1. New Stakeholders
A. Brian Cabbab has forwarded my email regarding SSP class scheduling to Carol Moore and Brian Murakami at SCPD. Carol is Director of Credit Programs, and Brian M. is responsible for actually scheduling SCPD classrooms.
B. I am now periodically exchanging email with Joy Chua (NTU CEE) regarding conference room videoconferencing as well as personal videoconferencing.
C. Terri Franzoia is from AV Edge and came by to look at Terman M33. She provided an estimate for integrating a SmartPanel and two Polycom Webster units in Terman M33.
2. Equipment Needs
A. Teleconferencing. UIUC purchased a Polycom SoundStation EX at our request, and we received it on 4/9/03. I have shown Duc how it works, and am presently revising a quick tips sheet to accompany it. For the time being, Duc will keep it for users to borrow when needed. Hopefully, this unit will see its first use for Martin's CAMPWS meeting this Friday. For the record, the phone number in Terman M33 is 650 725 9751.
B. Videoconferencing. Last indication from Becki Fields is that the purchase of the Polycom ViewStation will likely happen around May 5.
C. Whiteboards. Keep in mind that I received an estimate from AV Edge of about $41,000 for integrating a SmartPanel and two Polycom Webster units in Terman M33, and I will be looking to have the integration happen in June.
D. Computers. We discussed putting some computers on our wish list to be purchased once funding is available. I came up with estimates for two Windows laptops at a cost of about $3422, and one for Sandy's iMac at a cost of about $2701. Sandy has indicated that we should probably get another iMac for Royal.
E. Personal Videoconferencing. Joy and I will try to sync up using NetMeeting.
3. Other Issues
A. Class scheduling. I emailed Joy, Vincent and Brian a preliminary proposal for scheduling SSP classes in fall. (All times shown here are Stanford time) This included CEE 273 (Jim's course) on MTTh 4 pm to 5 pm, CEE 201D (Peter's course) on WF 4 pm to 5 pm, and CEE 278A (Lynn's course) on MWF 10 am to 11 am. Response from SCPD is that SCPD classrooms are not assigned until mid-June. I was hoping that SCPD could make a commitment immediately, and lessen the uncertainty. Should I approach Andy or someone to see if SCPD will come fully on board and commit a room before June? If the above schedule looks ok, I will forward it to Lynn for submittal to the registrar.
B. Summer Program. Sandy is passing on a few tasks related to the Summer Program. The main issue appeared to be how summer session fees (tuition, room, board, insurance, ...) could be paid very soon after they arrive. What will they use to pay for other expenses (books, supplies, eg)?
4. Current Action Items
A. Create proposal for equipping NTU apartment with computing equipment.
B. Coordinate videoconferencing with Joy
C. Submit SSP Fall Quarter class schedule proposal to Lynn.
D. Become more familiar with SSP Summer Program.
5. Notes
A. I will be out of town the week of April 21.
Subject: Status Report: Videoconferencing with NTU 3/17/03
Date: Monday, March 17, 2003 10:22 AM
From: Colin Ong
To: Jim Leckie ,
Hello Jim and Sandy,
Latest info on getting videoconferencing set up:
1. Contacting Stakeholders
A. We had our meeting with Daniel Tan on 3/3/03. In the course of this meeting, Daniel spoke with (in addition to Jim and I) Andy, Les, Brian and Paul. Topics and issues covered are mentioned later in this report.
B. I have been in contact with Carlos (Communications Services), Kent (Networking) and Ed regarding getting a faster network line to Terman M33. Kent's feedback is that there should be adequate bandwidth from Terman M33 to support videoconferencing over the Internet.
C. I responded to Becki Fields (UIUC) regarding the vendor proposal for videoconferencing equipment. My response included the request for an additional camera and microphone to accommodate the two expected videoconferencing setups (speaker at front of room vs group of people around table). I also checked with Becki on our request for a Polycom teleconferencing unit.
2. Equipment Needs
A. Teleconferencing. Having not heard back from Fred Lawrence on our request for the group teleconferencing unit, I have followed up with Becki Fields who has obtained a vendor quote for the Polycom SoundStation EX. She is awaiting Fred's approval.
B. Videoconferencing. I reviewed the equipment proposal obtained by UIUC from a vendor for the videoconferencing equipment. The equipment includes Polycom ViewStation FX units for each of the three CAMPWS locations plus a master control unit for multipoint communications. Video will be handled by two 36" televisions. I briefly discussed the proposal with Jim and Martin. Our plan will be to have the equipment in the proposal installed, then use SSP resources to enhance the set up.
C. Electronic Whiteboards. I have contacted a couple more vendors regarding these whiteboards, including AV Edge, and CCS Presentation Systems. AV Edge has been asked to provide a proposal which integrates a Polyvision Webster into an existing Polycom ViewStation setup.
