initially included with many versions of UNIX, but now available on just about
every computing platform. This ubiquitous protocol is essential for networking
between disparate platforms. TCP/IP is the protocol that runs over the Internet.
TDM- Time-Division Multiplexing
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The division of a transmission facility into multiple channels by allotting the
facility to different channels, one at a time.
TeleBanking
A convenient application of videoconferencing whereby banks can provide
direct service to their customers by providing professional consultations with
financial experts. Telebanking can also provide banking services direct from
kiosks in the form of remote banking.
Telecommunications
The art and science of applying services and technologies such as radio, cablebased services, wireless transmission, and optical fiber networks in order to
enable communications over distance.
Telecommuting
The process of commuting to work electronically rather than physically.
Telecommuting will find much greater acceptance as the public switched
telephone network become more digital and as videoconferencing and
multimedia technologies are more readily available for the desktop.
Teleconferencing
The use of telecommunications links to provide audio, video and graphics
capabilities. These systems allow distant workgroups or individuals to meet.
Telemedicine
The practice of using videoconferencing technologies to diagnose illness and
provide medical treatment over distance. It allows health professionals and
medical experts to remotely consult with patients and health care providers
giving vital, cost effective, confidential medical services to virtually any location,
rural or urban, national or international. Patients, doctors and other health
professionals can benefit from the latest technology and treatments while
remaining in their own health care facility. Consultations, educational
programming and administrative conferences are just some of the programs
that can take place through Telemedicine.
Terminal Adapter
ISDN equipment that adapts non-ISDN equipment to access an ISDN networks.
Touch Panel
A touch sensitive display device for controlling equipment
Token Ring
A network with a ring topology where each station must wait until it receives the
"token" before it can transmit data. Originally introduced by IBM and later
ratified as IEEE 802.5 standard.
U
UDP
User Data gram Protocol: unreliable networking layer which sits at the same
level of networking stack as TCP.
U-Interface
The U-Interface carries ISDN formatted signals over a single pair or wires
between a subscriber's location and a telephone company's central office.
Unicast
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Application of conferencing, usually over packet-switched networks, where only
one user or site receives data. In contrast to this, multicast application, where
data is received by more than one user or site.
User-to-Network Interface
The physical and electrical point that separates the end user from the ISDN
network. Various ISDN protocols define the interface.
V
V.35
An ITU-T standard that governs synchronous data transmission at 48kbps. In
practice, V.35 is used for synchronous transmission to 2048 Mbps.
Videoconferencing
A collection of technologies that integrate video with audio, data, or both to
convey in real-time over distance for meeting between dispersed sites.
Video Server
A specialized file server with enormous hard disc capacities (often measured in
terabytes or trillions of bytes). These servers store MPEG compressed audio
and video images and provide service to end-users over high-speed LANs and
WANs. Applications that require video servers include entertainment,
training/education, and video-enabled
databases.
Voice Activated Switching
Automatically switching the video feed to whoever is speaking in a multipoint
videoconference. Usually a function of the MCU (multipoint conferencing unit)
VSAT
Very small aperture terminal. Refers to small satellite earth station, usually in
the 1.2 to 2.4 meter range.
W
WAN
Wide Area Network. A communications network that services a geographic
area larger than that served by a local area network or metropolitan area
network.
White boarding
A term used to describe the placement of shared documents on an on-screen
"shared notebook" or "whiteboard". Multiple users can simultaneously view and
annotate a document.
WinSock
A program that conforms to a set of standards called the Windows Socket API
(Application Programming Interface). A WinSock program controls the link
between Microsoft Windows software and a TCP/IP program.
WinSock2
WinSock2 is the most recent implementations of the Microsoft WinSock, it is
designed to support ATM protocol.
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World Wide Web (WWW)
A hypertext multimedia-based system for accessing Internet resources.
Commonly referred to as the Web or WWW, it lets users download files, listen
to audio, and view images and videos. Users can jump around the Web using
hyperlinks embedded in documents. The leading Web browsers are Netscape
and Microsoft Internet Explorer.
X
X.21
An ITU-T physical interface standard between data terminal equipment and
data circuit-terminating equipment for synchronous V-series modems.
X.25
A ITU-T protocol standard for packet-switched data networks. It is a bearer
service in ISDN.
XLR
A circular three-conductor shielded connector commonly used in professional
applications for connection of low-level balanced audio signals to and from
equipment.
Y
Y/C
In component video, the "Y" or luminance signal is kept separate from the "C"
(hue and color saturation signal) to allow greater control and to enable
enhanced quality images. The luminance is recorded at a higher frequency and
therefore more resolution lines are available. Super-VHS and Hi8 systems use
Y/C video.
