CU-SeeMe

I. What can I do with it?

A. Get resources for Core
B. Motivate students
C. Give students access to accurate information
D. Share resources
E. Expose children to different perspectives and information on topics

II. What do I need to get started?

A. A computer with at least 16 MG Ram and audio/video capability. If you have a Macintosh you need Open Transport 1.1.2 to run the White Pine version. This comes with System 7.6 and higher. If you have System 7.5.x, go to http://mirror.apple.com. Find System Software. Find Open Transport. You will have to download OT 1.1.1 first, and then 1.1.2.

B. CU-SeeMe software

This software can be downloaded for free from Cornell University:  ftp://gated.cornell.edu/pub/video/html/Welcome.html Another version (with more bells and whistles) can be purchased from White Pine at a reduced rate if you register as a member of the Global Schoolhouse. http://www.gsn.org/cu

C. Camera

The cheapest and easiest way to send your own video is with the Quickcam by Connectix. The cost is around $99 US, and can be ordered from many computer outlet stores. Writing an Eskind grant with teachers from other schools in the district would be a good way to get the funds. Remember to set up the unit and then introduce the camera as needed equipment to make the unit successful.

III. How does it work?

A. You need 2 IP addresses - yours and the person you are calling. If you are calling one person, you can dial point to point. If more than 2 people are conferencing, you need a reflector, like the one at Global Schoolhouse. (See below for URL.)

B. Open the CU-SeeMe application. Give yourself a name. You will see a window with that name and your picture! The first button under the picture lets you reverse the camera angle. The second button shows your current operating status. The third button pauses the picture. The last button allows you to change your settings.

You will also see a chat window. Type in your message and hit return. This is especially helpful if your audio doesn't work! It also gives you a written record of your conversation.

The audio window allows you to control your levels of sound as you send and receive. When you click Push to Talk, you must continue to hold the button until you have finished the transmission. If you want the microphone on all the time (not a good idea), click the triangle button on the bottom right and de-select the PTT option.

The participant list shows all users. If you watch without sending video or audio, you are a lurker.

Go to Participants - Show all to see all the people connected.

C. To do a point to point conference with one other person:

1. Go to Conference - Connect. Type in the IP address and check send and receive video.

2. Click Connect. A window with a phone will come up on the receiver's screen. They will click "answer".

D. To do a reflector conference with more than one person:

1. Go to Conference - Connect. Type in the IP address of the reflector. Check send and receive video.

2. Click Connect.

3. When conferencing with more that one person, use the chat window or White Pine Board to type conversations. The clarity of the audio decreases as the number of participants increases.

Technical Tips:

While whole class interaction is possible, the students benefit more if smaller groups can conference.

There will be a little lag time between sending audio and its reception. Be patient. If both parties talk at once the message is scrambled.

Limit the conference to 30 minutes if possible. The children get restless if it lasts much longer than that.

Plan ahead! Have the children write down questions that need to be answered and place the children who will actually ask questions close to the computer, to minimize downtime between questions.

Reserve a spot on the reflector if you plan on joining a conference or starting one that will include more than one other station. The address for Global Schoolhouse is http://www.gsn.org/cu/index.html. Access the List Your Own Event link. The Chattanooga Aquarium is 198.99.193.8. Vanderbilt's reflector is relax.ltc.vanderbilt.edu or 129.59.213.28.

It helps to have the fewest and smallest windows displaying other participants' video. Setting for Audio should be Digitalk 8.5.

Only 8 people can connect at a time to a site.

Using the Chat Window or White Pine Board also lets you have a written record of your conversation.

Testing before the conference is very important!

IV. Where can I find more information?

ftp://gated.cornell.edu/pub/video/html/Welcome.html, the Cornell CU-SeeMe Homepage.

You can download the software from this page. The software is free. This page also has links to reflectors and technical support.

http://creativity.net/KidCast/kc7tzmap.html

This site provides opportunities for schools to do videoconferencing projects. They will have a cybercast soon.

http://www.gsn.org/cu

The Global Schoolhouse Network page provides a list of schools from around the world who have CU-SeeMe access. Teachers register by grade and subject level and indicate projects in which they are interested in collaborating. The site also offers contests, grants, and opportunities to buy software at reduced prices.

http://www.gsn.org/cu/index

These sites provide a calendar of upcoming videoconferences.

http://www.vanderbilt.edu/VirtualSchool

This site offers many resources and units that have already been field tested.

http://www.nashville-schools.davidson.k12.tn.us/

This is the Metro home page. If you go to Curriculum Grant Recipients, you will find a list of Metro teachers doing CU-SeeMe projects.

http://www.vanderbilt.edu/VirtualSchool/vucu.htm

This pages gets you to the link for VUCU. Our site will showcase unit plans, our photos, copies of our handouts, and the online discussion we generate.

E-Mail Addresses:

majordomo@gsn.org

This will enroll you in a listserve which automatically send updates of new educational videoconferencing opportunities. NASA provides conferencing with women scientists, the National Zoo offers video lessons, as does the Chattanooga Aquarium. To subscribe send email to the above address with:
"subscribe cu-seeme-schools your@email.address" in the top line of the body of the message OR go to http://gsn.org/majordomo/

Sue Goodwin: email her at swg@tennis.org

Sue arranges the videoconferences through the Chattanooga Aquarium. There are prepackaged conferences, but if you plan early enough, they can tailor the program to meet your specific needs.