ICCAN

 

Volume 2, Issue 2, Fall 2009

Contents:

• iCCAN welcomes new adult educator Dr. Sarah Elaine Eaton
  
• Connecting to video conferencing from your computer
• LearningLinks Resource Centre looking forward to new connections
• iCCAN moves to 'Plan B' as SuperNet connections prove difficult
• Connected communities
• iCCAN training
• Coffee Hour at a glance
• New video on the web
• iCCAN Implementation Team directory

iCCAN is made possible with funding from the Government of Alberta's Access to the Future Fund.

iCCAN Connected is published by the iCCAN Partnership: Community Learning Network, Literacy Alberta, and Volunteer Alberta.

 

 

 

iCCAN WELCOMES

Sarah Elaine Eaton
Adult Education Manager

Educational programming from iCCAN is on the upswing, with the addition of Dr. Sarah Elaine Eaton to the team. Sarah joins iCCAN in the newly created position of Adult Education Manager.

Sarah is leading efforts to develop models that meet two key goals. The first is to bring new and innovative educational opportunities to all areas of Alberta through communitybased videoconferencing. The second is to help communities develop their own VC programming and partner with other community organizations to get that programming out to more people.

Bringing new programming to communities

Over the coming weeks, together with the Implementation Team, Sarah aims to connect with each of the communities that have VC equipment installed. She will be asking the following questions:

"We want to find out what you need and then figure out how we can make it happen for you," says Sarah.

Building VC capacity

To help community education managers and coordinators learn how to manage VC education programs, without stress or anxiety, Sarah will be looking to add an educational management stream to the services iCCAN provides.

"Community adult education managers and coordinators already have a wealth of knowledge and experience, which form a solid basis for successfully managing VC educational programs," says Sarah.

Over the coming months Sarah will be working with the Implementation Team to develop a workshop series on VC Education Management.

"All of us at iCCAN and everyone in the iCCAN community are leading the way when it comes to offering adult and community education via videoconferencing in our province. Together we will learn from each other, and raise the bar for all of us."

 

CONNECTING TO VIDEO CONFERENCING

from YOUR computer

Videoconferencing equipment that attaches to your laptop or desktop computer is opening up new possibilities for approximately 25 organizations that recently joined the iCCAN community.

"Most of these organizations are attaching the camera and headset units to their laptops so that they are portable and can be moved from a single office to small meeting rooms," says Yvonne Stewart, iCCAN's Technical Support Coordinator. "The headset iCCAN provides works very well for single-person meetings."

Yvonne helps iCCAN sites that are experiencing technical difficulties with using their equipment.

After sites are set up, training has occurred and people are comfortable using the equipment, Yvonne is the expert to call upon if things don't work as expected.

Built-in microphone

The desktop units also accommodate meetings for up to five people thanks to a built-in microphone at the base of the unit. This allows each person to be heard during the meeting.

"We've comfortably sat five people in view of the camera," says Yvonne.

Sherwood Park connects with Calgary

Candice Jackson used to travel from Sherwood Park (just outside Edmonton) to Calgary every month for meetings with her co-workers. The Director of Professional Development and Regions for Literacy Alberta is already traveling less, and her desktop videoconference unit is the reason.

"It's tremendously better than the telephone," says Candice, whose Calgary colleagues ‘dial in' to her desktop unit using the LifeSize equipment in Calgary's Literacy Alberta office.

"It's easier to follow the discussion because you can see who is speaking and concentrate more on what they are saying rather than trying to figure out who is talking at a given time during the meeting," she says.

Eventually Candice would like to connect with her colleagues one-on-one via desktop units. If both the wiring and equipment were in place, she "would talk to them every day that way."

PD workshops for literacy

An iCCAN Lunch ‘N Learn featuring a presentation from Alberta Employment and Immigration alerted Candice to videoconferencing's potential as an effective way of providing information to adult literacy tutors. She is also exploring the possibility of using videoconferencing to deliver workshops for the Pathways Program for Literacy Practitioners.

Learning to 'do' by doing

When she asked about advice she might have for others, Candice recalls the 4-H motto of "learn to do by doing."

"You need to play with the equipment and take advantage of opportunities to use it, and the more you do that the more comfortable you will be," she says.

