Customers using the ICN Internet now have a new option for connecting with students and teachers in other locations. The desktop video conferencing service PerfectMeetings is now available for authorized users through the ICN for a special low rate. With service beginning last fall, several schools are already using this convenient and economical option to share information and resources. This service allows individual desktop video conferencing or entire room video conferencing.
For those choosing the desktop option, any computer that meets the minimum requirements can connect with any other subscriber to the service—no ICN room required—just a high-speed Internet connection and a computer with the correct specifications. The desktop subscription to PerfectMeetings is portable and can be used on different computers, including laptops connected to wireless networks with appropriate bandwidth. Each subscription participant is provided with a username, password and meeting pin number. All participants can then connect through a common URL by sharing the meeting pin number. Up to 25 participants can join in on one session. In addition, the sessions can be recorded for future retrieval free of charge. The storage space with each subscription is approximately eight hours.
To involve more individuals in a session, other options are available. In addition to the 25 participants who can join the meeting in a fully interactive way, additional individuals or sites can watch the conference through video streaming or listen to the conference with the call-in option. Call-in participants can participate in the audio component of the meeting with per-minute charges. Streaming participants can only see and hear the meeting, not participate. The site subscription is another option that allows an entire room to interact and participate fully in the session. These rooms must already be equipped with a Polycom unit or 323 video conferencing system. To connect with individuals who do not also have subscriptions, a per-minute guest charge is yet another available option.
For any of the available options, several features of PerfectMeetings remain the same. The meeting chair controls the screen to show just video, a 4-way split screen or a 9-way split screen. This flexibility allows participants to see 1, 4 or 9 other participants and/or screens. The screen will automatically change to someone who is speaking unless the meeting chair changes the settings. PowerPoint presentations and images can be shared with other participants during the session. In addition to these features, new enhancements this spring will allow more sharing during the conferences.
If you or your school is interested in this dependable, easy to use, economical service, call (877) 426-4692 for more information or visit the Web site at http://www.icn.state.ia.us/services/IPconferencing/index.html for an order form and further instructions. In addition to a computer that meets the minimum requirements, session participants will need a Web cam and headset. These items are available for purchase on the Web site.
