Videoconferencing Information

The following information is provided to help you explore desktop videoconferencing technology as a supplemental instructional tool. As part of the ISM Geology Online project, Illinois State Museum geologists and anthropologists are available to participate in videoconferences with your class. If your classroom is not currently outfitted with videoconferencing equipment, you can use the recommendations below to aid you in choosing the appropriate hardware and software. If your classroom is ready to go, you can schedule a videoconference with Museum staff right away.

Videoconference with ISM:

• Request a videoconference - an online form that you must complete as the first step toward arranging a conference with your classroom.
• How to call the Museum - specific instructions on placing a call from your classroom to the Illinois State Museum, once a conference has been arranged.

Videoconferencing in general:

• Videoconferencing tools - an introduction to the hardware and software that you will need to conduct desktop videoconferences
• Learn about videoconferencing - ISM Geology Online Distance Learning Unit 3: Technology, Lesson 1: Videoconferencing (registration required)

Videoconference troubleshooting:

• Configuring your firewall - instructions on how your school's protective network firewall must be configured to allow videoconferencing.
• Conduct a self-test - instructions on how to call an unattended conference room on the Museum's server to verify that your setup is working.
• Troubleshooting audio problems (Windows) - suggestions for diagnosing and eliminating problems with sound for computers running MS Windows.