We Are Connected

The Power of Video Collaboration in Education

T O O LK IT
A C K NOWLED G EMEN TS

Education Networks of America sponsored and developed the We Are Connected: The Power

of Video Collaboration in Education white paper and suite of resources in collaboration with

Wainhouse Research. Alan D. Greenberg, Senior Analyst and Partner with Wainhouse

Research, served as principal analyst. Mr. Greenberg is an expert on distance education and

e-Learning, edits the Wainhouse Research Bulletin, and is a past winner of the U.S. Distance

Learning Association Outstanding Leadership Award. We thank Mr. Greenberg for his

contributions as well as Wainhouse Research for providing pertinent data and insight.

ENA would also like to extend a special thanks to the professional experts, administrators,

and educators who provided their in-depth insights about video conferencing and video

collaboration. Their leadership and vision provide inspiration and tangible action steps for

school districts that are considering or planning on integrating video collaboration into their

district technology roadmap.

Finally, we would like to thank the industry and education luminaries who contributed

valuable time, information, and guidance on the current best practices and future potential of

video collaboration as a vital tool for education.

Introduction
Video technology is an effective and efficient collaboration and communication tool used by an increasing
number of todays digital schools. Although a large number of educators, technologists, and administrators
have begun experimenting with desktop and mobile video conferencing and collaboration solutions, many
are still in the exploratory phase of using this technology.

ENA has put together this toolkit of valuable resources to assist those schools and districts that are just
getting started with video conferencing and collaboration as well as those that are looking to enhance their
current programs. These resources include:

Model Use Cases and Supporting Technology Requirements

Whether you are new to video conferencing and collaboration or you are a veteran user, the model use
cases contain classic applications as well as innovative ideas that you can implement today along with the
technology requirements to replicate the application.

Getting Started Checklist

The thought of implementing any new technology can be daunting, but it doesnt have to be. This
streamlined checklist provides readers with a comprehensive, user-friendly guide that provides a step-by-
step approach to effectively infusing video conferencing and collaboration tools into a district, school, or
classroom.

We hope you find the included resources useful and informative. The toolkit is intended to provide education
leaders with a blueprint that can be used to develop and build thriving video collaboration applications and
programs to meet the unique needs of the education community.

In addition to this Toolkit, ENA in collaboration with Wainhouse

Research has published a white paper titled, We Are Connected:
The Power of Video Collaboration in Education that examines
the growing role of video collaboration in education along with a
companion school district case studies report. In the case studies
report, discover how three districts across the country are using
video to deliver health care to their students, expand their global
presence, establish internal professional development networks,
and create personal learning pathways for their students. The white
paper and case studies are available for download at:
http://www.ena.com/videocollab.

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 Model Use Cases for
Video Collaboration in Education

Personalized Instruction and Distance Learning

Todays classrooms are focused on differentiated instruction and personal learning pathways for learners. Video
collaboration solutions allow educators to connect students anywhere/anytime via mobile devices, smartphones, laptops,
and/or desktop solutions, enabling schools to create personalized and differentiated learning opportunities for all of their
students, regardless of location.

Personalized Instruction and Distance Learning Use Cases:

Homebound learners Athletes and other student team members

Special needs students Students traveling domestically or abroad
Advanced and/or gifted learners

PERIPHERAL AND FEATURE RECOMMENDATIONS:

MICROPHONES/
CAMERAS SPEAKERS FEATURES END POINTS OTHER

Personal Personal Chat Mobile Cloud storage tool

Integrated Headset w/mic Content share Laptop Hosted solution
USB desktop Integrated Library Smartphone Security
USB desktop Multi-point Tablet Training/support
Classroom Privacy
Document camera Small Classroom Record/webcast Classroom
(optional) USB desktop Whiteboard PC
Swivel base functionality
Wide angle lens Large Classroom
Bluetooth
Integrated room
USB desktop
(daisy-chained)

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Health Care Needs

With video collaboration solutions, schools can easily and inexpensively establish school nurse and health care programs
that allow students to receive medical care from a distance. Recent advances in video technology allow physicians,
registered nurses, and health care officials to treat and diagnose students virtually, meeting the needs of even the most
remote student populations.

