Video Conferencing

The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle covers most of the Hunter Valley, Manning Valley and stretches to almost the Central Coast. From the head office it is more than two hours to some of the outlying schools. Attending professional development days, networking opportunities or even social events are sometimes impossible for teachers in outlying schools. This is one of the main motivators for teachers to use and make use of the video conferencing systems that are available.

But why bother?

I've used video conferencing for a variety of purposes over the last few years including:

• virtually attending a conference
• attending and participating in diocesan RSC meetings
• mentoring newer teachers
• deliver professional development on learning technology
• demonstrate 'how to's on it matters
• have meetings with staff in different sites
• sharing ideas and and resources

Broadly speaking in the diocese there are two main systems that are active, accessible and known to work.


1) Google+ Video Hangouts (For 1-4 participants)

Google+ Video Hangouts is a part of the Google+ social network. If you make a Google+ account with your @mn.catholic.edu.au email you will find yourself a member of the mn.catholic.edu.au domain. You can then add other users to your 'circle's and before long you'll find yourself with a Facebook-esque experience all focused on education.

Video Hangouts works a little like Skype or similar programs. You contact someone in your 'circle' or via an email and they get an invite to your conversation. If they are online, they can accept your invitation. If they are not online or logged in they can log in and then accept the invitation.

From there you can record (straight to YouTube), share desktops and remote desktop and even add in some silly effects.

Requirements: Google Chrome, Google+ account (using your mn.catholic.edu.au account), webcam and camera.

Pros: Simply to use, very quick to set up and uses software and hardware found on most laptops.

Cons: Not effective for more than 4 participants if you want interaction (find for more than 4 if you just have on person speaking); video quality and audio can be less than adequate.

2) Cisco Video Conferencing (For 1-many participants)

Cisco Video Conferencing is available at all secondary schools. Generally this is a full hardware conferencing system and often located in a meeting room. Some schools also have portable systems. Lastly it is possible to download a software program that works with this system - email me for more information on this option.

The Cisco Video Conferencing system works by having virtual meeting rooms where different locations dial in to. The meeting room does not have a fixed location, though generally the room in your school has an allocated number (e.g. 06802).

With the system you can demonstrate your desktop, share presentations and generally do everything that Google+ Video Hangouts does.

Requirements: Either a Cisco video conferencing system, a portable video conferencing unit or the Cisco Jabber software and a laptop with a camera and microphone.

Pros: Superior video and audio, works well with larger numbers, already in place in most schools.

Cons: Generally have to book/share the room.

3) Other self-sourced options

There are plenty of other tools that allow conferencing and meeting spaces. I have used Big Blue Button before through the Canvas Learning Management System and it worked perfectly. Skype is another option that users may be familiar with. The only drawback here is that there isn't an already-established process of how to use these products, so you will have to go it alone!