VideoConferencing 2

The Pilbara Secondary Schools VideoConferencing Project involved the installation of Polycom Viewstation 128 units with associated displays, video recorders, trolleys, document cameras etc at Tom Price, Newman, Port Hedland, Karratha Senior High schools and Exmouth District High School. Through an associated program via the WA State Telecentre Project, additional VC equipment was set up at Jigalong, Yandeyarra, Onslow, Marble Bar and Nulagine Remote Communities. In some of the latter sites, the local school was selected as the host venue.

The Polycom Viewstation 128 was selected because its feature set most suited usage for educational purposes. This includes excellent audio and video quality, voice tracking camera and the ability to input content from a variety of sources such as laptops & Internet & document cameras. The voice tracking camera feature lends itself well to a teaching environment as it follows the presenter around the room. Preset camera positions can also be programmed enabling the presenter to lock in positions such as a whiteboard, projector screen or conference table. These units use a 128 Kb ISDN connection. More recent models also have IP connectivity. At the time of purchase the systems were around A$10,000 plus with the associated peripherals came to about A$16,000 per school. Both the affordability and functionality of dedicated VC systems have improved over the last five years.