| ELEMENT NAME | DESCRIPTION |
Major Service |
Media Services |
Service Name |
Video Conferencing Service |
Service Description |
Video conferencing has grown in use in recent years throughout the academic community, both in the UK & Ireland and throughout the world. The capabilities of video conferencing to link lecturers and students, irrespective of time or distance, has empowered Universities with greater potential to support larger groups of students and enabled academics to foster links with experts, business and industry leaders and peers worldwide. Videoconferencing technology is also used for international research, and non-academic purposes, such as committee meetings, staff development, employment interviews and working groups. Conferences can be recorded and stored on a server for controlled on-demand viewing at a later date. There are three methods of service delivery and a conference can be based on any one of these or a combination of the methods depending on requirements. 1. Room/studio-based Room or studio-based video conferencing systems are available at all four campuses. A studio based conferencing system is a fixed, dedicated system which is fully integrated into the teaching and learning environment. Facilities include audience camera, plasma screens, dedicated microphones, speakers, presenter’s desk, presenter’s camera, visualiser and networked PCs for sharing files and collaborating between sites. 2. Mobile Mobile videoconference systems consist of a 40 inch plasma monitor, camera, speakers and microphone mounted on a purpose built trolley. They are suitable for venues accommodating up to 20 participants. A laptop cable connection is provided for the transmission of presentations within the conference. 3. Desktop Desktop systems are computer based videoconferencing packages which allow users to make videoconferencing connections from their personal computers. A webcam and a microphone are all that are required to connect to a colleague, researcher or a distance learning student. ISD has adopted Radvision’s secure ‘Click-to-Meet’ system for this purpose as it can be linked into our core video conferencing environment. Over 200 users make regular use of this service.
|
Service Owner |
ICT Customer Services |
Business Process |
As the facility is heavily used, University staff are required to make
advance bookings to use the service. Videoconference bookings are
incorporated within the University on-line room bookings system. The booking
of conference facilities is a three stage process: Check the room booking system for the availability of rooms. Request bookings for the required rooms through the online system. When the room booking has been confirmed, complete the on-line form to provide details of the video conferencing requirements. The user receives booking confirmed by e-mail after each of the last two stages. To make a booking: log into the staff Portal click on the Staff Services tab select Room Bookings in the Physical Resources Helpdesk channel The rights to make bookings have been assigned to designated members of staff within the various business units of the University. |
Supporting Materials |
All of the video conferencing endpoints are supplied with a laminated instruction chart on the use of the remote control handset. |
How to obtain help |
Help is available via the ISD Service Desk which provides a first point of contact for all queries via telephone and email during normal working hours*. Messages may be left at any time using the Voicemail facility. Telephone: 028 9036 6777 Email: servicedesk@ulster.ac.uk Web: www.ulster.ac.uk/isd/itus/servicedesk A dedicated support number is available during normal working hours* for issues relating to videoconferencing: Telephone: 028 7012 3525 Email: videoconf@ulster.ac.uk Web: www.ulster.ac.uk/isd/itus/servicedesk * Monday - Thursday: 9:00-17:00 and Friday: 9:00-16:30 |
Cost (where applicable) |
If an external site is involved in a conference, there may be a charge
if ICTCS have to dial-out using ISDN telephone lines. We therefore require a
Cost-Centre and Analysis Code for this type of Booking. To ensure your conference runs smoothly, new sites need to be registered on our system at least one week in advance of the event to facilitate testing ahead of the scheduled link. |
Service Metrics (KPI/SLA statement) |
|
Who can avail of the service? |
The service is available to all registered staff of the University. |
Keywords |
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