Options

Web meeting/conferencing software (such as WebEx, NetMeeting, OPAL) Erica

Recorded stand-alone formats (Online or CD/DVD-based simulations which include audiovisual elements, includes podcasting): Charlene

Published text-based formats (Text on paper or online, includes blogs and wikis) Jane

Online Learning Communities (such as WebJunction) Cindi

Desktop and System-based Video Conferencing (like Polycom) Eunice

Online Course Management Software (such as WebCT or Blackboard) Joan

Face to face interaction Jane


1. Brief description of the category including examples
2. System, software, and hardware requirements for presenter (includes a general idea of cost)
3. System, software, and hardware requirements for participants (includes a general idea of cost)
4. Advantages and disadvantages
5. Number of people that can be served
6. Matrices

Delivery Modes Broad Categories

Delivery Modes Broad Categories

Just a test...I'm editing Cindi's post...ER

DM Matrices

Delivery Mode Matrices

Using Marratech for a Meeting

I thought it might be good to let you know what the requirements were for Marratech before we scheduled. Below is information from Kan-Ed's website on using Marratech, http://www.kan-ed.org/marratech/guide. I do not have a headset and when I have participated in a Marratech conference, I just muted until I wanted to talk. If I did not mute people said there was feedback. I used a little Logitech QuickCam Pro for the camera. Some people just joined in with voice or just typed. Read over the list and let me know if you are interested in meeting this way.

Kan-ed Marratech quick start
To conduct and/or participate in a video conference using the Marratech system, you will need a computer running a Microsoft, Macintosh, or Linux operating system, a connection to a network that reaches the server you and the people with whom you wish to collaborate can all reach, and some way to capture and display both sound and video.
Here is a short summary of requirements and best practices:
Use a headset/microphone, rather than free-standing speakers and mics (to avoid echo and feedback). You may use free-standing speakers and mics ONLY IF they are equiped to cancel echoes (and unless you paid many-several hundred dollars for yours, they do NOT prevent echoes). (More...)
Select a camera that produces an image of a quality you find satisfactory. (Suggestions...)
Make sure you have adequate connectivity to your Internet Service Provider and within all networks between you and your collaborators. (For a conference with 3 or so participants all sending at around 100 Kbps, you would be receiving around 300 Kbps. If your connection to your Internet Service Provider has 300 Kbps to spare you should be alright. Otherwise your video frame rate and resolution will be degraded, but Marratech adjusts quite well to bandwidth limitations.) (Details...)
Make sure BEFOREHAND that your local LAN firewall will pass your conference traffic. This will probably require the assistance of your site LAN administrators, and usually takes considerable time; do NOT wait to confirm this until the day of your online meeting. (Details...)
Download and install the MarrtechPro client from http://www.marratech.com/ to a Mac, Windows, or Linux desktop or laptop system running at least at 800MHz, and preferably faster (say, 2 GHz for a conference including 15 participants where you intend to use video).
Find a Marratech server that has an open room where you can meet. The first place to try would be
emeetingportal.kan-ed.org
which is a Marratech server managed by Kan-ed for use by all of its members. . (You can probably also find a demonstration server at www.emeetingportal.com.)
Make sure the room you are planning to use is able to host a conference with the number of participants you expect, and that you are authorized to use the server.
Start MarratechPro and enter the Internet address of the server to which you wish to connect in the URL field of the Viewer window. (The Viewer is a simple Web browser that is used to find virtual meeting locations. Do NOT visit the Marratech server using your browser unless you know what you are doing.)
When you visit a Marratech server using the Viewer, you will see a list of virtual rooms hosted by that server, and you may enter one of those rooms by clicking on its name.
However, some rooms are "private" and you will NOT see them until you login to an account on the server. For example, there are two special accounts on emeetingportal.kan-ed.org, "kan-ed-member" and "kan-ed-guest", that can see the auditorium called "AuditoriumOne". Kan-ed members can get the passwords for one or both of these accounts by calling Michael Grobe at 785-817-2992.
When you enter a virtual room, you should almost immediately see a set of thumbnail video windows showing your collaborators, a large Whiteboard area that may or may not contain documents being shared, a chat window, and a larger video window showing whoever spoke last. (These window arrangements will appear and behave differently depending on certain configuration options.)
Test your configuration and practice using your client sometime BEFORE the day of the meeting AND test your system again an hour BEFORE the meeting begins. (More...)
Develop a plan for dealing with temporary outages, and have a backup telephone conference bridge operating throughout the meeting, if necessary. (More...)

