2016 Events

We had a big year of events 2015 with Virtual Excursions Australia delivering hundreds of session reaching 10’s of thousands of students across Australia and the world. We finished up the year with the reVEAl conference in December bringing 120 delegate together.

reVEAL had delegates join at the Australian Museum in Sydney, the Australian Centre of Moving Image in Melbourne and though the live web stream. The full day program had a variety of sessions for content providers and teachers.

ALIVE exhibition documentation

In 2016 Virtual Excursions Australia will host a variety of event including:

  • Harmony Day in March
  • World Environment Day 5 June
  • NAIDOC week 27 June – 1 July
  • SciFest throughout August
  • Threatened Species Day 7 September
  • Sea Week September
  • Earth Science Week October
  • ClickFest November

With 20 member organisations there is plenty of variety to suit every curriculum area and engage your students.  See the DART Connections or CONNECTme calendars for sessions and bookings. Please let us know if there are other topic are you would like us to be involved with.

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CAASTRO in the Classroom

‘CAASTRO in the Classroom’, an initiative of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for All-sky Astrophysics (CAASTRO), is an outreach program designed to engage Australian school students and teachers with research scientists. CAASTRO’s astrophysicists take their enthusiasm for exciting new astronomy research into classrooms via video conferencing to inspire students about science and technology.

During Term 4 CAASTRO in the Classroom is offering some great video conferences

Tuesday 13 October

Space – Curriculum Revision

10:30 to 11.15am

Presenter: Eromanga Adermann, PhD Student

Audience: Senior Secondary Physics

Join us for a curriculum-focused revision lecture—covering key topics from the HSC Physics Syllabus Module “Space”. Pre-work will be provided in advance and you are encouraged to prepare questions to ask at the end of the talk. The talk will focus on the following dot point from the New South Wales Stage 6 Physics syllabus: “Many factors have to be taken into account to achieve a successful rocket launch, maintain a stable orbit and return to Earth.”

Eromanga Adermann is a second year PhD student at the University of Sydney. Her research aims to answer two of the biggest question in physics: “What is dark matter?” and “What is dark energy?”

Tuesday 27 October

Special Relativity – Curriculum Revision

2:00 to 2:45pm

Presenter: Joe Callingham, PhD Student

Audience: Senior Secondary Physics

Einstein’s theory of Special Relativity is a pillar of modern physics and accurately describes objects moving near to the speed of light. While mathematically elegant, Special Relativity explains situations that are extremely counterintuitive to our interpretation of the world we experience. This talk will include several examples of time dilation and length contraction. Pre-work will be provided in advance and you are encouraged to prepare questions to ask at the end of the talk.

Joe Callingham has a degree in Physics and is an Astronomy PhD student at the University of Sydney. He is a CAASTRO in the Classroom veteran, having given the highly popular ‘Special Relativity’ lecture three times in the past. Not to be missed!

Tuesday 10 November

The Big Bang – How to make a universe

2:00 to 2:40 pm

Presenter: Professor Tamara Davis

Audience: Year 10 Science

Join a CAASTRO astrophysicist as she shares her enthusiasm for new astronomy research and makes connections between current research and the Australian Curriculum content for Year 10 (Stage 5) Science. The session will cover Science as a Human Endeavour content and the following Science Understanding content: The Big Bang Theory, the age of the universe, and the formation of galaxies and stars.

Professor Tamara Davis is an award-winning astrophysicist based at the University of Queensland in Brisbane. She spends most of her time trying to figure out why the expansion of the universe is accelerating, and thus figure out whether we can harness that acceleration to make things like hoverboards or clean energy. One of the most highly cited astrophysicists in the world, Tamara has been awarded many prizes; including the 2015 Nancy Millis Medal for Women in Science by the Australian Academy of Science. She is a highly engaging speaker with a passion for playing ultimate Frisbee.

 

CAASTRO image

CAASTRO in the Classroom was started in 2012 as a collaborative project with support from CAASTRO, the New South Wales Office of Science and Medical Research, and the New South Wales Department of Education. Past session topics have included: special relativity, the structure of the universe, and curriculum revision for Senior Secondary school students.

 

 

ClickFest 2015

SciFest showcases science across Australia

ClickFest is an annual video conferencing festival run in November each year. ClickFest is an exciting initiative from education organisations across Australia. It highlights the diversity and scope of video conferences available to schools across Australia. Sessions are delivered free or at reduced cost to schools, providing a great opportunity for teachers to give it a go.

Topics and programs will vary over the month long video conferencing festival to provide flexibility for teachers and students. Each day multiple sessions will be available on a variety of topics from content providers around Australia.

SciFest showcases science across Australia

2 November

ClickFest – Meet Winny

Time: 9:30

The Australian Museum launches the 2015 ClickFest Video Conferencing Festival with Winny our Muttaburrasaurs. Come along to meet Winny to learn more about Australian Dinosaurs.

ClickFest – The Big Issue Classroom
Time: 10:00

The Big Issue Classroom is a social enterprise initiative of The Big Issue. Our online workshops provide students with a “real-life” insight into homelessness, marginalisation and disadvantage, as experienced by thousands of Australians every night.

