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Effective Use of Video-Conference. Technology in Delivering Animal. Science Programs Across State Lines. L.A. Kriese-Anderson 1 , J.A. Parish 2 , J.E. Rowntree 3 , S.D. Seal 2 , W.N. Presley 1 and G.D. Works 1
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Effective Use of Video-Conference Technology in Delivering Animal Science Programs Across State Lines L.A. Kriese-Anderson1, J.A. Parish2, J.E. Rowntree3, S.D. Seal2, W.N. Presley1 and G.D. Works1 1Auburn University, Auburn, AL2Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS3Louisana State University, Baton Rouge. LA
Introduction • Resources in Extension in the Southeast are shrinking • People • Specialist Level • Agent Level • Resources • However, producers share many of the same production environment, opportunities and challenges in a geographic region • Extension programs are duplicated many times across State lines
Distance Education Objectives Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama • Improve program delivery efficiency • Expand program offerings across States • Ideal for expensive or hard to reproduce programs (e.g. Carcass fabrication) • Maintain interactive program format
Availability of Video- Conference Technology Polycom Video Conference sites in each county (n=82) configured by Extension 31 Polycom sites distributed throughout the State configured by Extension Polycom sites distributed throughout the State (n=8)
What is Video- Conference Technology? • Polycom Video-Conference Technology • Internet Protocol (IP) • Complete, interactive, real time communications • No connectivity or per minute charges • For optimum performance and TV quality video (384K) • Need high speed internet • Need high quality internet connection • Programs are viewed at a central location connected by a multi-point control unit • Ability to video-stream programs
Components of Conference Technology Polycom FX Viewstation. Contains camera, internet hookup, video S cable connections and microphone HighSpeed Internet Connection TV Quality Monitor Multi-point controller for more than 2 sites
Components of Conference Technology Polycom FX Viewstation What remote sites sees Shows last site that spoke or can show all sites once connected Can have computer and other audio/visual components connected
Components of Conference Technology Ceiling Mounted Microphones which are connected to Polycom unit LCD Projector
23rd Annual Livestock Production Sale November 17, 2005 4 Lots Sold over Distance Bidding System Competitive Bidding from Sites on Other Lots High-Selling Horse Lot Sold via Distance Bid Phone Bid from Distance Bidding Site Portable Polycom available- Field demonstration- Auction- Emergency
Producer Comment: “Would like to see real people” 7 sites Programs to Date • Initial concept of using video-conferencing began in Mississippi in August 2004 • Beef Nutrition shortcourse • Multi-session in nature 98% of responding participants would attend another program via distance education
11 sites 3 sites Programs to Date • Went multi-state in January 2005 when Louisiana joined Mississippi for a beef repro shortcourse 95% of responding participants would attend another program via distance education
Producer Ratings of Distance Ed. Format 1 to 5 scale (1=poor, 5=excellent) 4.06 as a positive experience 3.83 for ease of communication 4.11 for willingness to attend in future 4.11 for preference over travel to campus Programs to Date • April 2005 Alabama joined in for carcass fabrication demonstration • Used portable technology to show fabrication of carcasses on a real-time basis
Programs to Date • November 2005 • Three State, three session genetics shortcourse • January 2006 – March 2006 • Two State, 8 session Master Cattle Producers Program (424 participants) • May 2006 – Source/Age 1 day shortcourse • November 2006 • Four State, 2 session Herd Health shortcourse • Addition of Florida
What Does It Take to be Successful? • Knowledgeable, enthusiastic site moderator • Encourage questions • Stimulate discussion • Help producers become comfortable with technology • Serve as knowledge base
What Does It Take to be Successful? • Programs producers want • Use evaluation instrument to gage what topics producers are interested in • Program must be thought out and organized • Get best speakers for topic • Must be willing/able to talk specifics for region
What Does It Take to be Successful? • Simple, uncluttered slides • Light background • Dark letters • This seems to increase readability where internet is not as fast or lower quality • Sometimes slides transmit upside down, or green, or on a time delay • Sound is usually okay
What Does It Take to be Successful? • Must provide copies of slides • Prefer 2 slides to a page • Helps readability • Ability to take notes on slides • Which also means speakers need to have slides finished more than 20 minutes before presentation • Moderators mad • Producers frustrated
What Does It Take to be Successful? • Understand not all programs can or should be delivered using video-conference technology • Still need personal touch
Our Next Step • Planning our next shortcourse • Really a series of nutritional meetings • Named our cooperative effort
Implications • The use of video-conference technology can help serve clientele as: • People resources are not replaced in Extension • Time constraints and fuel costs continue to be a factor • However, site moderators are key for success • Be prepared for glitches. It will happen.