DELIVERY MODES TASK FORCE: Assumptions

The State Library of Kansas sponsored a Continuing Education Summit on April 27, 2005 at Manhattan Public Library to examine issues related to the continued improvement of library service in the state through continuing education for library workers, boards and friends. Task forces were formed to examine a set of issues that were identified at the summit. Methods for delivering continuing education content was one of the areas of interest. Task Force members included:Jane Hatch, Cindi Hickey, Joan Hughes, Charlene McGuire, Whitney Davison-Turley, Erica Reynolds and Eunice Schroeder.

The group met June 29 in five locations using polycom units. The second meeting was July 19 using the OPAL desktop conferencing system. The third meeting was July 28 using ____. The fourth meeting was August 10 using ____.

The group identified some assumptions that guided the group:
For technology assisted delivery, off the shelf products were considered. The group would not recommend that time and talent be devoted to developing proprietary or "homegrown" delivery methods.
Commercial products have the advantage of being based on common standards accessible to the majority and ongoing product development.
List serves are a publicity tool for CE offerings and can be an enhancement to many of the methods examined but are ephemeral in nature and not usually the best method for content delivery.
The group wished to look at several types of delivery mechanisms and suggest examples of each. The list is not a full compliment of all the possible options in any category. No specific software is recommended.
No one solution fits all types of content . Multiple options will need to be available. A number of products are cited with web locations so an evaluation based on the specific provider and situation can be made. Products develop rapidly so this allows the most up-to-date information to be accessed.
The group created a blog to record activities. This allowed a dynamic method of working together.
The survey tool software made available by Johnson County Public Library formed the platform for one important part of the examination of modes.

Other assumptions? Changes welcome to text

Meeting notes: July 19, 2005 (Or, what is a delivery method, anyway?)

Survey Responses
To date, we’ve received only 11 responses, but since Erica only managed to send the survey out to two listservs before going on vacation, we thought we could try to send out a reminder and then also send to the additional listservs identified earlier (PubLib, Web4Lib, etc.) and send reminders to KanLib-L and LITA. Erica will take care of this as well as send the preliminary results in an excel file to the group.

Other survey distribution: Cindi is going to send the survey to the CLENE listserv. Jane will send it to the system directors and to Shannon who can either distribute the survey to the other continuing education task forces or provide us with the contact information.

Additionally, if folks know of individuals who might be successful encouraging others to fill out the survey (directors, etc…), task force members should feel welcome to send requests to promote the survey to those persuasive individuals. We’ll review the responses again on August 8.

Report Format and Delivery Options
There was a good deal of discussion on the nature and types of delivery methods and how to provide helpful information on and categorize the various delivery options. Building on the categories Cindi identified in her notes from last meeting, we decided to make a list of the general method options, and then discuss each option briefly but consistently across categories. We would use continuums to try to compare options (such as low tech vs high tech; low touch vs high touch, etc…), and while we would use vendors and products as examples, we would not try to provide an extensive listing and review all the various products used for continuing education. We also tried to broaden the discussion to include delivery methods that did not include a heavy reliance on computer tech (publishing and face to face). The categories discussed are listed below, but are still up for discussion. (Please discuss/comment on the categories.)

• Web meeting/conferencing software (such as WebEx, NetMeeting, OPAL)
  
• Recorded stand-alone formats (Online or CD/DVD-based simulations which include audiovisual elements)
  
• Published text-based formats (Text on paper or online, includes blogs and wikis)
  
• Online Learning Communities (such as WebJunction)
  
• Desktop Video Conferencing
  
• System-based Video Conferencing (like Polycom)
  
• Online Course Management Software (such as WebCT or Blackboard)
  
• Face to face interaction

After we have the categories nailed down, we’ll post each category as a separate blog post, and then we can all contribute what we know about the individual delivery modes. With hopes, this method will help us to determine which categories need more research and help us to distribute the responsibilities across the task force.

