Video in ND
Video conferencing in North Dakota has grown by leaps and bounds since 2001. In 1999, the North Dakota Statewide Technology Access for Government and Education network (STAGEnet) was created to provide broadband connectivity, Internet access, video conferencing and other networking services to K-12 schools, universities and colleges, state agencies and local government. Many K-12 schools jumped aboard and took advantage of the services STAGEnet provided, especially video conferencing. With the help of the Interactive Video Network (IVN), Information Technology Department (ITD), and EduTech, many schools in North Dakota have video conferencing capabilities.
H.323 has been selected as the video conferencing standard for STAGEnet. H.323 allows the user to establish a connection via the Internet at an economical cost. The H.323 systems are most often used for receiving or delivering distance education classes. It may also be used to share educational resources, allow for teacher collaboration, host meetings, community education event and any other educational purpose that will save time, travel and remove geographic barriers. Schools joined consortiums to widen the range of classes available to their school. Arrange a meeting with the Consortium Director in your area to discuss the possible use of video conferencing for distance education.
ITD and IVN support and recommend specific videoconferencing units to ensure that each site has high quality audio and video between sites during a video conference. Quest and AVI Systems have been awarded the exclusive state contract for video equipment, setup, and support. For Qwest information on equipment, pricing, installation, and service contracts, call 1800-879-6364. For AVI systems information on equipment, pricing, installation, and service contracts, call 701-258-6360.
Setting up video equipment and making it functional on STAGEnet may require up to four weeks. To ensure the process (PDF) is followed and to answer any additional questions, please call John Gieser at 701.231.9639.
Last updated on August 6, 2008