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Distance Learning Services: FAQ/Tips

Guides

FAQ/Technology tips

  • Why do we exist – The primary purpose of the Distance Learning Services unit is to provide instructional and curricular support services to faculty, staff, and students utilizing associated distance learning facilities and equipment at the University of North Carolina at Asheville.
  • What is videoconferencing  - Managed services  H.323 and Movi/Jabber and Webex- A videoconference is a live connection between people in separate locations for the purpose of communication, usually involving audio and often text as well as video. At its simplest, videoconferencing provides transmission of static images and text between two locations. 
  • Videoconferencing services:

    Internet protocol videoconferencing services in three interactive video conference facilities.  State-of-the-art service includes:

    ·        Internet Protocol (HD) Polycom transmission units (creates digital compression of audio and video streams in real time) connected to central video operations facility for live broadcast

    ·        Managed services performed by professional staff during point-to-point and multipoint video conferences

    ·        Computer content sharing (desktop or application sharing) viewable by all participants

    ·        Programs can be live streamed and viewed by participants unable to attend in via any other technology

    ·        Recording and progressive post program downloading
  • What is web conferencing  - Managed services (P2P, multi-point, webinars)- Web conferencing is a form of real-time communications RTC in which multiple computer users, all connected to the internet, see the same screen at all times in their Web browsers. Some Web conferencing systems include features such as texting, VoIP (voice over IP) and full-motion video.
  • Webconferencing services:

    ·        Movi-Jabber is a desktop videoconferencing software package that allows participants to connect to a conference for full two-way audio and video conferencing.  Users may use a PC or Mac computer, and associated camera, microphone and speakers to communicate with conference participants.

    o   https://www.mcnc.org/support/knowledgebase/movi/movi-knowledgebase

    ·        WebEx meeting is a face-to-face collaboration tool that allows participants to share HD video, computer displays and or applications, and internet or telephone audio.  Participants use internal, or USB connected, webcams, microphones and speakers to communicate with remote locations.

    o   http://archivedvideo.mcnc.org/webexhelp.html
  • Audio Conferencing Example:– how different from SIP conference call functionality – link to campus conf call page David Weldon - State information Processing Services (phone company)
  • Using webex meeting (Basic login / equipment familiarization): 
  • How to resolve audio issues on a pchttp://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/tips-fixing-common-sound-problems#tips-fixing-common-sound-problems=windows-7
  • How to resolve audio issues on a machttp://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203186
  • How to resolve video issues on a pchttp://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/troubleshoot-monitor-and-video-card-problems
  • How to resolve video issues on a machttp://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201177
  • What is Content Capture:  Capturing the content displayed during a video/web conference so that it can be displayed when a conference is recorded and shared.
  •  Differences between RR0110 content recording and NCREN facilitated content recording:
  • Specific examples of C.C. (Flipped – powerpoint/audio, audio& video, audio & video & computer, etc):
  • What is an LMS / CMS  (Moodle / Mahara / Blackboard / Webex / Sakai): A CMS is a Content Managment System, they are used to help learning instructors to create websites for their classes without needing any HTML knowledge. An LMS is a Learning Managment System, these are used more behind the scenes. LMS's allow students to enroll in programs, help instructors keep track of attendance, overall they help to manage the courses.
  •  Difference between streaming and live streaming: Streaming simply requires a recording that can be shared online for anyone to view at anytime. Live streaming involves recording while simultaneously broadcasting the event as it happens.
  • Where are other UNC / N.C.  video conferencing locations
  1. Appalachian State University
  2. Eastern Carolina University
  3. Elizabeth City State University
  4. Fayetteville State University
  5. North Carolina A&T University
  6. North Carolina Central University
  7. North Carolina State University
  8. The University of North Carolina at Asheville
  9. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  10. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
  11. The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
  12. The University of North Carolina at Pembroke
  13. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington
  14. The University of North Carolina School of the Arts
  15. Western Carolina University
  16. Winston-Salem State University
  17. School of Science and Mathematics
  18. Craven Community College Havelock
  19. Lenoir Community College
  • What does Video Production do? (Or why are they different from DLS):

Video production services include recording, editing and post production services for scheduled programs or events.  The  Ramsey Library Video Production (RLVP) unit supports these services both in a studio environment, as well as across campus in field environments.  A full listing of services is available on the RLVP home page.

 

While both the RLVP and  Distance Learning Services (DLS) departments can produce studio based video productions, it is the mission of RLVP to assist in producing these events in support of Students and curriculum exclusively. DLS provides video production services to support scheduled interactive  video conference programs. These can include program recording, live streaming, remote recording and later on-demand streaming, minor editing, and program archival services.  

 

In the event that RLVP resources are unable to produce an approved request, DLS facilities and staff may be utilized to support the request on a case by case basis.

  • What is the difference between the Media Design Lab and us?

The Ramsey Library Media Design Lab (MDL) assists Students and Faculty in preparing and working with digital media.  Focus is given to completing course assignments,  and independent & personal professional development projects.

 

DLS staff can assist in transferring 35mm slides to an uncompressed .TIFF format digital file, but have no other resources available to assist in creating digital media.  DLS facilities are available to present those presentations developed within the MDL to both local and remote participants.

 

DLS professional staff members assist in the MDL throughout the semester and are available to answer questions or concerns in the absence of MDL and RLVP professional staff.

  • What services does Instructional Technology Support offer? (Or why are they different from DLS):

Ramsey Library TLT-R staff assist UNC Asheville faculty and staff in improving their instruction through the use of technology, and by informing them of new ways to enhance the instructional aspects of their jobs. Students through the identification and use of technologies that optimize student learning outcomes.  

 

TLTR staff conduct training sessions, assist in creating training materials, consult with users regarding both new and current technologies, and implement those new technologies that impact and support instruction. TLTR Instructional Technology specialists assist with the conceptual, aesthetic and design of media projects.


While all members of TLTR assist users in designing media related projects, Instructional Technology Support “Instructional Designers and Instructional Technologists” engage in a theory and research based design process to implement better instruction that meets course objectives.  Pedagogy assessment and implementation is stressed over the specifics regarding technology utilization.

  • Legal: Recording permissions (forms): Ask for forms
  • Liveshot: We are capable of recording liveshots for news media, this information is hidden but can be requested. Contact Greg Dillingham for more information: gregd@unca.edu (828) 251-6333