Do you know any schools that have all HD projectors in the classrooms yet?

Plug and Play

I remember the days of the Polycom Viewstation and VSX 7000, when you could just buy the codec, and plug it into any projector in any classroom in the school (via S-Video).

No HD!

Now, I have a school looking to replace a unit, and we’ve run into a bit of a problem! The classrooms don’t have HD projectors! The new projectors they are buying this summer are NOT HD projectors!

So… if they want to invest in a new Polycom HDX or Tandberg Edge or C20… they need an HD display! Which they don’t have in the classrooms.

You can no longer buy a codec and run it around the school / district plugging into whatever display is in the classroom. Is that really true? Please someone, prove me wrong!

Where did the middle go?

Does it seem this way to you?

• Hardware based videoconferencing has moved up and is getting out of reach of “do-ability” for schools…
• Skype is super easy, but not H.323 and difficult use a pan/tilt/zoom camera with it…
• Where’s the middle option?

Is desktop VC getting more attractive?

Does it seem to you also that for ease of use and implementation through the whole school it might be easier to use desktop videoconferencing pushed beyond it’s design limits to show and share for the whole classroom? instead of trying to get the hardward based – HD videoconferencing working?

I still like carts…

I still like the ease of use of videoconference carts. But I was hoping we’d be able to soon have solutions that could be in every classroom. But a cart with an HD flat screen might still be the way to make VC the simplest for teachers. No fiddling with the settings and connections as you have to for desktop VC solutions.

I suspect the vendors think HD is the way to go now; but don’t realize that K12 schools are a few years away from having a proliferation of HD projectors.

Just thinking out loud here… do you agree? Do you notice this problem also? Is it just that our area is more rural and funds are tighter? How is it in your area? Please comment!

I’m still cleaning our old website, and archiving old things here on my blog. These are featured articles and video clips on our favorite content providers from 2000-2001 and we still love these providers and programs!

Content Provider The Brownsburg Challenger Learning Center is a learning laboratory where students experience simulated space missions. BCLC also offers interactive distance learning programs written and presented by our flight directors. Integrating science, math, and technology, the Challenger experience fosters curiosity, discovery, and the pursuit of lifelong learning.

“This is a great program. Entirely interactive-no real presentation. The students go right to work. This was a little pricey but in my opinion it was well worth it.””The principle was that our students were based on the moon and they were to guide another group of students who were at the center. The other group of students were trying to decide a location on the moon to land. Both groups interacted directly with mission control. This made it very realistic.” Teachers

Alpha Base One Alpha Base One (your class) has been living on the Moon. The Alpha Base Two Team is enroute to the Moon and needs your assistance!! Your students will conduct hands-on experiments to acquire information that is vital to the success of the mission in progress and communicate directly with Mission Control. You have one hour to complete the simulation successfully. Good luck, Mission Specialists! This program offered during the months of October, November, January, and February. Video clip from March 21, 2001. Get QuickTime.

As the end of the school year looms, are you also cleaning up accounts and spending last bits of funds? 

Doug Johnson has blogged in the past about ways to spend “budget dust“. I think it’s a great term to describe that last little bit to spend at the end of the school year.

If you want to invest in your videoconferencing for next year, there are two excellent options. Both options allow you to spend this year’s money and use it for programs in the next school year (or even later if you want/need)…

CILC Content Dollar Bank

• Minimum $5,000 deposit required
• 20% service fee
• Funds can be used on all programming on CILC including content providers, professional development, CILC Spotlights, and special events
• If your district requires preferred vendor documentation, just do it once instead of for each provider!
• Reduces scheduling hassle
• More info online

Whirlidurb Membership

• Minimum membership is $595 and you can get a custom quote.
• No service fee
• Access to a wide range of engaging high quality programs for K-8 students
• Reduces scheduling hassle
• The certification process eliminates test calls!
• More info online

Bonus: TWICE Membership

While you’re at it, if you are a TWICE member (or were thinking about it), you might as well buy membership for next school year too!

• Discounts on ASK program author and specialist interviews
• Access to special facilitated projects such as Holiday Hoopla and Poetry Idol!
• Learn more online

Plan now to expand or sustain your videoconference program for next school year!