YUV color system
A color encoding-scheme for natural pictures in which the luminance and
chrominance are separate. The human eye is less sensitive to color variations
than to intensity variations, so YUV allows the encoding of luminance (Y)
information at full bandwidth and chrominance (UV) information at half
bandwidth.
The color encoding systems used for videos are derived from the RGB color
space. RGB is an additive space that uses combinations of Red, Green, and
Blue primaries. The RGB system is transformed to other systems that allow
video encoding techniques to exploit the characteristics of human color
perception.
Brightness and color information are treated differently by the human visual
system. Humans are more sensitive to changes in brightness than changes in
color. Because of this, a special component is used to represent brightness
information. This component is called luminance and is denoted by the symbol
Y. In video encoding, the nonlinear version of luminance termed “luma” is used
and denoted by the symbol Y' (the prime symbol meaning nonlinear). The
remaining two components are used to represent color and are called
chrominance. These chrominance components are called color differences and
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are the Blue and Red components with “luma” removed, (B'-Y') and (R'-Y').
Therefore R', G', B' space is transformed to Y', (B'-Y'), (R'-Y') space. The matrix
version of this transform is shown in the Equation below:
The values of R', G', and B' range from 0 to 1.
With the color separated in this way, the color differences (B'-Y') and (R'-Y') can
be sub sampled with no visible results. This allows the same visual information
to be encoded in less bandwidth. The notation YUV is often used generically to
refer to a color space represented by luminance and two color differences.
Z
Zoom
To magnify or reduce your view of the current scene.
Table of Contents
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TAB M INCLEMENT WEATHER AND CENTER
CLOSURE PROCEDURES
1. Inclement weather, such as snow or a hurricane, can cause cancellation of classes or training.
Military bases are also subject to closure for numerous reasons. The following procedures will be
followed to minimize loss opportunities associated with closures:
All sites and instructors shall monitor weather and potential affects on their courses.
a. Instructors will provide advance notice to students, if possible, on actions to
make up material for lost training time.
b. A course may be streamed or digitally recorded and stored for future playback
via the web or CD. Faculty will notify students as to the availability of this
content and any special instructions for engaging the content.
c. Sites that may be affected by adverse weather will notify hubs and instructors of
this possibility as soon as possible.
2. In the event one of the sites is/will be affected by weather, technicians will set up next day’s
conferences. They will then notify remote sites conferences may drop in the event of a power loss
and may not be restored until access to the Center is allowed.
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TAB N
I.
APPENDICES
Video Conference Critique
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Video Conference Critique
Date: _______________________ Your Location: _____________________________
Course/Session/Conference Name: _____________________________
Presenter/Instructor(s): _____________________________
Please Use the following scale to record your answers:
1
2
3
4
5
NA
Strongly
Disagree
Disagree
Neither Agree or
disagree
Agree
Strongly Agree
Not Applicable
VTT EVALUATION (circle one)
1. Video screen was large enough to be seen. 1 2 3 4 5 NA
2. Image on video screen was clear. 1 2 3 4 5 NA
3. The graphics on monitors were large enough to be seen clearly. 1 2 3 4 5 NA
4. The typed text on monitors was large enough to be seen clearly. 1 2 3 4 5 NA
5. Audio transmission was loud and clear enough to hear the instructor’s voice and audio from
remote sites. 1 2 3 4 5 NA
6. VTT facilitators were responsive to instructor and student needs. 1 2 3 4 5 NA
7. VTT facilitators/technicians corrected any technical problems. 1 2 3 4 5 NA
8. The training aids/equipment were adequate. 1 2 3 4 5 NA
INSTRUCTOR/STUDENT INTERACTION
1. The instructor(s) projected a positive attitude concerning the electronic
equipment. 1 2 3 4 5 NA
2. The instructor(s) were prepared to teach on the VTT network. 1 2 3 4 5 NA
3. The instructor(s) were available to answer all questions. 1 2 3 4 5 NA
4.
The instructor(s) encouraged participation. 1 2 3 4 5 NA
5
The instructor(s) were enthusiastic about the subject. 1 2 3 4 5 NA
6. The instructor(s) made the best use of time available for classroom
instruction. 1 2 3 4 5 NA
7. The instructor(s) used training aids and electronic equipment
effectively. 1 2 3 4 5 NA
PLEASE ANSWER QUESTIONS AND ADD COMMENTS ON REVERSE
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Additional Student Comments/Concerns
Were you in a comfortable learning/meeting environment? Yes No
Please provide suggestions on how to make it better.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
What do you feel were the benefits of learning in this type of classroom?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
What do you suggest the instructing site do to help encourage remote class participation?
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Please provide input regarding any additional concerns and comments.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Thank you for providing this feedback. Your suggestions will be used to improve training and
student quality of life.
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