K-12 Health Care Application Use Cases:

Connect students with remote medical Create internal support, professional development, and
personnel who can provide on-the-spot training health networks for a school districts widely dispersed
diagnoses and treatment options nursing staff

PERIPHERAL AND FEATURE RECOMMENDATIONS:

MICROPHONES/
CAMERAS SPEAKERS FEATURES END POINTS OTHER

Nurses /Schools Nurses/Schools Chat Mobile devices Digital medical device

USB desktop Headset w/mic Content share (limited peripheral add-ons (USB enabled
Video-enabled USB desktop Device input support) stethoscope, ECG
medical exam management Stationary PC/ or EKG machine,
cameras Library Laptop ultrasound probe,
Mobility Telemedicine spirometer, vital signs
Multi-point mobile cart monitor)
Privacy Electronic charts
Record/webcast Hosted solution
Security
Training/support

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 Virtual Field Trips and Expert Connections

Todays learner-centric climate offers students access to a number of digital assets in their learning. Contemporary video
collaboration solutions, which feature mobile accessibility and easy interoperability, allow students to connect and collaborate
with experts at any educational or cultural institution with just a click of a button. The ability to chat live with experts in the
field expands the accessible knowledge for todays students, essentially making the world their classroom.

Curriculum-Enhancing Expert Connections and Virtual Field Trip Use Cases:

University professors and experts in Parents

research, design, and/or content
Local, regional, and national politicians
Community leaders, thespians, physicians,
business professionals, athletes, and
journalists
Military personnel
Curators, docents, zoologists, paleontologists, etc. at
museums, zoos, and other educational and cultural
institutions around the globe

PERIPHERAL AND FEATURE RECOMMENDATIONS:

MICROPHONE/
CAMERAS SPEAKERS FEATURES END POINTS OTHER

Classroom Classroom Ability to connect to Classroom Content resources
Wide angle lens USB desktop IP/SIP addresses Laptop connected Hosted solution
(daisy-chained) Chat to large screen Test connection
Student Content share projector/white support
Integrated Student Guest link access board Training/support
USB desktop/ Headset w/mic Multi-point PC
group USB desktop/group Record/webcast
Personal/Student
Laptop
Tablet

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Community Outreach

With the integration of recording and streaming features into video collaboration solutions, parents now have the ability to
see their students perform in school programs or events when they are unable to leave their home, place of work, hospital, or
when they are traveling (e.g., military members). Parents and the community at large can connect to live school events, watch
school events that are being live streamed, and/or save recorded versions of events for future viewing.

Community Outreach Use Cases:

School board meetings Student performances

Athletic events Graduation ceremonies

PERIPHERAL AND FEATURE RECOMMENDATIONS:

MICROPHONE/
CAMERAS SPEAKERS FEATURES END POINTS OTHER

Event Location Event Location Multi-point Event Location Hosted solution

Camera mixing Room system with Privacy PC set up Security
board (optional) audio mixer Record/webcast Training/support
Multiple sources USB desktop (daisy- Webcast link Community
Recorder camera chained) Internet accessible
w/tripod PC/laptop/mobile
Swivel base device
Wide angle lens

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 Content Creation and Student-to-Student Engagement

Classrooms that challenge their students to create, design, and present their own content are integrating 21st century
knowledge and skills into the curriculum. With video, students can easily collaborate with students from other schools on
a district, regional, national, and even international level. The opportunity for students to remotely collaborate, create their
own content, present, and share ideas with a diverse population of peers extends their communication skills, as well as their
understanding of others.

