Videoconferencing
Videoconferencing, or two-way synchronous video and audio transmission over a network, is a useful tool for many applications, such as conducting meetings between different sites, bringing otherwise inaccessible experts into the classroom, conducting employment interviews with future employers, or facilitating communications between students and their families abroad. Videoconferencing saves travel time and costs, and allows for a face-to-face meeting between small groups.
How can I arrange for videoconferencing?
Call 515-294-8026 to request videoconferencing services. Demonstrations are available upon request.
What are the costs for videoconferencing?
There is a flat hourly fee for videoconferencing between ISU and one other site that covers line charges, technical support, and facility and equipment use. Fees are $105 for the first hour and $60/hour each hour after that. Multiple site connections are possible, but they require additional setup and line charges.
Videoconferencing Facilities and Technologies
There is a conference room in the Communications Building that is equipped for viewing and presenting. It has a television, microphones, document camera and scan converter for a laptop connection. It can accommodate small groups.
Portable equipment is available for use in classrooms and conference rooms. There needs to be an active Ethernet (Cat5+) in the facility. Requestors can either use their own displays or arrange for one to be provided. Call 515-294-8026 for more information about costs and feasibility at your site.
There are several methods and technologies to conduct videoconferencing, on and off campus.
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IP (Internet Protocol) Videoconferencing
Currently the most common and easily accessible technology, IP videoconferencing, is available for point-to-point or point-to-multipoint sessions with other IP sites. IP videoconferencing is available through one of several fixed locations on campus, through scheduled portable systems, or via inexpensive personal desktop systems.
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ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) Videoconferencing
The videoconferencing technology of choice in the 1990s, ISDN has been largely replaced by the more affordable and convenient IP systems. ISDN is only available at one campus location for connecting to other ISDN locations. Places that still use ISDN include many international locations, and some US corporate sites that do not want IP calls on their internal networks.
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ICN (Iowa Communications Network) Videoconferencing
The Iowa Communications Network is a statewide network that provides data and high quality video communications at more than 700 fixed sites throughout Iowa. The ICN can connect to IP or ISDN videoconferencing systems and can facilitate multi-site calls, or provide an interface between IP and ISDN calls.