She also advises people to attend iCCAN's training and call on the support provided by iCCAN staff.

"You need someone to connect with if things are not going well," says Candice. "I got help from Yvonne Stewart. She installed my equipment, and she is very good!"

Contact Yvonne for help

Please contact Yvonne Stewart 1-866-410-5708 or by email at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you have any questions or would like to book an installation appointment for a desktop videoconference unit.

 

LearningLinks Resource Centre

looking forward to new connections

A greater number of children, families and the professionals who help them with literacy, learning and attention disorders will soon be receiving more support as Canada's largest resource centre of its kind joins the growing iCCAN community.

A partnership between Literacy Alberta and the Calgary Learning Centre, LearningLinks Resource Centre contains a vast wealth of knowledge and resources on literacy, learning disabilities, and attention issues.

Sharing valuable resources

"We are expanding the capacity of LearningLinks by introducing videoconferencing through iCCAN," says Literacy Alberta Executive Director Janet Lane.

"This will enable LearningLinks to share some of its 15,000 resource items and provide professional development workshops for literacy, learning and K-to-12 practitioners across the province."

The workshop/classroom space in the LearningLinks Resource Centre can accommodate up to 30 people.

Traveling Trunks

One of the resources offered by LearningLinks is the Traveling Trunks program, which includes a collection of resource materials such as books, journals, DVDs and other items that are distributed to professionals and families working with these issues.

"Videoconferencing expands our ability to demonstrate these resources and increase awareness of what's available so we can get them into the hands of those who need them," says Janet.

Helping children and families

Calgary Learning Centre's Director of Programs & Research, Dr. Anne Price, says that videoconferencing also improves their organization's capacity to help children and families in innovative ways.

"We could be available to a parent, a teacher and a young child who is struggling with learning to read," she says. "Through videoconferencing, they could meet with one of our experts to describe their difficulties, and we could give them some ideas and then be available for follow up."

A resource for teachers

Videoconferencing through LearningLinks would also enable groups of teachers from around the province to share their struggles in meeting the literacy needs of children.

"We could brainstorm together and learn from one another," says Anne. "The power of being able to share, to not feel isolated, to feel confidence in the kind of information that is being shared would be very valuable."

Cross-Canada opportunities

LearningLinks Librarian Laura Godfrey points to another benefit of videoconferencing.

"I think it would be exciting to access some of the literacy libraries across Canada through videoconferencing and also have the opportunity to share our resources with them," says Laura.

"It would be a great way to find out what they are doing, what kinds of things are working for them, what resources and ideas they have and to share with them the kinds of things we are doing here."

Reaching out across the miles

Smaller communities are often "thirsty for information," says Anne.

"If we can bring the resources closer to home for them it will make a big difference. Parents from small communities could gather together and we could hook up with them and provide information directly to them."

She notes that videoconferencing also widens our community and provides opportunities for people who are sharing the same kinds of issues across many different communities to connect with one another.

Breaking isolation

"Many times parents who are struggling with their own literacy or are concerned about the literacy or learning difficulties of their children feel very isolated," says Anne.

"If parents and other community groups can get together and talk about some of these issues, by videoconferencing or face to face, I think they will find a lot more support close to home and find that others share many of these same struggles."

 

iCCAN MOVES TO 'PLAN B'

as SuperNet connections prove difficult

Comparing the iCCAN project to a "canary in a coalmine" for SuperNet, the iCCAN project partners, pioneers in accessing SuperNet for community learning and the non-profit/voluntary sector, are switching gears to ensure the project remains viable and true to its intent.

"At the front end of the project we lacked understanding around the true costs, especially the capital costs for SuperNet connections," says Community Learning Network Board Chair Jann Beeston. "We didn't realize there would be barriers to SuperNet connectivity in so many communities."

Compromise solution

iCCAN's original goal was to connect 50 LifeSize VC suites to the SuperNet, however, the issues around SuperNet connectivity for the non-profit/voluntary sector are beyond the project's capacity. iCCAN is now helping sites connect to the SuperNet through local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) rather than through a direct SuperNet connection.

"Internet connections for videoconferencing are not seamless and can be fraught with technical issues, but this compromise solution appears to be the only reasonable choice at this point in time," says Jann.