Student-to-Student Engagement Use Cases:

International conversations Sharing research and presenting class projects to

Classroom-to-classroom project-based
collaborations
Project or problem-based collaborations
that engage students in real-world problem
solving activities (e.g. working together to
solve a community issue)
Peer-to-peer mentoring programs
another school or classroom
Engaging in collaborative discussions on social
issues and challenges
Utilizing technology to engage in simulated
problem solving as collaborative teams, resulting
in presentations to field or community experts

PERIPHERAL AND FEATURE RECOMMENDATIONS:

MICROPHONE/
CAMERAS SPEAKERS FEATURES END POINTS OTHER

Classroom Classroom Content share Classroom Green screen

Recording station/ USB desktop Device input PC/Laptop Hosted solution
tripod (daisy-chained) management Lighting kit
Swivel base Library Personal/Student Security
Wide angle lens Student /Personal Multi-point Laptop Studio
Headset w/mic Privacy Training/support
Student/Personal USB desktop Record/webcast
Integrated laptop Recording link
USB desktop Whiteboard
functionality

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Flipped Instruction

With video, educators can easily build and create online recorded instruction for students. Recorded programs may be
accessed via an easy link for students to review and study prior to class. Teachers simply record their lessons using their
PC or mobile device and share with their students. Conversely, students also have the ability to record and share learning
experiences with their teachers or parents.

Flipped Instruction Use Cases:

Recorded libraries of lessons, resources, and Recorded student portfolio resources

instructional tools

PERIPHERAL AND FEATURE RECOMMENDATIONS:

MICROPHONE/
CAMERAS SPEAKERS FEATURES END POINTS OTHER

Teacher Teacher Content share Teacher Hosted solution

Integrated Headset w/mic Device input PC/Laptop Security
USB desktop USB desktop management Training/support
Library Student
Multi-point Internet accessible
Privacy PC/laptop/mobile
Record/webcast device
Recording link
Whiteboard
functionality

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 Real-Time Learning

The flexibility, mobility, and power of video collaboration solutions allow students and educators alike to have teachable
moments in an instant. Real-time learning occurs when students connect with teachers and experts to make immediate
learning connections. Teachers traveling to a conference may reach back and connect with their students to check in and
share a moment. Likewise, students traveling abroad or participating in internships may encounter moments they would like
to immediately share with their peers.

Real-Time Learning Use Cases:

Teacher connectionssharing the moment Internship sharing

PERIPHERAL AND FEATURE RECOMMENDATIONS:

MICROPHONE/
CAMERAS SPEAKERS FEATURES END POINTS OTHER

Classroom Classroom Ability to connect to Classroom Content resources

Wide angle lens USB desktop IP/SIP addresses PC/Laptop Hosted solution
(daisychained) Chat connected to large Test connection
Student Content share screen projector/ support
Integrated Student Guest link access white board Training/support
USB desktop/ Headset w/mic Multi-point
group USB desktop/group Record/webcast Student
Laptop
Mobile phone
Tablet

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Remote Research

Students studying an interesting topic in school now have the ability to connect directly to remote instruments that monitor
real-time data, animal habitats, and weather stations. With video collaboration, minute-by-minute research data and live
video access to some of the top research facilities are available in an instant.

Remote Research Use Cases:

Remote instrumentation dataaccess to Live video feeds to educational remote locations

telescopes, microscopes and minute-by- such as wolf dens, underwater marine facilities,
minute data points mountaintop weather monitoring stations, and more

PERIPHERAL AND FEATURE RECOMMENDATIONS:

MICROPHONE/
CAMERAS SPEAKERS FEATURES END POINTS OTHER

Classroom Classroom Ability to connect Classroom Content resources

Wide angle lens USB desktop to IP/SIP addresses PC/Laptop Hosted solution
(daisychained) Chat connected to large Research resources
Student Content share screen projector/ Test connection
Integrated Student Device input white board support
USB desktop/ Headset w/mic management Training/support
group USB desktop/group Guest link access Student
Multi-point Laptop
Record/webcast Tablet

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 Professional Development

Video technology enables school districts and educators to create and share professional development opportunities.
Experts can share content and conduct district-wide trainings without holding in-person meetings, saving valuable time
and money. Professional development programs may be recorded and archived for district educators and staff to view prior
to a live session, or as an ongoing series. Flipped professional development opportunities allow district leadership and
curriculum specialists to easily record and share pertinent information. Recording links allow these programs to be easily
sent via e-mail to district personnel. Coaching and mentoring programs are enhanced by the opportunity to record and
review a teachers classroom lessons. Whats more, coaching opportunities can extend beyond the district with the help of
video collaboration tools.

