Collaboration Tools
(Last modified on
21 August, 2006)
This Web page provides an overview of useful resources for remote collaboration.
Use the links below to jump directly to a sub-section of these resources:
If you have any questions regarding the resources on this page, please contact
Ann Luck.
New to remote collaboration? To learn more about virtual
meetings and to review tips for such collaboration, see "Virtual
Meetings and Virtual Teams: Using Technology to Work Smarter," a
publication from Penn State's Office of Planning and Institutional Assessment.
AUDIO CONFERENCING
Definition: Synchronous voice communication via traditional telecommunications
infrastructure, H.323 videoconferencing protocol, or the Voice over Internet
Protocol (VoIP). Examples: point-to-point telephone calls and bridge-mediated
conference calls involving three or more participants.
- Penn
State Call Center
Penn State's Call Center provides operator-assisted and Meet-Me audio conferencing
(telephone) services. (Operator assisted calls originate from a University
Park operator. Meet-me calls require each participant to dial in to a central
University Park number.) The Call Center also provides speakerphones free
of charge. These phones can adjust to analog or digital lines (but not VoIP
systems). See the Call Center Web page (linked above) for more information.
Note: Most University Park campus phones already have a "3-way
calling" capability that allow three participants to conference without
having to go through the Call Center.
Related resources:
- Speakerphone
Reservation Form
- Directions
for establishing a 3-way conference call at University Park
- Reservation-less
Audio Conference Calling Service
Penn State's Reservation-less Audio Conference Calling service allows
users to conduct audio conference calls anytime, anyplace - without
the need to reserve calls ahead of time. The service provides a permanent
toll-free dial-in conferencing number, participant access code, and
a host security code that enables conferees to conduct meetings in their
own virtual conference room. Permanent conferencing numbers are assigned
to University Purchase Cards. The card is only charged 6 cents per minute
(per participant) for conference call usage. The service can accommodate
up to 50 participants on one call and offers multiple features, including
digital recording options, entry/exit name announce options, and broadcasting
capabilities. To set up the University's On-Demand Audio Conferencing
service, contact the Call Center at 814-863-3410.
- Skype
Skype is a free Internet telephony client. To use this tool, you need a
computer with access to the Internet, the Skype software (a free download),
and an audio headset with a microphone. Skype is simple to set up and use
and lets one talk in real-time to other Skype users. It has a "conference
call" feature that let's one participate in group calls with up to
four other people. It also has file transfer and instant messaging features.
VIDEOCONFERENCING
Definition: Synchronous audio and video communication via traditional
telecommunications infrastructure (commonly ISDN or the Internet). Examples:
personal computer-based systems like NetMeeting, room-based systems such as
Polycom (formerly PictureTel), and high-end systems like the Access Grid.
- Penn State Videoconferencing
Those familiar with video conferencing at Penn State will most likely think
of room-based systems like PictureTel (now "Polycom"). However,
other options now exist at Penn State, as well, including desktop video
conferencing and the Access Grid. This useful site explains the many benefits
of using the videoconferencing tools and infrastructure available at Penn
State, including cost information and a "Quick Start" guide.
Related resources:
- Penn
State's Videoconferencing Orientation Guide
This guide answers questions such as What is videoconferencing? What
costs are involved? What training and technical support is available?
What should first-time users know? - Penn
State Videoconferencing Rooms and Contact List
This extensive list includes all of Penn State's "public"
videoconferencing facilities. The list includes information about room
capacities, features, and contact information for scheduling. A helpful
resource when trying to locate a place to hold your videoconference!
NOTE: 108 Wartik and 371 Willard are "general purpose" classrooms
and, therefore, very heavily used. It is hard to schedule those! - Faculty Guide to Teaching through Videoconferencing
A comprehensive guide to using videoconferencing for teaching, produced by Allan Gyorke, Manager of Educational Technology within Education Technology Services at Penn State. - MatSE Videoconferencing
Facility
In addition to the list of Penn State videoconferencing rooms linked
above, the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (College
of EMS) makes its videoconferencing facility in 202 Steidle available
to other EMS departments (MatSE functions have scheduling priority). - Penn
State's On-Demand Video Bridge Service
This service offers freedom of scheduling for impromptu videoconferencing
meetings by providing conferee-initiated access to the Penn State Video
Bridge. The On-Demand service provides the freedom to connect three
or more videoconference rooms or desktop systems on an as-needed basis
without the need for making formal reservations. On-Demand video bridge
conferences require an initial conference set-up in the Penn State Video
Bridge (which can be done online). But once the profile is established,
conferees can use the Bridge, as needed, scheduling conferences on their
own. - A Participant's Guide to
Videoconferencing (pdf format)
A printable document designed to orient first-time participants to videoconferencing. - Videoconferencing Etiquette and Meeting Tips (pdf format)
Compiled by Alan Hecht, Stephanie Janson, and Carol McQuiggan, The Pennsylvania State University
- iVisit
Developed by the creator of "CU-SeeMe," iVisit is a low-cost,
desktop videoconferencing tool that combines two-way audio/video, instant
messaging, file sharing, and Web co-browsing. To use this tool, you need
a computer with access to the Internet, the iVisit software, a Webcam, and
an audio headset. A free ("Lite") version is available for 1-1
video calls of up to 60 minutes in duration. A "Plus" subscription
($39.95/year) is also available for group video conference calls of unlimited
duration. [See more info about iVisit] - Penn State
Access Grid
The Access Grid relies on a multicast network of over 1,500 users worldwide.
Each institution has one or more "designed spaces" that contains
high-end audio and visual technology. Penn State currently has one such
facility, located in 140
Computer Building.
WEB CONFERENCING
Definition: Synchronous or asynchronous text, audio, and video communication
via the World Wide Web. Example: personal computer-based systems such as Breeze Meeting, Centra
Symposium, Horizon Wimba, ElluminateLive (formerly Vclass), and WebEx. Capabilities
afforded by Web conferencing include: two-way audio, slide shows, instant
messaging, document sharing, whiteboard, and application sharing.
New to Web conferencing? See Full-Featured
Web Conferencing Systems by Joel Foreman and Roy Jenkins.
- Breeze Meeting
Breeze Meeting is a Web-based collaboration tool that includes video conferencing, application sharing, live polling, chat, whiteboards, and presentations. Live, synchronous interactions with small or large groups take place right on your desktop. Penn State has purchased a Breeze Meeting license so faculty and staff can use this tool in support of teaching, research, and service. Breeze Meeting is supported by Information Technology Services at Penn State.
HARDWARE RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations are based on our own testing and experience.
While many products will do a sufficient job, these are the tools we are currently
using within the Dutton Institute.
- USB-capable computer (USB 2 is recommended)
- Webcam (for participating in desktop video conferences):
Logitech Quickcam Pro 4000 or Logitech Quickcam for Notebooks Pro (approx.
$80)
- Headset (for participating in computer-based audio conferences
and video conferences):
A USB headset/microphone, such as the Plantronics USB headset DSP 300 (approx.
$55)
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