K-20 librarians interactive video conferencing

["Ellen Ervin" <>]

Good afternoon all,

 

I come to this group from a different focus, as I am not a librarian rather a teacher and educational technology specialist.  I do have a great interest in expanding the use of video conferencing, as I have seen the technology change over the years since I was a director of a video conferencing k-12 consortium in Missouri.  I saw firsthand how videoconferencing was responsible for the delivery of courses to high school students in rural communities.  I was hooked on the possibilities of video conferencing since the mid 1990’s.

 

Fast forward to today, I am a partner of a new organization dedicated to bringing lifelong learning to as many communities as possible.  We feel that the library should be the hub of the community and the provider of wonderful lifelong learning opportunities by video conferencing.  My organization is called Connected-4-Learning, we do not sell equipment, but assist organizations in developing learning opportunities.  We have worked with Truman Library, National World War I Museum, The Kansas City Zoo and John Knox Village; all are beginning the process of developing lifelong learning programs that will be available by video conferencing. 

 

I notice that several posts refer to the use of video conferencing for professional develop and that is an excellent use of the technology, but I would encourage an expanded view of what is possible.  There is a model in Canada, which we feel is using video conferencing to make libraries the true hub of the community.  I encourage you to go to www.risenetwork.ca.  I have spoken to one of the librarians in Canada, who is willing to speak to a group of librarians via video conference.

 

Several of you have stated interest in the technology; I wanted you to be aware of a product that we feel has great potential.  Lifesize Passport Connect is a new product that does not drain network bandwidth and easy navigates any firewall.  The price point is only $1000 with all “connections” being done on Lifesize servers.  As an educational technology specialist, I know any technical connections that happen in the cloud make my life easier.  http://www.lifesize.com/Products/Video/LifeSize_Passport/Connect.aspx

 

I hope to learn from the group as to what their needs and concerns are regarding video conferencing.  I would enjoy any collaborative projects and assist with developing video conferencing opportunities.