Professional Development Use Cases:

Streaming professional development content Recording and archiving a library of

and training professional resources
Coaching and mentoring programs

PERIPHERAL AND FEATURE RECOMMENDATIONS:

MICROPHONE/
CAMERAS SPEAKERS FEATURES END POINTS OTHER

Large Group Large Room Ability to connect Large Room Hosted solution
Room Room system to IP/SIP addresses PC/Laptop PD resources
Swivel base USB desktop Content share connected to large Security
Tripod camera (daisy-chained) Device input screen projector/ Training/support
Wide angle lens management white board
Small Room Guest link option
Small Room USB table or desktop Library Small Room
Table top camera speaker/mic Multi-point PC/Laptop
USB desktop Privacy connected to
Personal/Educator/ Record/webcast medium to large
Personal/ Admin Recording link monitor
Educator/Admin Headset w/mic Whiteboard
Integrated USB desktop/group functionality Personal/Educator/
USB desktop/ Admin
group Laptop
Smartphone
Tablet

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Efficiencies

Leadership teams, administrators, district technology coordinators, and school program directors often find it difficult to keep
up with the ongoing demands of the districts schools and staff. Utilizing video collaboration solutions to optimize work flow
is a viable and efficient tool for meetings, announcements, disseminating staff information, and generally staying connected
on a regular basis.

Efficiency Use Cases:

Superintendent/principal meetings Transportation updates

Curricular support and planning Superintendent/principal announcements
Food service messaging Technology support to schools

PERIPH ERAL AND FEATURE RECOMMENDATIONS:

MICROPHONE/
CAMERAS SPEAKERS FEATURES END POINTS OTHER

Personal/ Personal/Educator/ Guest link option Personal/Educator/ Hosted solution

Educator/Admin Admin Library Admin Security
Integrated Headset w/mic Multi-point Laptop Training/support
USB desktop/ USB desktop/group Privacy Smartphone
group Record/webcast Tablet
Recording link
Whiteboard
functionality

Discover how three school districts in Indiana, Tennessee, and Vermont are successfully
integrating these best practices within their school systems in the white papers
companion case studies. www.ena.com/videocollab

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 Community of Learners

People now have the opportunity to participate in a community of peers to achieve lifelong learning. Beyond the classroom,
educators are engaged in a number of professional learning communities to grow and improve their own teaching. These
communities center discussions and learning around core curriculum, joint lesson plans, common core assessments,
technology integration, and school improvement. Video collaboration equips the community with face-to-face connections,
shared resources, and collaborative access to materials. Recording and streaming features support absent members of the
community with recorded events for future review.

Community of Learners Use Cases:

Collaborative student projects Educator/professional learning communities

Cross-school interest clubs Administrative professional networks
Cross-cultural face-to-face pen pals Technology coordinator networking

PERIPHERAL AND FEATURE RECOMMENDATIONS:

MICROPHONE/
CAMERAS SPEAKERS FEATURES END POINTS OTHER

Small Group Small Group Ability to connect Small Room International testing
Table top camera USB table or desktop to IP/SIP addresses PC/Laptop and connectivity
USB desktop speaker/mic Content share connected to Hosted solution
Device input medium to large Security
Personal/ Personal/Educator/ management monitor Training/support
Educator/Admin Admin Guest link option
Integrated Headset w/mic Library Personal/Educator/
USB desktop/ USB desktop/group Multi-point Admin
group Privacy Laptop
Record/webcast Smartphone
Recording link Tablet
Whiteboard
functionality

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Getting Started Guide and Checklist

Step 1: Build a team

n Identify key staff members to helm integration effortse.g., administrators, curriculum or professional
development directors, technology directors, teacher leaders.

n Find video collaboration champions among your districts administration, instructional, and technology
teams.

