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CEUSeeMee
Introduction
CUSeeMe
is an application that enables videoconferencing for the Macintosh and PC
computers.
Web conferencing applications allow groups to meet online,
enabling collaboration between dispersed teams. Using web conferencing
groups can potentially see, hear, text chat, present, and share
information in a collaborative manner.
Web conferencing is fast becoming an accepted alternative method of
communication in place of telephone calls and face-to-face meetings in
certain cases. The applications of web conferencing technology are
endless, and users in different sectors are discovering new uses all the
time.
The CUseeMe software was developed by Cornell University and White
Pine as an endeavor to create affordable and workable desktop
videoconferencing.
CUseeMe
(also known as CU-SeeMe Pro) is CUseeMe Networks' commercial release of
the freeware standard CU-SeeMe client originally developed at Cornell
University.
Benefits for Teachers and Students
A classroom conference is a meeting conducted over the
internet in which the participants can see and hear each other, even
though the attendees may be in different places.
Classroom conferencing uses video conferencing software to
connect communities, cultures, and classrooms so that students around the
world can learn and collaborate together.
Here you can see some pupils from different schools video
conferencing.
CuSeeMee
enables students and teachers to have a truly interactive classroom
experience. It provides the basis for personal student-teacher and
student-student relationships, similar to those that would occur in a
physical classroom. This technology allows to serve students in places
that would otherwise have access only to static offline content to support
their educational goals.
Live interactive video conferencing is a very valuable instructional tool
for teachers and students.
Teachers can:
-
organize live
educational video conferences (for a sample, click
here)
-
design
collaborative projects incorporating desktop
video-conferencing in the classroom with students
-
share lesson
plans and implementation strategies for utilizing live interactive video
to enhance the learning environment
Students can:
-
use live
conferencing to share research results, interact with experts (to see a
sample, click
here)
-
practice
speaking different languages connecting with other video users (to see
a sample, click
here)
-
identify an
audience to view and critique their own presentations.
Here you can see some pupils having a videoconference with
scientists
Pedagogical background
The change of focus towards a student-centric approach to
learning and its merits have enabled the evolution of the Distance
Education concept.
Video conferencing solution enables dispersed groups to meet online and
conduct effective and collaborative meetings. With integrated audio, data
and multipoint video all within a single web browser interface, the
solution allows each participant to choose the most appropriate media for
each situation, making it suitable for a wide range of teaching and
learning scenarios.
See
below how Primary School pupils have a video-conference with… Santa Claus!
To see more, click
here
Video and web conferencing can empower e-learning applications and the new
opportunities offered by broadband technologies.
Tools
CU-SeeMe
is audio/video conferencing software that allows Internet users to connect
one - to - one, many - to -many, or any combination with the use of a
reflector. Any two Internet users can directly conference with each other
using only their own computers. A reflector allows others to join
in the conference. A reflector is simply a "switchboard" that re-sends
data in the manner the operator of the reflector sets it. Usually, it is
either set up so all who are connected to the reflector can conference
with each other, or all who are connected view one "broadcast" source.
CUseeMe Networks has taken the standard release and added some solid
features to it:
-
an appealing interface
-
full-color videoconferencing (24-bit true color and 4-bit greyscale)
-
real-time audio and chat capabilities (using the G.723 standard)
-
compliance with the H.323 videoconferencing standards when using White
Pine's MeetingPoint conference server
-
a Motion JPEG (M-JPEG) video codec for high quality video (over ISDN or
higher connections).
Technical requirement
Macintosh to RECEIVE video:
-
Macintosh platform with a 68020 processor or higher
-
System 7 or higher operating system
-
Minimum 16-level-grayscale (e.g. color)
-
IP network connection and MacTCP
-
Apple's QuickTime, to receive slides with SlideWindow
Macintosh to SEND video:
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All the above plus
-
Quicktime installed
-
video digitizer (with vdig software) and Camera
For Windows:
-
Video receive only 386SX, Video send & receive 386DX, Video
receive w/Audio 486SX, Video send & receive w/Audio 486DX
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Windows 3.1 or higher running in Enhanced Mode.
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Winsock
-
256 color (8 bit) video driver
-
Video camera and a video capture board that supports
Microsoft Video For Windows
-
For audio: Windows Sound board that conforms to the Windows
MultiMedia Specification, speakers and a microphone
Target age
From Primary School to University
Adults
Acknowledgements
The above informative material is adapted from
CuSeeMe,
The Cornwallis Technology College and Shaldon Primary School’s
websites.
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