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In early 2007, NITLE invited its participating colleges to apply to participate in a study to examine the feasibility of offering managed multi-point videoconference services to participating colleges. A preliminary report is now available. We also encourage interested institutions to find out more about our Multipoint Interactive Videoconference (MIV) Pilot Service.
To apply to the study, interested institutions were asked to describe how they intended to use the videoconference service. The selection process focused on crafting a participant pool that represented a diversity of use cases and institutional profiles. The study included two study periods. For the first period, six colleges and universities were selected to execute their use cases between January 5 and March 15, 2007. The second study period is now underway, with four additional institutions participating; all uses for the second study period must take place between March 1 and May 31, 2007.
Study requirements and details
Applying institutions were required to meet certain bandwidth requirements in order to be selected to participate in the study. For each videoconference “seat” (an individual or group of participants sharing a single connection/camera), the study required a minimum of 750KB upstream/downstream. (A use case requiring 4 seats would therefore require a 3MB upstream/downstream connection.)
Campuses were also required have proper A/V equipment, which included at a minimum a webcam and audio input/output device for each seat. (Note that built-in microphones are often not suitable for use in desktop videoconferencing.) NITLE shared recommendations about equipment with selected study participants and encouraged them to review the vendor's A/V recommendations.
NITLE used the Marratech videoconference system for the study. Marratech is a proven cross-platform system used internally at NITLE for many months successfully prior to the commencement of the study.
Study timeline
1st period
2nd period
How does my institution apply?
The study is now closed to applications. NITLE thanks the institutions who participated--and in the case of the second study period--continue to participate in this feasibility study on videoconferencing services. Participating campuses represent a diversity of institutional types and potential uses for the technology.
The study’s participants include:
Study purposes and goals
Participating campuses have expressed interest in NITLE provisioning videoconference services. This study will explore that potential. Use cases cited in past discussions include:
Study results will enable NITLE to engage in an informed assessment of the feasibility and mechanics of provisioning managed multi-point videoconference services. The assessment will include a consideration of the benefits (e.g., pedagogical uses, potential savings) of a collaborative approach to service provision and the potential role of the user community in leveraging those benefits.
Questions about this multi-point videoconference service feasibility study may be directed to Eric Jansson.
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