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IHETS Interactive Meeting

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

IHETS Interactive is a collaborative, two-way Web video conferencing system for providing real-time and on-demand classes, meetings, workshops, and more.

If you do not find the answer to your question here, please click the "contact us " link in the menu on the right and an IHETS staff member will respond to you directly.

General FAQs (including training and technical support)

Technical FAQs (including installation of, connecting to, and operating IHETS Interactive)

Receive site FAQs (including becoming registered, validated, and self-testing)

 

What is IHETS Interactive?

IHETS Interactive is a collaborative, synchronous, two-way, Web conferencing system and includes variety of tools to conduct real-time or on-demand classes, virtual office hours, meetings, workshops, and more.

 

What does IHETS Interactive look like?

The interface has three parts: (1) the menu bar, (2) a presenter-only area, and (3) the stage where the instructor and attendees can share content and communicate with one another. The stage can contain one or more floating windows or panels, called pods. Each pod has a specializ function: One is used for chat, another for video and audio, a third for displaying and sharing documents and applications, and so on. The instructor controls which pods are visible to students as well as their size and placement on the stage.

The arrangement of pods on the stage can be saved for later use as a layout. The example below shows a layout designed for delivering a video lecture with PowerPoint slides:

Breeze Layout Example

How does it work?

The underlying platform for IHETS Interactive is Macromedia's Breeze Meeting, a powerful Web-based video conferencing application. The only equipment needed is a desktop computer and a Web browser (as well as a Webcam or video card and camera for originators). A centralized server, or cluster of servers, manages the communication between and among users and provides the scheduling, authentication, authorization, and archiving functions. 

 

What are the benefits of using IHETS Interactive?

It offers many advantages, including the fact that it is available to faculty, students, and staff from any home, office, campus, or other location that has broadband Internet access and a relatively up-to-date computer.

 

In addition to educational purposes, can IHETS Interactive be used to deliver training sessions and workshops or administrative uses like conducting committee meetings and convening working groups to multiple sites throughout the state?

Yes, the new system can be used for special ad hoc programs like training, seminars, and workshops as well as for administrative purposes, such as conducting meetings.

 

What features are included? 

IHETS Interactive provides:

 

Can I use IHETS Interactive from home?

Yes. Anyone with a broadband cable or DSL Internet connection and a PC or Macintosh computer that meets the minimum system requirements can use the service from home. Because outbound (upstream) traffic is often restricted for cable and DSL users, however, it may not be possible to send video from home.

 

What is the implementation timetable?

The service came into full production during the summer of 2006, at which time the service became available to all IHETS higher education member institutions and their affiliates.

 

Can I incorporate multiple video sources (DVD, VCR, document camera) into my IHETS Interactive classes?

Yes, this is possible with a video switcher. Most studio classrooms already have such a device.

 

Does IHETS Interactive support multicast?

No, IHETS uses a unicast technology, but edge servers can be deployed to reduce bandwidth consumption at locations that make heavy use of the service.

 

Does IHETS Interactive use Quality of Service (QoS)?

IHETS Interactive does not support QoS because all information is sent as Web traffic.

 

Is it possible to add closed captions to IHETS Interactive sessions?

Although Macromedia Breeze does not have any special provisions for closed captioning, some organizations have used a dedicated chat window for this purpose.

 

Is training and documentation available for using IHETS Interactive?

Yes, there are a variety of training and documentation material from both IHETS and Macromedia that may you may find useful.

 

Where can I get technical support?

If you encounter technical problems using IHETS Interactive, help is just a phone call or e-mail away. For immediate assistance, contact the IHETS Help Desk.

 

What type of equipment and Internet connection do I need for IHETS Interactive?

Before connecting to a class, meeting, or workshop conducted via IHETS Interactive, you you must have a properly configured PC and a high-speed Internet connection. Most consumer-grade DSL or cable Internet services provide sufficient bandwidth for home users. A T1 or better connection is required for campus locations. Modem access is not supported. The service can run on almost any Windows or Macintosh desktop computer meeting these basic requirements.

For detailed information on what equipment offers the best possible experience, make sure your system meets or exceed the see IHETS Interactive hardware and software recommendations.

 

Where do I get the latest version of Flash Player and the Breeze add-in?

The first time you access a class, meeting, or workshop, Breeze may notify you if Macromedia's Flash Player is not installed or out of date. If needed, you will be given the opportunity to install or upgrade the player. Follow the instructions to complete this process. If an older version of Flash Player is already installed on your system, you can download the latest version. In addition, you will need to access and install the Breeze add-ins for Windows or Macintosh machines. For detailed instructions, see the Install and Configure Guide, which also includes instructions for installing the Breeze add-in as part of the Audio Setup Wizard.

 

What else can I to do prepare myself and my system for using IHETS Interactive?

  1. Learn the basic features of IHETS Interactive by watching this short demonstration.
  2. Learn about the service's features (including the microphone, communicating with the chat pod, and get attention with the Attendee List) by reading the participant guide.
  3. Assuming you have met the system requirements, have appropriate accessories, have installed the latest version of Flash Player and the Breeze Meeting add-in, run the Audio Setup Wizard and set your connection speed to optimize your experience (the process should should take no more than one or two minutes). See the Install and Configure Guide for the complete set of instructions.

 

How can I test my system to ensure it works with IHETS Interactive?

Complete the self test (requires you have installed Macromedia's Flash Player and that your system meets equipment, bandwidth, and software recommdations). The self-test provides you the opportunity to test your connection by joining a test meeting room. The self test can be completed by both home users and authorized IHETS Interactive receive sites. Receive site staff should follow the same steps as home users except where noted.

 

What should I do if the URL for a meeting room will not load?

Contact the IHETS Help Desk.

 

What should I do if I cannot send or receive audio and/or video?

Be sure that you have followed the directions in the Install and Configure Guide and/or review the directions in the Quick Start Guide. The most common problems involve not properly installing the Breeze add-in, following the Auto Setup Wizard, and/or not adjusting the Macromedia Flash Player settings.  If the problems persist, contact the IHETS Help Desk.

 

What should I do if I can’t log onto IHETS Interactive, even with a valid user name, password. and appropriately configured PC?

Make sure have entered your user name and password correctly. If the problems persist, contact the IHETS Help Desk.

 

How can I schedule an IHETS Interactive meeting room?

Complete instructions for completing, submitting, and changing a scheduling request(s)

 

 

 

 



Last updated: January 04, 2007