Products & Services 
Videoconferencing Overview
Videoconferencing allows 2 or more sites to “meet” with
each other without traveling. Think of a telephone call where you
can see the other party(s).
All you need is a TV monitor, a Polycom videoconferencing ViewstationFX
(or equivalent) and a high-speed Internet connection from RINET (or
other Internet2 service provider) at each site.
K-12 videoconferencing is a terrific way to add value to the classroom
while stretching educational dollars. Some applications include:
- Student interaction outside the classroom without leaving
your "four walls":
- Virtual Fieldtrips
- Career Explorations
- Expert Speakers
- Interaction with other classrooms (compare/contrast/compete)
- Expanded curriculum offerings for students
- Increase enrollment in "specialty courses"
- Instructor Sharing
- Share experiences
- Professional Development
The possiblities are virtually endless!
The Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) awarded grants focused
on the instructional use of videoconferencing in K-12 classrooms.
These grants were made possible through the federally funded Working
Wonders program. Each recipient received a Polycom videoconferencing
unit, TV monitor and cart, as well as the startup costs for the
network connection required to effectively use the videoconferencing
equipment.
RINET provided support to the videoconferencing initiative by accelerating the integration of ATM technology into its frame relay network infrastructure. ATM technology enables the use of applications that require quality of service (QOS) and greater reliability such as real time communications with other students, instructors, and academic experts that would otherwise be beyond geographical or financial reach. The combination of a robust network infrastructure and the ability to use advanced applications will greatly benefit the Rhode Island K-12 educational community by offering more opportunities for professional development, training, and collaboration with colleagues at other institutions.
