Agriculture Information Technology

Advisory Group (AITAG)

Ag IT Advisory Group – Jan. 14, 2008

Carrington REC: Vern Anderson
Barnes County Extension: Randy Grueneich
Langdon REC: Randy Mehlhoff
NDSU: Jim Hammond, Debb Pankow, Cindy Selstedt, Rosi Kloberdanz, Les Backer, Becky Koch, Randy Wald
Grand Forks County Extension: Margaret Tweten

Wimba Webconferencing

Randy Wald from Ag Communication demonstrated the new webconferencing system available through the Interactive Video Network. Wimba Live Classroom is a collaborative tool that allows users to collaborate from their own computers. Any document or Web site that be put on a computer desktop can be used through Wimba. Voice Tools allows for audio. Sessions can be used live and/or recorded. Wimba combines audio, video and content and integrates well with Blackboard and Moodle.

Wimba can be used for any kind of collaboration: credit classes, training, planning, etc. It’s now free to NDSU users, but only a cost if you have problems and need to connect by phone.

It can be used for presentations for up to 70 people, but for interaction, 20-25 people works real well. Audio has been very clear.

Users need a headset and microphone. Randy recommends the two connected. Stay away from the kind with one 1/8” mini that plugs into the computer. Instead get the one with two plugs.

Randy has had few problems with video. Only one person can be seen at a time, and that’s who speaks last.

Headsets are about $8 each in bulk. IVN will have a list of recommended ones. A headset is needed for clearer sound and no feedback.

Cameras average $50. IVN will recommend brands. Logitech, Creative and Microsoft are used a lot. Camera is an option, not required. If you’re the presenter, it builds community to be seen, at least at the beginning. The camera also allows you to show props, not just your face.

Wimba works through the Web. No software is needed.

Possibilities: have faculty office hours, bring in guest speakers, meet with students, etc.

Features can poll students and can have breakout rooms.

Voice Tools: can attach a voice mail to an e-mail, can chat with voice and can add audio to a PowerPoint.

www.ndivnlc.horizonwimba.com

Randy Wald, 231-7086, randy.wald@ndsu.edu

IVN creates user names. Go through Randy or Tammy Cummings. Ask for presenter access. Cheryl Thompson with IVN will create your user name and password. No password required by students to enter; just a room ID.

Randy is setting up rooms for various groups. Many rooms, even within groups, can be used at the same time.

Becky said she can see Agriculture and University Extension using it for training and meetings a lot. Webcams may not be high enough resolution for presentation. Randy said if you’re sharing on a microscope, for example, you’d need higher resolution.

Wimba is currently free, but there may be a charge in the future.

Becky asked if this might replace videoconferencing in the future. Maybe run a trial using Wimba in the 22 Ag Consortium locations that need Polycom replacements.

At www.ndivnlc.horizonwimba.com, run Setup Wizard the first time it’s used. Pop-up blocker must be turned off. Click on Google toolbar or Tools, Pop-up Blocker, Turn Off Pop-up Blocker.

If you’re the presenter, enter your username and password. This takes you to the lobby, which shows you all the rooms available to you. Click on your room. Share through content area or share your desktop. Better resolution when you share your desktop. The media bar is for the presenter to choose options. The presenter can lock in the talk button. Others must press the button to talk, which avoids multiple people talking at the same time.

Text chat area at bottom. Messages scroll, so you can pause the chat.

The participant area lists those in the room, polls, statistics of poll summary, etc.

Content area can share Web, e-board (pointer, highlighter, drawing tool, erase, etc.), share (for sharing desktop). Can allow participants to share their desktops. It always asks them if they want to share. Presenter can always take back control. Have generic presenter access so a presenter besides you doesn’t have to hold down the talk button. Ask Randy if you need a generic password for an outside presenter for a certain room at a certain time.

You can connect with Randy in his office to practice. The IVN Web site is linked to training materials. Randy will have additional training info on the Ag Com Web site. The hardest part to figure out is how to manage a room rather than participate or present.

Presenters can archive a session by clicking the red button at the top. This will record the entire session except for breakout rooms. Randy can e-mail the link of the session to the presenter. How much and for how long can be archived?

If you’re doing a for-credit class, require high-speed connection. If working with producers, for example, don’t use video if you have some on dial-up.

Web Policies and Guidelines

Accessibility is a requirement, so the fourth bullet under Policies needs to be included.

Dick Jacobson of NDUS said a department may approve the use of a .com URL. Rosi will check with Theresa Semmens to see if there is an NDSU policy. Christina was going to check with her department, but she’s still in the hospital.

University Relations would like as many as possible to move to the TYPO3 content management system.

Randy M. thought AITAG recommended Ag Web pages move to CMS, but we didn’t say how deep.

Cindy moved, Debb seconded, that the guideline and policy recommendations be forwarded to Ag Administration. Motion carried.

Dave Rice’s Retirement

Dave Rice’s current responsibilities are primarily Web administration and IT training. With his retirement, CMS leadership will probably be added to the job.

Randy M. will represent AITAG on the selection committee. Becky will share the draft position description with AITAG members. Maybe Roger Egeberg and Dave Haasser’s position descriptions need to be reviewed at the same time.

Submitted by Becky Koch

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