The descriptions for the categories should be fairly consistent in format and content. We have started a list of topics to include in the descriptions (below), and these, too are still up for discussion. Please discuss/comment on the description content and make suggestions for changes.

Elements for investigation (outline of each description):

1. Brief description of the category including examples
2. System, software, and hardware requirements for presenter (includes a general idea of cost)
3. System, software, and hardware requirements for participants (includes a general idea of cost)
4. Advantages and disadvantages
5. Number of people that can be served
6. This delivery method is most effective/least effective for...
7. Low touch vs high touch

Next steps
Jane will write up a list of assumptions that will precede the descriptions so that others reading the document will understand our mindset and what the document represents (not an exhaustive list, home-grown systems not considered, etc..) Additionally, Jane’s conference call with the other task forces is scheduled for tomorrow. She’ll run our plans by the State Librarian, and ensure we’re on the right track before we start drafting our report and descriptions. Once we have the go-ahead from Jane, and we have nailed down the categories and the elements for investigation, we’ll use the blog for drafting.

Next meetings
Thursday, July 28
9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Location: Johnson County Library’s OPAL room (same as today--Erica will set it up so we can all be moderators, and co-browse as needed)

Wednesday, August 10
9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Location: to be determined, Charlene will investigate using Marratech via Kan-Ed

Comments? Changes? Feel free to edit the notes or use the comment function.

Wanted: Your stories and experiences with online or technology aided continuing education

Below is the text I'm sending out to the listservs and a link to our survey, in case you're looking for it...

Best wishes,
Erica

As a task force looking at delivery modes for continuing education for library staff, we are interested in hearing about your experiences (good, bad, and ugly) of using technology to help overcome barriers to continuing education relating to time, cost, and travel.
We would be most grateful if you could share your stories with us through this short (6 question) questionnaire. In return, we'll gladly share the results.

Questionnaire: http://survey.jocolibrary.org/Surveys/TakeSurvey.aspx?surveyid=1015

Notes from Task Force Meeting #1 (complete)

Delivery Modes Task Force Meeting Notes
June 29, 2005 – 1:00-3:00 p.m.

The meeting was held by video conference. Those in attendance were: Jane Hatch (NEKLS), Joan Hughes and Cindi Hickey (Mabee Library, Washburn), Whitney Davison-Turley and Erica Reynolds (KUMC, Kansas City), Charlene McGuire (SWKLS), and Eunice Schroeder (Stevens County Library).

Agenda
Roster Information Check
Charge to the Task Force:
What methods are currently available to deliver continuing education content?
What is on the horizon in the next three to five years?
What infrastructure is needed to support each type of delivery?
What recommendations would the task force make about suitability of each type of delivery mode for various types of content?
What other questions should we ask?
Are there others we should invite to the task force?
What schedule is possible? Task Force Leaders Report Session is July 20; Final report is to be submitted by August 22.
What is most effective way to proceed?

Notes

The task force brainstormed and discussed various types of technology and techniques currently available that might be used for the delivery of continuing education for library staff and trustees. Ideas that emerged are listed below in no particular order:

1. VoIP – Voice over IP or voice over Internet.

Example: OPAL – Online Programming for All Libraries - Live, online events are held in an online auditorium or private “classroom” where participants can interact via voice-over-IP (using speakers or a headset and a microphone), text chatting, and synchronized browsing. Some events are archived. (See the Menu of Archived OPAL Programs and Events.) The software required for this technology will be downloaded to the participant’s computer by the web site or can be “pushed” to networked library computers. A “white board” feature is being developed for this application.