D. Computers. Daniel Tan showed Jim and I his Acer Tablet PC computer. The principal benefit of this computer is the ability to electronically sketch on the screen with a stylus, similar to how you can sketch on an electronic whiteboard (or Palm Pilot). I have looked at this model, and it appears to be an early stage technology. Should the Tablet PC OS become more widespread (eg, adopted by Dell), then it would be worth considering. See http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,3959,6158,00.asp for comments attributed to Dell.
E. Personal videoconferencing. I have purchased two web cameras that will work with Windows computers. I am familiarizing myself with the NetMeeting software which handles videoconferencing in Windows XP. At this time, I only have one Windows XP computer. I will be purchasing another shortly to be able to conduct actual videoconferencing sessions with NetMeeting.
3. Other issues.
A. The main issue discussed at the meeting with Daniel Tan was the one about maintaining a mirror site for the SSP classes recorded by SCPD. We need to make the viewing of these video streams as "painless" as possible to ensure the success of this aspect of the program. I would also hope that since funds are being received from Singapore, that NTU has equal property rights to these materials.
B. I briefly met with Lynn about scheduling. I also checked out suitable times for scheduling SSP classes in Fall 2003. I have emailed Jim and Peter about their preferences. At a glance, it appears that 5 pm California time Monday through Thursday are the only times that work (unless evenings starting at 6 pm are worth considering). I am awaiting feedback from Jim and Peter before contacting Brian and Vincent for schedules of SCPD and CED facilities.
4. Current Actions Items
A. Follow through on getting SoundStation for Terman M33.
B. I am looking at purchasing a Dell Inspiron 1100 in order to become more familiar with NetMeeting.
C. Get firm dates on when CAMPWS videoconferencing equipment will get installed.
D. Follow through with vendors on getting whiteboards integrated with Polycom equipment.
Subject: Status Report: Videoconferencing with NTU 2/27/03
Date: Thursday, February 27, 2003 9:51 AM
From: Colin Ong
To: Jim Leckie ,
An update on the status of videoconferencing:
1. Contacting Stakeholders:
A. We had our meeting with Les and Brian on 2/12. They will serve as technical consultants for the goal of equipping Terman M33.
B. I have made email contact with NTU CED including Daniel Tan (Director), Lee Chye Seng, and Vincent Goh. Vincent will be the principal technical contact. He has sent me information on the videoconferencing setup for the Singapore MIT Alliance (SMA). I will coordinate information with him to ensure that departmental conference rooms at both NTU and Stanford are compatible.
C. After the MOU signing videoconference on 2/24, I emailed Brian Cabbab asking for his thoughts on the challenges faced during this videoconference. He feels that time of day was a critical factor. Also, he indicated that audio was problematic because the location was not optimized for a videoconference. Video was as good as could be expected.
D. I emailed Dick, Craig and Stephen on their videoconference experience on 2/24. Craig and Stephen have had better experience at Forsythe and Wallenberg, respectively, and were puzzled by the poor quality on Monday.
E. I have exchanged email with Ed Jones to request that he enquire at ITSS on the process to get a fast network connection to Terman M33.
E. I emailed Becki Fields on 2/18 with our wish list which included a Polycom ViewStation FX and two SmartBoards (the Webster was noted as an alternate for the SmartBoard).
2. Equipment Needs:
A. Teleconferencing. Martin ordered a phone connection for Terman M33 which has been installed. I recommended a Polycom Soundstation EX for teleconferencing in this room. I have emailed Martin and Fred Lawrence (UIUC) a vendor-quoted price for this piece of equipment. The vendor is VSGI.
B. Videoconferencing. I have contacted the sales departments at Polycom, Polyvision and Smart Technologies. I have received quotes on the Polycom ViewStation FX (videoconference equipment) and the Polyvision Webster 4500 (electronic whiteboard). I am expecting a quote for the SmartBoard 3000i soon. I am working with two VARs: one (VSGI) will offer the integration of the Polycom and Polyvision units, and the other (AV Edge) will offer the integration of the Polycom and Smart Technologies units. When both proposals are complete, I will examine them to see which is more desirable. AV Edge was the integrator used for Wallenberg.
C. Computers. We have the option of having a permanent Windows and/or Mac computer connected to all this equipment. Users could copy their files (eg, PowerPoint) to this computer and utilize this local computer (as opposed to bringing in their own computer and having to make the connection manually). If we wish to use Stanford's iRoom software, we would definitely need to have a permanent Windows computer attached (iRoom allows a user to control multiple displays, in this case the whiteboards) from a single computer - this is not related to videoconferencing).
3. Other issues:
A. Security. I believe that we have agreement that room security will be a critical issue when all the equipment is in place. This may result in some inconvenience for present users of the room.
