Videoconference events can include special guest speakers, musical collaborations, meetings, and even entire courses taught between two locations. If you are interested in hosting an event or creating a course, here the answers to some frequently asked questions:

Q. Is the quality really there?
A. Yes. Advances over the last decade in hardware/software, as well as broadband network connections ensure that the minimal level of quality is comparable to what you see on standard-definition television.

Q. How much does it cost?
A. This service is free of charge to any faculty or organization engaging in course-related events.

Q. Is teaching a class via videoconference the same as teaching a regular class?
A. For the most part, yes. There will be technical issues that need to be worked out for each class, as well as practical issues such as making course material available to each location. Instructors who have websites or use course management software (blackboard, WebCT) will have a much easier time with this.

Q. I have an event that might be suitable for videoconferencing. Where do I begin?
A. You’ll need to contact Sean Stanley (6-4249, sstanley@jhu.edu) for a preliminary consultation. If you already know where you plan on connecting to, it helps to have the following information handy:

Who is the person/organization you are going to be connecting with?
Who is the technical contact for this person/organization?
What sort of hardware/software do they have available?
Are they connecting via ISDN or over IP?

For in-depth technical information about videoconferencing at JHU, please visit:

http://it.jhu.edu/networking/video/videoconf.html

Please note: ITF videoconferencing staff is responsible for course-related applications only. If you are interested in telemedicine (surgery), job Interviews, staff meetings, etc, please contact Steve Frantz (6-4031, sfrantz@jhu.edu).