ClickFest – Fascinating Fossils

Time: 10:30

Fossils are fascinating reminders of life in ancient times and provide a window into the past. They can also reveal an amazing amount of information about extinct species and the ancient world. Step inside the shoes of a palaeontologist to use fossil material and modern animals to reconstruct some extinct Australian animals.

ClickFest – Geology Rocks

Time: 11:30

The Geology Rocks video conference will look at the dynamic earth forming processes. Students will learn about the layering of lava flows, see if rocks float and learn how to make a gas and find out about the rock cycle. You will also see real specimens and there will be opportunities to ask questions.
ClickFest – Australian Giants
Time: 13:30

Giant animals from dinosaurs to megafauna have roamed the Australian continent at different times. Find out about some of these Australian giants. Look at fossils and learn what they tell us about these extraordinary animals. Life sized reproductions and models will help us visualise life in the past.

3 November

ClickFest – Minibeast Magnified

Time: 10:00

Minibeast Magnified explores the exciting and diverse world of invertebrates. Students will learn how to identify common groups of invertebrates and why they are important. Minibeast Magnified brings the world of invertebrates to your students, engaging them in real science in local environments.

ClickFest – Fascinating Frogs

Time: 11:00

Frogs play a key role in many food webs, both as predators and as prey. By observing frog populations, we can get a good indication of the condition of the environment as frogs are sensitive to environmental change.

4 November 2015

ClickFest – Minibeast Magnified

Time: 10:00

Minibeast Magnified explores the exciting and diverse world of invertebrates. Students will learn how to identify common groups of invertebrates and why they are important. Minibeast Magnified brings the world of invertebrates to your students, engaging them in real science in local environments.

ClickFest – Fascinating Frogs

Time: 11:00

Frogs play a key role in many food webs, both as predators and as prey. By observing frog populations, we can get a good indication of the condition of the environment as frogs are sensitive to environmental change.

Clickfest : Liquid Nitrogen – Properties of Solids, Liquids and Gases
Time: 14:00

Find out how solids, liquids and gases change when rapidly heated and cooled.Smash a squash ball! Shrink a balloon instantly! What happens to living things if they are frozen?How can Newton’s 3rd Law of Motion explain a liquid nitrogen sprinkler?

Clickfest: Free Primary PD Session – Simple science experiments for Staff Development
Time: 15:30

Find out how your primary classroom can be transformed into an interactive science environment without breaking the bank. Learn how to use easily obtainable materials from the local shops to run hands-on experiments that cover chemistry, forces, light and sound.

5 November 2015

Clickfest: A Convict Story

Time: 9:30

Bring the convict story of Hyde Park Barracks Museum to your classroom with a virtual excursion! This theatrical presentation, woven together from historical source material, transports students back in time to learn about the life story of convict Ivan Gotney. Through active participation students gain insight into the daily lives of convicts at the barracks and the importance of convict labour to the development of the new colony.

ClickFest – Museum Secrets Revealed

Time: 10:00

This video conference provides a glimpse behind the scenes of Australia’s oldest natural history Museum. Become a detective and discover how scientists collect, preserve and display the many extraordinary specimens in their collection.

Clickfest: A Convict Story

Time: 11:30

Bring the convict story of Hyde Park Barracks Museum to your classroom with a virtual excursion! This theatrical presentation, woven together from historical source material, transports students back in time to learn about the life story of convict Ivan Gotney.

Clickfest: A Convict Story

Time: 13:30

Bring the convict story of Hyde Park Barracks Museum to your classroom with a virtual excursion! This theatrical presentation, woven together from historical source material, transports students back in time to learn about the life story of convict Ivan Gotney. Through active participation students gain insight into the daily lives of convicts at the barracks and the importance of convict labour to the development of the new colony.

ClickFest – Fascinating Fossils

Time: 14:00

Fossils are fascinating reminders of life in ancient times and provide a window into the past. They can also reveal an amazing amount of information about extinct species and the ancient world. Step inside the shoes of a palaeontologist to use fossil material and modern animals to reconstruct some extinct Australian animals.

6 November 2015

Clickfest: A Convict Story

Time: 9:30

Bring the convict story of Hyde Park Barracks Museum to your classroom with a virtual excursion! This theatrical presentation, woven together from historical source material, transports students back in time to learn about the life story of convict Ivan Gotney.

Clickfest: A Convict Story

Time: 11:30

Bring the convict story of Hyde Park Barracks Museum to your classroom with a virtual excursion! This theatrical presentation, woven together from historical source material, transports students back in time to learn about the life story of convict Ivan Gotney.

Clickfest: A Convict Story

Time: 13:30

Bring the convict story of Hyde Park Barracks Museum to your classroom with a virtual excursion! This theatrical presentation, woven together from historical source material, transports students back in time to learn about the life story of convict Ivan Gotney.

9 November 2015

Clickfest: Law of the Land: Troopers, Trackers and Bushrangers

Time: 9:30

In this virtual excursion your students will go back in time to the 1880s to share an hour in the life of a mounted trooper (played by a costumed interpreter) as he talks about the difficulties the police faced in overcoming the threat of bushrangers in NSW.