High monthly costs

Although SuperNet costs are government subsidized for Community Adult Learning Centres, this is not the case for Volunteer Centres and Volunteer Tutor Adult Literacy Programs.

Volunteer Alberta Executive Director Karen Lynch notes that $500 a month for SuperNet connectivity "is just too high for most non-profit/voluntary organizations even though the benefits to accessing this learning technology would be so useful."

"The cost of $50 or $60 per month to access the SuperNet through ISPs is certainly cheaper, but we know that the quality will suffer," says Karen.

Long wait times

Another barrier to SuperNet connectivity is longer-than-expected wait times. Due to the existing agreement with the provincial government, SuperNet provider Axia is not contracted to provide the necessary support to all non-profit/voluntary sector organizations. iCCAN staff have literally been stringing wire and spending hours ironing out technical glitches.

The good news is that approximately 20 sites are now 'live' with LifeSize videoconferencing equipment, and another 28 have desktop/laptop units installed. Of these sites only four are hooked up to SuperNet, and the remainder are using an Internet Service Provider (ISP), which in turn provides an "on-ramp" to the SuperNet.

Delivering on commitments "Despite the unexpected barriers, which came as a surprise to us and to the provincial government, iCCAN continues to successfully deliver videoconference training and educational programming," says Community Learning Network Executive Director Linda Thorne.

"Of course, a SuperNet connection for all sites would be ideal, but absent such connections we are still moving ahead to meet our commitments to members across the province," says Linda.

iCCAN's mission remains the same, says Literacy Alberta Executive Director Janet Lane. "We want to enable more Albertans to pursue better learning opportunities and professional development in their own communities, on their own time, without having to travel long distances or live away from their families," says Janet.

"Unfettered, seamless videoconferencing over the Alberta SuperNet will build the bridge that enables this dream to be realized."

is published quarterly by the iCCAN Partnership: Community Learning Network, Literacy Alberta, and Volunteer Alberta.
Editor: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

LIFESIZE SITES

• Airdrie: Rocky View Adult Education
• Calgary:
  • Literacy Alberta
  • Calgary Learns
  • Calgary Learning Centre
• Edmonton:
  • Community Learning Network
  • Volunteer Alberta
  • Volunteer Edmonton/The Support Network
• Fort McMurray: Volunteer Wood Buffalo
• Grande Prairie: Grande Prairie Volunteer Services Bureau
• Hanna: Hanna Learning Centre
• Killam: Flagstaff Community Adult Learning Council
• Medicine Hat: Medicine Hat Volunteer Centre
• Provost: Provost Adult Learning and Literacy
• Red Deer: Volunteer Red Deer - Community Information & Referral Society
• Rocky Mountain House: Rocky Community Learning Council
• Stettler: Stettler & District Community Adult Learning Council
• Stony Plain: Tri-Community Adult Learning Association
• Taber: Taber & District Community Adult Learning Council
• Vegreville: VegMin Learning Society
• Warner: County of Warner Further Education Council

DESKTOP SITES

• Athabasca: Words Work Literacy Society
• Beaverlodge: Rural Reading Network
• Calgary: Calgary Learning Centre
• Camrose: Volunteer Centre of Camrose & District
• Claresholm: Willow Creek Community Adult
• Learning Society
• Lethbridge: READ ON - Lethbridge Public Library
• Olds: Mountain View Community Literacy Society
• Provost:
  • Provost Adult Learning and Literacy
  • Provost & District Adult Literacy Program
• Slave Lake:
  • Slave Lake Adult Education Committee
  • Community Reading Program
• Stettler: Stettler Volunteer Centre
• Taber: Taber & District Adult Literacy Program
• Three Hills: Kneehill Adult Learning Society
• Valleyview: Valleyview Adult Literacy for Individual Development
• Whitecourt: Write Soon Literacy Society
• Drumheller:
  • Drumheller & District Further Education Council
  • Drumheller & District Literacy Project
• Edmonton: Community Learning Network
• Fairview: Northwest Peace Community Learning Council
• Fort Saskatchewan: Volunteer Centre of Fort Saskatchewan
• Fox Creek: Fox Creek Adult Education Program
• Hanna:
  • Hanna VA
  • Hanna Learning Centre
  • Hanna & District Association for Lifelong Learning
• Innisfail: Henday Association
• Killam: Flagstaff Literacy Project
• Lac La Biche: Lac La Biche Program for Adult Learning

 

The following training is available to help you get comfortable with your videoconferencing equipment and the various applications.