B. Personal videoconferencing. There are no personal videoconferencing solutions for Mac OS X computers. Rumor has it that Apple is working on one, and another developer, Smith Micro, has (at least) not denied to me that they are working on one. If we had to pick a solution today, it would most likely be Microsoft NetMeeting (aka Messenger in Windows XP) which works only on Windows computers. With this strategy, we could acquire one or two Windows laptops and outfit them for personal videoconferencing. They would be assigned to faculty actively teaching in the SSP program so that they could use it for videoconference communication from their office or home.
4. Current Action Items:
A. Get demo of whiteboard solutions. VSGI is having a Polycom open house on March 20. Also, I am meeting with Carrie from AV Edge in Terman M33 on 3/3 to discuss the suitability of the Polycom/Polyvision solution.
B. Meeting with Daniel Tan on 3/3. Daniel is Director of CED. He has oversight for distance learning at NTU. We should use this opportunity to make sure we have our videoconferencing visions aligned. Les and Brian will join at 11 am.
Subject: Status Report: Videoconferencing with NTU
Date: Thursday, February 6, 2003 11:37 AM
From: Colin Ong
To: Jim Leckie ,
Hi Jim and Sandy,
Thought I'd provide a status report on the videoconferencing side of the SSP:
1. Contacting Stakeholders:
A. Received responses from about 50% of EWS faculty to my survey about their computers. As expected, computer profiles vary widely and significant updating may be necessary to update everyone's computer for a decent videoconferencing experience.
B. Have been trying to communicate with SCPD staff (Aubrey Harris, Les Stout and Brian Cabbab) for advice. Received response from Brian Cabbab concerning SITN Master Control equipment which is in the budget.
C. Have met with Dan Gilbert twice who is with SCIL (Stanford Center for Innovative Learning). Dan gave me tour of Wallenberg 120 classroom which has group videoconferencing as well as interactive whiteboards. I watched in on Stephen Monismith's class which videoconferenced in students from Hopkins Marine Station.
D. Have emailed Lee Chye Seng from NTU's CED (Centre for Educational Development). Chye Seng had worked previously with Aubrey to set up tests for videoconferencing between SCPD and CED. I am seeking information for any plans on setups similar to our goals for Terman M33 and individual faculty.
E. Have sent in enquiries via web to Polycom, Smart Technologies, and Polyvision to make contact with the appropriate Account Manager and get info. Have also visited web site of e-Beam but found their solution less suitable.
F. CIFE iRoom. I talked to John Kunz about the iRoom in CIFE. The iRoom concept is mainly targeted at simplifying presentations at a single location where many screens are needed to display all the information.
G. PBL. Talked to Renate Fruchter about developments in PBL with respect to distance learning. PBL uses video transmissions complemented with teleconferencing. Charges for long distance calls, esp. to Singapore are undesirable.
2. Equipment Needs:
A. Base videoconferencing. The Polycom ViewStation FX which Aubrey recommended back in 10/2001 still appears to be state of the art. It is the equipment used in Wallenberg too. Plan of record is for Martin to purchase this equipment using his NSF Center funds. Have been in contact with Becki Fields at UIUC trying to coordinate the acquisition of this equipment.
B. Interactive whiteboard. The interactive whiteboard allows a presenter to show their presentation (eg PowerPoint) and write on the screen with electronic markers which get saved onto a computer for saving/printing. When I have contact with the whiteboard vendors, I will ask about whiteboards whose images are displayed at the local and remote locations (e.g., Stanford and Singapore). Currently, Wallenberg does not transmit the whiteboard image to the remote location.
C. Personal Videoconferencing. NetMeeting is a popular software for Windows computer to perform personal videoconferencing. Polycom offers a personal videoconferencing solution called ViaVideo which is also Windows only. NetMeeting facilitates application sharing (ie, navigating common computer screens). There is Mac videoconferencing software (eg, VideoLink Pro) which permits "talking heads" videoconferencing. If application sharing can be limited to Terman M33, I feel we have good solutions for our mix of Mac/Windows users for video/audio. I am exploring web conferencing solutions for those users who may need it.
D. Web Conferencing. Checked into web conferencing solutions from WebEx, Raindance, and First Virtual Communications. WebEx and Raindance offer pay-as-you-go service, whereas FVC offers a client-server software package. The WebEx and Raindance solutions are also attractive because their package offers teleconferencing and chat as well as web conferencing.
E. Control Panel. Dan Gilbert has provided a reference to an outside companby which installed the control panels for Wallenberg classrooms. We may need them to set up a similar panel to control the mix of equipment we will have in Terman M33.
3. Other issues:
A. Terman M33. Once I have chosen a whiteboard model, I will be looking at the best positioning. The units I saw in Wallenberg are bulky; flat panel displays I have seen on web sites apparently have quality issues (according to Dan and Renate).
B. Security. The videoconferencing equipment and parts of the interactive whiteboard are valuable and easily carried away. We should consider using higher security measures.
4. Current Action Items:
A. Get demo of whiteboard solutions.
B. Seek out best personal videoconferencing solutions (and test with Polycom ViewStation whenever possible)