Step 2: Formulate your vision

n Identify your districts present needs.

n Define the video collaboration experiences that will support those needs.

n Review best practices and model use cases from districts with more mature programs.

n Outline your future goals for the program to ensure you have the ability to grow, adapt, and build your
video collaboration services.

Step 3: Define your requirements

n Identify your must-have featurese.g., recording, streaming, chat functionality, content share, multi-
point room access, conference whiteboard.

n Consider and define the devices or end points that need to be supportede.g., PC, Mac, mobile phones,
tablets, H.323 systems.

n Determine the number of user accounts you will need for your staff and students.

n Identify the security features and policies youll need to have in place.

n Research and select the peripherals youll need to support video collaboratione.g., USB cameras and
microphones, USB audio and video control, HD cameras, tele-health devices, and USB document cameras.
Consider your environment when making your audio and visual selections.

NOTE: Refer to the model use case scenarios for specific ideas.

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 Step 4: Research and procure a solution

n Review available video collaboration solutions that meet your requirements.

n Evaluate and consider each solutions management, training, and support model.

n Find a vendor who caters to the K-12 environment.

n Select a solution that best supports your immediate and future needs.

Step 5: Evaluate and define infrastructure challenges

n Assess how much bandwidth is needed to effectively operate video technology.

n Measure all of the traffic on your network during peak times to identify how much is available
for two-way video.

n Test the solution in both wired and wireless environments.

n Enlist the support of your LAN and Internet service provider for support and video traffic prioritization.

Step 6: Establish communication and support strategies

n Internally market and share your vision with administrators, staff, and personnel.

n Develop and execute a training and professional development program.

n Where necessary, engage parents and community members in a training program to ensure success.

n Build and sustain a troubleshooting team that assists with implementation needs that arise.

n Engage your technical personnel in the projects launch.

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Step 7: Create and implement a post-launch action plan

n Meet with your team on a regular basis to evaluate the program and make adjustments.

n Create an ongoing district-wide professional development and training plan.

n Document best practice implementations and share with staff members.

n Recognize, share, and reward impactful model use cases.

n Build a large community of learners.

n Collaborate with other districts to acquire new ideas and foster learning networks.

n Create your own content library.

n Consistently monitor your technical and infrastructure needs.

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 CHAR A C T E R I S T I C S O F B ES T IN C LA S S S O LU TIO N S :

n Easy to use

n Ongoing support and training

n Interoperable across many devices and operating systems (e.g., PC, Mac, phones, tablets,
legacy H.323)

n Security protocols to keep your students safe

n Accessible for the entire community (e.g., user accounts for staff, students, community
members, local health practitioners, etc.)

n Includes features such as:

Chat

Whiteboard slate

Content sharing

Group and point-to-point hosting capabilities

Recording

Web streaming

Guest link access

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ENA is the leading provider of managed Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) solutions
to school systems and libraries. In 1996, ENA created one of the first statewide K-12
networks in the U.S. and has earned a reputation as experts in the design, deployment and
management of broadband, Wi-Fi/LAN, voice and video solutions. Today, ENA manages
multiple statewide and district-wide education and library networks, including 15 of the
largest school systems in the country, successfully serving over 5,000 end sites, 570 school
districts and 280 libraries, more than 3.2 million students, educators and administrators,
and 3.2 million librarians and patrons. We understand the business and mission of the
communities we serve, and all of our solutions are designed to meet technology needs
and allow for maximum flexibility while minimizing the burden on our customers
administrative and technical resources.

For more information, please visit http://www.ena.com or call 866-615-1101.

Wainhouse Research is an independent market research firm that focuses on critical

issues in the unified communications and collaboration (UC&C) market and the topics
of distance education and e-Learning within that market. The company conducts multi-
client as well as custom research studies for industry vendors and consults with end users
on key implementation issues. The firm also publishes a free news bulletin, white papers
and market statistics, and delivers public and private seminars as well as presentations at
educator and industry meetings.

For more information, please visit http://www.cp.wainhouse.com.