Technology Resources
Technology resources that could be considered for technology-facilitated international learning experiences and communication include:
Case Technology Enhanced Classrooms (TECs)
Case Western Reserve University MediaVision has deployed three models of Technology Enhanced Classrooms (TECs) . Level 3 TECs include H.323 videoconferencing capability. A TEC connection of laptop computers may be used to host a form of desktop conferencing along with TEC display and sound capabilities for larger groups.
Videoconferencing
H.323 Internet Protocol videoconferencing is the professional and business standard for videoconferencing over a global advanced network. The College, in collaboration with ITS, has helped to expanded the H.323 capabilities on campus and piloted more flexible uses of H.323 videoconferencing. “Desktop” H.323 can be set up on any office desktop computer with the addition of Polycom PVX software. WLE "Virtual Office Hours" and student-to-student connections for work groups are supported without requiring the larger and less-accessible classroom systems. H.323 videoconferencing connections also allow guest presenters to join seminars on campus and give students the ability to meet with international contacts.
Webconferencing
Webconferencing features include low-bandwidth; high quality multipoint videoconferencing and IP telephony; full text chat, full application-sharing letting the users share control of any application or document open on their screens; drag-and-drop file-sharing; internet co-browsing that allows users to surf the web together and even annotate it as they go; remote synchronized online video viewing allowing freeze-frame, fast-forward, and rewind in real-time as it is shared with other session attendees; full video and audio recording to catalog and archive all sessions. A webconferencing platform will be available for WLE projects starting in Fall 2007.
Wiki
The College of Arts and Sciences server is now available to host both open and secure-access wikis, collaborative websites with content that is provided and edited by the users. These college-provided wikis can be set up to allow access by those with Case Western Reserve University network IDs, as well as other specified collaborators from around the world.
Blog
Case Western’s free blog system, Blog@Case, is a powerful hosting system for use by members of the Case community. This system makes it easy to publish content on the web, store and share digital pictures and maintain lists of links to favorite sites. Recent improvements include WebDAV access that allows advanced users to "mount" their blog's file system just as you would access a hard drive and edit/create files directly. This is integrated with the del.icio.us online bookmarks manager and Flickr, an online digital photo management system.
Podcasting
Digital media files distributed over the Internet that are available for viewing on personal computers. Support and resources are available through the Samuel B. and Marian K. Freedman Digital Library, Language Learning and Multimedia Center –a partnership between the College of Arts and Sciences and the Kelvin Smith Library. The Freedman Digital Library, Language Learning, and Multimedia Services Center works primarily to provide the faculty, students, and staff at Case Western Reserve University with the equipment and expertise to create and work with multimedia assets and learn new languages in a state-of-the-art facility.
Webcasting
Case.tv is available to webcast WLE and other streaming content. Case.tv offers a wide variety of videos including class lectures, sports events, and campus speakers that are accessible globally to any user who has access to the Internet. Users can upload their own videos, rate videos, and search for content within the various categories.
Blackboard
Case Western Reserve University uses Blackboard, a Course Management System (CMS) to facilitate student-instructor interaction. Most instructors at Case use Blackboard to supplement their traditional classroom courses, however Blackboard can be used in distance education courses. Blackboard functions as a document repository, online gradebook, discussion forum, and chat area. A variety of communication tools, document upload areas, and assessment capabilities are available to students and instructors at any time and from any computer with internet access.
Filer
Filer is a web publishing service provided to all Case Western Reserve University faculty, staff, and students. Some possible uses include: hosting a personal or group website, transferring your files without floppies or sending over e-mail, mounting as a network drive for internet-accessible personal storage, and sharing files between a group of people. Space is currently limited to 800MB per account. Anyone with a valid Case ID can sign-up for a personal account automatically or submit a request for an organizational account.
e-Portfolio
LiveText is a provider of web-based tools for developing and assessing student learning. Student subscriptions will be available online or through the campus bookstore starting in Fall 2007.
Second Life
A version of the Case campus on a OneCleveland island has been built in the Second Life commercial networked visual environment. Virtual 3D spaces are available for meetings, presentations, performances or other interactions.
Internet Protocol Telephony
Case’s telephone technology is now Voice over Internet Protocol or “VoIP” that converts voice calls from analog to digital for transmission over digital data networks.
MediaVision resources
MediaVision provides traditional audio-visual services; technology enhanced classrooms as well as a set of “video-centric” technologies. These services include videoconferencing, streaming media, and an interactive digital television system that provide content distribution to all areas of the university.
Freedman Center resources
The Freedman Center is a Digital Library, Language Learning, and Multimedia Services Center in the Kelvin Smith Library. The Center provides help with creating digital materials, instructional assistance with technologies, and holds a state-of-the-art language lab. How-to guides and trained staff are always available. The Freedman Center is a partnership between the College of Arts and Sciences and the Kelvin Smith Library.
Internet2 consortium and international peer collaborations
Case Western Reserve is a member of Internet2, an advanced networking consortium. Internet2 provides leading-edge network capabilities and connects their members with important new technology. Internet2 has partnerships with dozens of research and education network organizations around the works and the Abeline network has direct peer network connectivity with over 87 international research and education networks.
New Media Consortium collaborations
Case Western Reserve is a member of the New Media Consortium. Hundreds of leading universities, colleges, museums, and research centers make up the community of The New Media Consortium (NMC). The NMC fuels the exploration and use of new applications of technology for expanded learning and creative expression. |
