Video Conferencing

Getting Started

Before staring you must make sure all the leads are connected and in the correct sockets. Make sure that Intel Proshare is active by either clicking on the Proshare icon on the screen or by going to the Start icon. Programs option and then selecting Intel Proshare.
Two windows Should now Appear, the Video window and the Conference Window (see Fig 1.).

An Image from the camera situated on top of the computer should appear in the left side video Window. If not check  the shutter on the camera is open and the leads on the camera are connected.

(Fig 1.)

Making that Call

Before proceeding with the call check if you need to use the headphones. Click on the small screen icon on the Video Window and this will bring up the options (see fig 2).

(Fig 2.)

You can switch from speaker to headphones as you want. You are now ready to make that call. Click on the Call icon in the Conference Manager window and this will bring up the telephone Number pad. Type in the required number on this by clicking on the digits with the mouse or  the computer keyboard. After entering the number click on the dial button. You will now be connected, unless the site is busy or switched off. The image of the person you are conferencing with will appear in the right hand box of the video Window. This can be enlarged or reduced  by clicking on the bottom right of the image.

The volume can be controlled with the button in the Video Window. Set the volume at a comfortable level. (Do not set it to high as this will may cause the signal to distort.)

Now that's the basics covered, now we need to learn how to share applications and transfer files.

Sharing Applications

Once you  are on line conferencing with someone you can, if you wish share applications and receive and send files. The Easiest way of achieving this is with the white board. Click on the Share option in the Conference Manager window. This will open a note pad on your screen and also on the persons screen that you are conferencing with. You can now type text, draw diagrams and charts and so can the person you are conferencing with and exchange information in real time. This information can then be closed or saved in the same manner as you would with any computer program. To share an open application from your computer, open the program in the normal way. The only difference that you will notice is that  there will be a share icon in the top right hand corner of the applications window (Although this may change to the right sometimes). By clicking on this icon and then selecting Share this Application you  will display the application on your partners screen and this will permit them to see and discuss the example but not have access to work on it.

The person who opened it must choose Start Collaborating with the application. This again can be done through the share icon and selecting Start Collaborating. Once this is done the person that requires to take control  and work with this application needs to click once with the right hand button on the centre of the screen and select Collaborate. The person can then alter the work and have full use of the shared application until the next person clicks to take control. When you have finished  you can just deselect Stop Collaborating from the shared window.

Transferring Files

When you are conferencing with someone you can receive files at any point during the conference and they will automatically put them into the Received Files folder. This is found on the C Drive Under Programme Files then Net Meetings and finally Received Files. A short cut to this folder can be created buy dragging the folder onto the desktop. To send a file simply click on the Tools option in the Conference Manager window and select File Transfer. You can then navigate to the file as usual and just click the Send button.

The files will then be placed in the Received Files folder on your conferencing partners machine. When you send or receive files you will be notified on completion that the transfer was successful.

You should now have all the skills necessary to video conference but remember the best way to build on this is through experience. By using video conferencing in your class room your skills will improve. Video Conferencing can be used as a tool to build pupils confidence. It can be used to inhance communication skills and much more.

 

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This page was last updated on Monday, 31 January, 2005