Teleconferencing: Meeting the Needs of Prospective Students

1. Teleconferencing:Meeting the Needs of Prospective Students Kathleen S. Garlinghouse Denise Powers Wellin National Technical Institute for the Deaf Rochester Institute of Technology Rochester, NY

2. Videoconferencing and College Admissions • The basics – what videoconferencing is • Topics to peak the interests of student and professionals • What you need to know to make it happen • Advantages and Challenges • Resources

3. Quick Poll(show of hands – ‘yes’) • My school has videoconferencing equipment. • I have facilitated a videoconference in the past. • I have participated in a videoconference in the past. • I am from a college. • I am from a high school.

4. Videoconferencing – what is it? Videoconferencing technology allows people at two or more locations to see and hear each other at the same time.

5. NTID’s Equipment and Spaces http://www.rit.edu/~493www/videoconference/ • Type of Equipment: • V-Tel 232 LC5000D / VSXT1 CSU • Polycom ViewStation

6. Distance Learning has more to do with learning than with distance. • Focus on Learning Coordinators discuss specific examples of student needs. Both sites agree on the goals of the conference. • Set an interactive expectation Decide on appropriate ways that students can ask questions, share experiences. Involve students in the planning.

7. 3 Examples of Student Needs 1. Preparation for the transition to college Admissions Testing Tips ACT, SAT-1, TOEFL Understanding Admission Decisions: testing, grades, extra curricular activities, importance of English and Math, use of recommendation letters. Parent’s Needs: taking the next step with their student, demystify the financial aid process.

8. Student Needs (continued) 2. Leadership Experiences at College • Why is getting involved important? Provides connections to the university for greater chance of success • Understanding the balance of priorities: social, leadership, work, academics • What RIT/NTID has to offer: Student Government, Multicultural Clubs, Intramurals, RAs, student employment on campus, cochlear implant group, RITsign program

9. Student needs (continued) 3. Choosing a Major • The Pressure to Choose a Major understanding undecided student options • Understanding Resources career interest inventories, academic testing, workshops/programs available • Plan A, Plan B, Plan C The many different paths to obtaining a student’s goals.

10. 3 Examples of Professional Development Uses • Use Videoconferencing for Meetings: Regional Teachers of the Deaf, Special Education Directors, Guidance Counselors, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors, Transition and IEP teams. • Questions about the Transition to College: Admissions, Academics, Employment. Schedule a videoconference visit to the campus to allow all educators the knowledge base.

11. Professional Development (continued) 3.Size up the institution: • View the Campus of Today Academic advising, signing up for courses has all changed. • Comparison Shop Every student seeking postsecondary education faces the task of choosing a school. What influence will you have?

12. Recent AdmissionsVideoconferences • From NTID to you: Kentucky, Pennsylvania • From your school to your neighbors: Videoconferencing at your site to remote locations.

13. Advantages of Videoconferencing • Saves Travel Time and Expense • Students and Professionals Gain Technical Skills • View the Excellent Resources at RIT/NTID and elsewhere • Students Learn through Technology— For their successful transition to college and their future careers

14. Challenges of Videoconferencing • Requires Equipment, Technical Support, Planning Time • Costs Involved: NTID Admissions will cover the call costs IF: • The videoconference is approved as an official recruitment activity. • School provides a list of the students names, addresses, year level in school and/or professional participants’ contact information. • School distributes materials we provide about NTID/RIT. email: NTIDAdmissions@rit.edu

15. Ready for a Videoconference? • Contact your Media Services or Technology Department or Main Office. • Contact NTID Admissions. The counselor for your region will discuss the student and professional topics with you. With your input a conference will be planned. • Refer the technology person to this site: www.rit.edu/~493www/videoconference to learn the NTID specific system requirements and connection information. • Within two weeks from initial contact you will receive confirmation of date and time.

16. Resources • Videoconferencing: Beginner’s Guide by Mary Schraeder Lasica, Pacific Bell Knowledge Network Explorer http://www.kn.pacbell.com • Videoconferencing: An Educator’s Guide by T. Logan and J. Radke http://utopia.cord.org/vtc/videotech.htm • NTID Videoconferencing Website www.rit.edu/~493www/videoconference • U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration http://wdr.doleta.gov/research/tech/

17. Contact Information http://www.rit.edu/~493www/videoconference/ Charles Johnstone—Hub Coordinator CWJ0488@RIT.EDU Camille Aidala—Program Facilitator CLANSR@RIT.EDU Kathleen S. Garlinghouse—Admissions Counselor KSGNVD@RIT.EDU Denise Wellin—Associate Director of NTID Admissions DPWNCA@RIT.EDU Thank you!