To arrange training for your site, please contact Barb Hudkins at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Classroom VC 101 • 1 hour

This interactive training session introduces you to equipment capabilities and basic videoconferencing scenarios. You will learn about the basic control functions of your videoconference unit and camera.

Key videoconferencing etiquette tips will be shared, and you will be given guidelines for setting up a videoconferencing space.

You will also make a point-to-point and multi-point call using your VC equipment.

Classroom VC 102 • 2 hours

Building on the knowledge gained in Classroom VC 101 training, you will learn about the additional control functions of your videoconferencing unit and camera.

Find out how to maneuver through the administrator and user preferences, and how to understand the icons that appear on the navigation and status bar.

You will also get hands-on experience connecting a laptop to your videoconferencing equipment. You will learn how to navigate through the laptop's system properties so that data from the laptop you can be displayed on the VC monitor at the same time.

Essential tips on how to incorporate a multimedia presentation with a videoconferencing session will be shared.

Classroom VC 103 • 2 hours

In Classroom VC 102 training, participants learned how to connect a laptop to a videoconferencing unit. In VC 103 we will look at the different applications that can be used to share information with other sites and the various terminologies associated with videoconferencing. You will also gain knowledge on other peripheral technologies that can be used with videoconferencing.

Classroom VC 104 • 2 hours

In this interactive 2 hour training session participants will learn the advanced level control function for Videoconferencing unit and Camera, and how to record a VC session. Participants will continue to learn basic trouble shooting scenarios.

Desktop VC 101 • 1 hour

This 1 hour interactive training session is for Polycom desktop users.

You will learn:

• how to turn on your equipment
• how to use your Polycom control functions
• how to make a video/ IP call
• how to use your Logitech QuickCam remote functions
• videoconferencing etiquette tips
• how to setting up your space
• practical videoconferencing tips

Desktop VC 102 • 1 hour

This intermediate level training session is for Polycom desktop users.

Participants will review key tips from VC 101 and will learn basic trouble shooting tips for a desktop user. You will also learn how to have an effective videoconferencing session and how to implement a successful videoconferencing session.

Desktop VC 103 • 1 hour

This 1 hour interactive training session takes Polycom desktop users to the next level of how to interact and engage in a videoconferencing session.

Participants will learn:

• application sharing and document sharing
• videoconferencing terminology

Desktop VC 104 • 1 hour

In this 1 hour interactive training session participants will learn how to facilitate from a desktop unit and how to record and send video mail.

Content Provider Training

W|Nov. 4 • 9 ~ 11 am

This 2 hour interactive training session is for instructors, presenters, facilitators, teachers, coaches and mentors.

Participants will learn:

• how to modify their existing training resources for a videoconferencing session
• how to integrate different applications into their session
• how to setup the lead and the remote videoconferencing classroom
• how to schedule a videoconferencing session•
• about the roles and responsibilities of a site facilitator, moderator and technical support person
• videoconferencing etiquette and practical tips
• basic videoconferencing terminology
• about the basic functions of the videoconferencing unit and will receive a demonstration

 

Attending the official opening of the newly expanded Hanna Learning Centre: (L to R) CLN Executive Director Linda Thorne, Volunteer Alberta Executive Director Karen Lynch, Minister of Alberta Infrastructure the Hon. Jack Hayden; and CLN Board Chair Jann Beeston.

 

Check out the latest addition to the iCCAN website video library: View Videos

Powerful connections through videoconferencing

Hanna Learning Centre Executive Director Jann Beeston (left) shares her vision of how high-definition video-conferencing will create new learning opportunities in rural Alberta.

Existing titles include…

Videoconferencing connects learners

with Community Learning Network Executive Director Linda Thorne

Videoconferencing & the voluntary sector

with Volunteer Alberta Executive Director Karen Lynch

Improving literacy through videoconferencing

with Literacy Alberta Executive Director Janet Lane