How the K-12 Community can use Internet2 Video Conferencing Dr Bob Dixon Chief Research Engineer OARnet and Ohio State University Jonathan Tyman Manager, Digital Video Internet2 Internet2 Fall Member Meeting K20 Advisory Committee Austin, Texas Sept 27, 2004

2 What is the Internet2 Commons?  The Internet2 Video Conferencing Service  Provides Multipoint video conferences  Provides streaming and recording of video conferences  Provides firewall and NAT circumvention assistance  Provides equipment advice and technical assistance

3 Special Internet2 Commons Events  Megaconference (K12 is welcome)  Megaconference Junior (K12 exclusively)  Keystone Conference (K12 exclusively)

4 How can K12 Schools use the Commons?  Step 1. Get connected to Internet2; usually via a statewide network SEGP agreement.  Step 2. Learn all about the Commons, by reading the website:  Step 3. Learn all about H.323 video conferencing, by reading the ViDe Videoconferencing Cookbook, especially the K12 section.

5  Step 4. Decide what organization will join the Commons (individual school, school district, state network, etc).  Step 5. Appoint a Commons Site Coordinator for the above organization.  Step 6. Have the Site Coordinator attend a Commons training class, or self-certify. How can K12 Schools use the Commons? (continued)

6  Step 7. Your organization fills out the Commons application form on the web pages. The cost is $2000/year, which provides 300 port-hours.  Step 8. Start using the service by filling out conference request forms on the web pages. How can K12 Schools use the Commons? (continued)

7 Who can I conference with?  Anyone in the world who has H.323 video conferencing capability.  They need not be on Internet2.  They need not be Commons members.  Your conference can include as many locations as you wish.

8 When do I NOT use the Commons?  When there are only two locations in a conference.  When you are using other video technologies, such as ISDN or ATM, unless your organization provides a gateway, or you hire a Commons- recommended gateway.  When you have limited available bandwidth or equipment at your location to enable adequate- quality video conferencing.

9 Why would I use the Commons?  It provides access to any internet location and video resource in the world.  It provides much higher video quality than the default internet.  It enables you to become part of the global education community.

10 Megaconference VI Dr. Bob Dixon Chief Research Engineer OARNet Ohio State University

11 The Megaconference is World’s largest Internet videoconference. EVERYONE is invited. H.323 Standard A professional conference with no central location. Fully interactive The speakers and audiences are distributed throughout the world. Worldwide network of Multipoint Control Units, cascaded together. A test of and a push for the state of the art.

12 Megaconference VI Dec 9, All Over the World Theme – Let’s Talk: Global Communications Innovation Participatory Videoconferencing Registration Opens – Oct 8, 2004 Deadline for presentation proposals: Oct 29, 2004

13 New Features This year Special Emphasis on Interactive Presentations Simultaneous Multiple Locations Audience Participation Take Advantage of New Technologies SIP Gateway Fast Software Endpoints Encouragement of K-12 Presenters

14 For More Information See Subscribe to Megacon mailing list. (send request to