Honestly, this project scared me to death. Scared me so much I immediately contacted the instructor! My fears were eased and I looked into USTREAM. Honestly, attending the webinar also helped me overcome my fears.
I signed up for UStream and downloaded the Ustream Producer and the desktop streamer. When I downloaded the producers, I then had to figure out how to get my desktop able to broadcast. I had to watch youtube videos on how to broadcast my desktop. It took me a few minuts to figure it out. I did a few tests and I finally was able to get it up and running. It was a little complicated but I thought I had it.
After I got that figured out, I had to decide what to broadcast. I did a PowerPoint presentation earlier this week to my school board on the Ignite Torch. (I had to present to get the grant) I thought it would be a great idea to use that information. I decided to try to use Prezi. I transfered the PowerPoint presentation to Prezi and it looked great. This project also allowed me to learn to use Prezi.
My original date and time came. I was well on my way with the presentation when the bandwidth was too much and it kept on kicking me offline. I tried lowering the bandwidth but it still wouldn't work. I got frustrated and decided to try again the next day. It was much easier to do the next day, but I still ran into problems. I finished the broadcast, but it didn't save to USTREAM, so again, I had to do it again. It went fine and this time I finally got it done AND saved to Ustream. I had three viewers to my first attempt. Unfortunately, I couldn't make it through my 10 minute presentation. I had two on my second. I couldn't figure out how to get a chat feature working.
It was a frustrating process and it definitely needs a learning curve. I am sure one can invest in a broadcasting program that is much easier and more reliable. USTREAM was great for a free service.
Looking back, I should have tried a few more test runs, but I thought when the first ones worked, I'd be good to go.. boy was I wrong.
I did postings announcing my broadcast on my blog and UStream makes it easy to share on facebook and twitter. I did leading up to my first scheduled broadcasting. I also made posts after the fact when I couldn't get through my presentation to reschedule.
The presentation went fine, and I found that I actually enjoyed it. After doing this and attending the webinar, I can see how live broadcasting can benefit education. It makes distance learning possible. When I was in high school, I was in a Russian class and we had 4 students from another district that participated via distance learning. At that time, the equipment was big and bulky. It is much easier now with just software and a webcam. It could also allow those on home study to still attend classes.
I would use this technology in the future if all of my students had access to the internet and computers. Hopefully in the future, it will happen. I could also have students create broadcasts on their end. It woud make a great project.
UStream Channel:
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/travla01
My broadcast is the most recent one on my Ustream channel.
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