NITLE > Events > Grassroots Video

Grassroots Video

Date: January 28, 2009, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM. EDT.
Location: Delivered online in NITLE MIV Auditorium
Price: 1 program unit per participant

Who should participate

For faculty members and instructional technologists from participating institutions who are looking for ways to make and share video without learning complex software or accruing high costs in time or money. An instance of the "Special Topics in Digital Teaching" series featuring Bryan Alexander (NITLE).

Program Description

Between YouTube and cell phone cameras, digital video has gone through a populist revolution. It's now easier to make, share, and remix videos, and campuses uses are growing rapidly. This one-hour interactive discussion will survey the latest developments in devices, from the Flip camera to cell phone video recording to smartphone video playback, and video-editing tools, such as web-based tools (JumpCut, JayCut) to desktop apps (Windows MovieMaker, iMovie). We will then examine campus uses, including student-generated video, campus tours, and researcher presentations. Participants will also have time to raise other issues for consideration.

This program is part of a larger series on "Special Topics in Digital Teaching," a sequence of interactive discussions showcasing how faculty are using digital technology for teaching and learning in a variety of disciplines on liberal arts campuses. Participants will learn about successful models for digital teaching and discuss how they can implement these ideas in their own classrooms. The series, which will be delivered online via MIV, is designed to help faculty make the transition from learning a new technology to using it effectively for teaching and learning. Participants are invited to join these lively discussions from the convenient location of their campus offices.

This program series runs from June 2008 through April 2009, with instances scheduled monthly through the academic year (excepting the vacation month of July). The specific topic for this instance of the series is under development. If you have questions regarding this series, or if you would like to propose a topic for presentation, please contact Rebecca Davis at rebecca.davis@nitle.org.

Getting familiar with the online environment

Directions on installing the MIV client (PC and Mac OS) to your computer is available here (.pdf, 725 KB).

We recommend that participants who are new to multipoint interactive videoconferencing (MIV) use our free Do-It-Yourself training module (.pdf, 841 KB) to complete basic training in the use of MIV prior to participating in this program. This DIY training includes an informal, hands-on, "Water Cooler" session in MIV (see .pdf training document for full information). This training will help new users of MIV feel comfortable within the virtual MIV environment, learn how to use its interactive tools, and otherwise learn how to participate and contribute successfully within MIV.

Please plan to arrive in the MIV room 15 minutes before the discussion starts to ensure that MIV is working well for you.

Technological Requirements

To have a successful participation experience, participants will want to use

• a computer manufactured in or after 2005;
• a web video camera; and
• an echo-free audio system. (For hands-free use and quality sound, we recommend a USB head set.)

Participants will also want to connect via a high-speed Internet connection. (Test your bandwidth speed at http://reviews.cnet.com/7004-7254_7-0.html: enter your telephone area code and your connection type, then click G0. Your bandwidth speed should be 500 kbps or greater.)

Other information

Please note that MIV is most effective with a 1:1 ratio between participant and MIV seat.  (Each MIV "seat" is equivalent to one laptop or desktop computer.)  Participants are therefore encouraged to join the program as individuals using their own computers.

Questions?

For more information about this event, including its agenda and what to expect from participation, please contact Rebecca Davis at .