2. Online or CD simulations.
Example: NexLearn - Simulations are developed in partnership with the CE provider who serves as the content expert for the development. They feature specially designed Learning Events that stage opportunities for failure—the most effective time to learn. By experiencing the appropriate language, processes and actions in risk-free, real-world scenarios, learners understand how to achieve the organization’s specific performance goals. Learn-by-doing exercises.Charlene visited with the vendor at the Kan-ed Vendor Expo. She commented that their services were very impressive and offered at a moderate price. They are located in Wichita, KS. May be a good partner for a Kan-ed Content and Services grant.

3. Online Learning Community.
Examples: InfoPeople and WebJunction
These web based services are working to build learning centers of archived CE courses, workshops, etc. Staff for these services may be useful resources for gathering information about building and maintaining a service of this type. Note: moderators or facilitators are an important component of this tool.

4. Recorded video.
Can be distributed via analog modes (VHS, CD or DVD) or digitally online.
Examples: KLTA Trustee Association Board Orientation video (VHS) and library programs recorded and archived by Kan-ed Live! (See the index of library programs on Gateway to Online Continuing Education for libraries. Scroll down to Video Opportunities.) Note: May be a useful tool for trustee training.

5. VRVS - A web oriented system for videoconferencing and collaborative work over IP networks. The Virtual Room Videoconferencing System provides a low cost, bandwidth-efficient, extensible means of videoconferencing and remote collaboration over networks. Erica says this a good technology to use for meetings with very small (2-5) groups.

6. Elluminate - A provider of live Web conferencing and eLearning solutions for the real-time organization. Serving corporate and academic sectors, the company ensures the best user experience through superior quality VoIP, communications that are in-sync regardless of connection speed, broad cross-platform support, and advanced yet easy-to-use moderator tools. Another similar application is Breeze. These systems are also called “Rapid E-Learning”. Breeze is an automated system for generating online presentations and participating in online meetings/class sessions. Breeze presentations are viewable on any platform (PC, Mac, UNIX, Linux, etc.), and any browser that can support the Macromedia Flash 7 player.

7. Kansas Telemedicine Network – Whitney pointed out that existence of a well-developed and sophisticated telemedicine network across Kansas that is used for high-end distance collaboration and consultation. This network may be a source of expertise and advice during CE program development.

8. Video conferencing systems – Either desktop or H323 (i.e. Polycom) systems. KanRen and Kan-ed each have an MCU (multipoint connector unit or bridge used to connect video conferencing participants or sites). KanRen’s desktop application is Click-to-Meet. Information about KanRen’s services can be found at Video Links. Kan-ed employs Marratech video conference applications. Information about Kan-ed’s video approach can be found at Kan-ed Services. Other examples: Microsoft NetMeeting and WebEx.

9. Online Course Management Software (CMS). Software that creates an online teaching and learning environment. Examples: WebCT, Blackboard, Moodle. (See also “Course-Management Software: Where’s the Library?”.

10. DynixInstitute.com. Video conferencing using the telephone for the audio component. See the archive for examples.

Tasks and Actions:

Jane Hatch will try to recruit a representative from school libraries for the task force.

Erica Reynolds will draft an online survey. She will post the survey to the following mail lists: KANLIB-L, CLENE, LITA, Web for Libraries, PUBLIB-L and a medical librarian mail list. The survey will solicit input from people who are doing things using various delivery modes; we are looking for stories of their best successes and their worst disasters. The survey will be drafted by the end of the week.

Time frame for task force work: Task force leaders meet July 20, task force recommendations due August 22.

Other avenues of exploration: business community and their experiences. I-Pod and MP3 for podcasting as an information delivery mode.

Want to retain: interaction and networking potential of face-to-face delivery; consider more static modes for archival purposes and training that does not change often; need to consider resources necessary for coordinating and maintaining specific delivery modes.

May want to evaluate delivery modes by the level of “touch” they provide.

Need to consider the types of technology necessary for attracting new professionals to librarianship.

Need to determine the format for the presentation of the task force recommendations.

The next Task Force Meeting will be July 19 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. The meeting will take place in the Johnson County Library OPAL room. Erica will send instructions.

Notes prepared by Cindi Hickey.
Last revised: July 4, 2005