Over 100 Kan-ed members have connected to Kan-ed to share classroom
content.
To expedite sharing most of them adopted and installed an Interactive
Distance Learning (IDL) system based on
H.323 video conferencing components
marketed by Cytek Media Systems of Topeka, Kansas.
Some other Kansas districts employ alternate approaches to video instruction.
For example, the High Southwest Plains Interactive Television Network
(HSPN) uses an MPEG2-based system managed by Pioneer Communications, and
some other districts employ free-standing H.323 video conferencing systems.
Both of these alternate models can interoperate with the IDL model to
some extent over gateways.
Sites using alternate approaches to classroom video instruction are responsible
for any gateway equipment required to interoperate with sites using the
Cytek IDL model.
Kansas interactive education consortia
There are numerous consortia in Kansas devoted to interactive education.
These groups are usually attached to regional education centers, and coordinate
the activities of regional schools, community colleges, and other resources
for interactive instructional content. Examples include: the Kansas Distance
Learning Consortium (KDLC), the A+ Network, TEEN, HSPN, etc.
The Kansas Association of
Interactive Distance Education (KAIDE) is an association of such consortia
formed in 1996 to encourage the growth and improvement of interactive
distance education networks across the state and to share expertise and
resources among them. KAIDE serves as a resource for information on existing
and new technologies, activities, and training opportunities.
KAIDE is in a position to help Kan-ed constitutents find or contribute
interactive educational resources (such as K-12 classes). At this time
KAIDE appears to be the most representative statewide broker for interactive
classroom resources.
Conference and classroom scheduling
The Renovo Interactive Video Manager can be used by Kan-ed member representatives
to schedule classes and conferences using Kan-ed-related IDL sites. Classes
are typically entered into the Renovo database by consortium scheduling
officers, and the Renovo server actually initiates all video connections
at the appointed time. This automatic initiation vastly simplifies the
process for teachers using the equipment.
Consortia using MPEG2 equipment within their portions of Kan-ed usually
operate their own gateway equipment and their own instance of Renovo.
Scheduling a class to be shared among MPEG and H.323 equipment requires
entries in BOTH Renovo databases, when setting up a gateway connection.