ClickFest – Geology Rocks

Time: 9:30

The Geology Rocks video conference will look at the dynamic earth forming processes. Students will learn about the layering of lava flows, see if rocks float and learn how to make a gas and find out about the rock cycle. You will also see real specimens and there will be opportunities to ask questions.

ClickFest – Fascinating Fossils

Time: 10:30

Fossils are fascinating reminders of life in ancient times and provide a window into the past. They can also reveal an amazing amount of information about extinct species and the ancient world. Step inside the shoes of a palaeontologist to use fossil material and modern animals to reconstruct some extinct Australian animals.

Clickfest: Law of the Land: Troopers, Trackers and Bushrangers

Time: 11:30

In this virtual excursion your students will go back in time to the 1880s to share an hour in the life of a mounted trooper (played by a costumed interpreter) as he talks about the difficulties the police faced in overcoming the threat of bushrangers in NSW. The trooper has lots of stories to tell about his life in the bush and his exploits in bringing the bushrangers to justice.

Clickfest: Law of the Land: Troopers, Trackers and Bushrangers

Time: 13:30

In this virtual excursion your students will go back in time to the 1880s to share an hour in the life of a mounted trooper (played by a costumed interpreter) as he talks about the difficulties the police faced in overcoming the threat of bushrangers in NSW. The trooper has lots of stories to tell about his life in the bush and his exploits in bringing the bushrangers to justice.

10 November 2015

Clickfest: Law of the Land: Troopers, Trackers and Bushrangers

Time: 9:30

In this virtual excursion your students will go back in time to the 1880s to share an hour in the life of a mounted trooper (played by a costumed interpreter) as he talks about the difficulties the police faced in overcoming the threat of bushrangers in NSW.

ClickFest – Minibeast Magnified

Time: 10:00

Minibeast Magnified explores the exciting and diverse world of invertebrates. Students will learn how to identify common groups of invertebrates and why they are important. Minibeast Magnified brings the world of invertebrates to your students, engaging them in real science in local environments.

ClickFest – Fascinating Frogs

Time: 11:00

Frogs play a key role in many food webs, both as predators and as prey. By observing frog populations, we can get a good indication of the condition of the environment as frogs are sensitive to environmental change.

Clickfest: Law of the Land: Troopers, Trackers and Bushrangers

Time: 11:30

In this virtual excursion your students will go back in time to the 1880s to share an hour in the life of a mounted trooper (played by a costumed interpreter) as he talks about the difficulties the police faced in overcoming the threat of bushrangers in NSW. The trooper has lots of stories to tell about his life in the bush and his exploits in bringing the bushrangers to justice.

Clickfest: Law of the Land: Troopers, Trackers and Bushrangers

Time: 13:30

In this virtual excursion your students will go back in time to the 1880s to share an hour in the life of a mounted trooper (played by a costumed interpreter) as he talks about the difficulties the police faced in overcoming the threat of bushrangers in NSW.

Clickfest – The Big Issue Classroom

Time: 14:00

The Big Issue Classroom is a social enterprise initiative of The Big Issue. Our online workshops provide students with a “real-life” insight into homelessness, marginalisation and disadvantage, as experienced by thousands of Australians every night.

Clickfest: Free Primary TPL Session – Simple science experiments for Staff Development

Time: 15:30

Find out how your primary classroom can be transformed into an interactive science environment without breaking the bank. Learn how to use easily obtainable materials from the local shops to run hands-on experiments that cover chemistry, forces, light and sound.

11 November 2015

Clickfest: Law of the Land: Troopers, Trackers and Bushrangers

Time: 9:30

In this virtual excursion your students will go back in time to the 1880s to share an hour in the life of a mounted trooper (played by a costumed interpreter) as he talks about the difficulties the police faced in overcoming the threat of bushrangers in NSW.

ClickFest – Minibeast Magnified

Time: 10:00

Minibeast Magnified explores the exciting and diverse world of invertebrates. Students will learn how to identify common groups of invertebrates and why they are important. Minibeast Magnified brings the world of invertebrates to your students, engaging them in real science in local environments.

ClickFest – Fascinating Frogs

Time: 11:00

Frogs play a key role in many food webs, both as predators and as prey. By observing frog populations, we can get a good indication of the condition of the environment as frogs are sensitive to environmental change.

Clickfest: Law of the Land: Troopers, Trackers and Bushrangers

Time: 11:30

In this virtual excursion your students will go back in time to the 1880s to share an hour in the life of a mounted trooper (played by a costumed interpreter) as he talks about the difficulties the police faced in overcoming the threat of bushrangers in NSW. The trooper has lots of stories to tell about his life in the bush and his exploits in bringing the bushrangers to justice.

Clickfest: Law of the Land: Troopers, Trackers and Bushrangers

Time: 13:30

In this virtual excursion your students will go back in time to the 1880s to share an hour in the life of a mounted trooper (played by a costumed interpreter) as he talks about the difficulties the police faced in overcoming the threat of bushrangers in NSW.

12 November 2015

ClickFest – Museum Secrets Revealed

Time: 10:00

This video conference provides a glimpse behind the scenes of Australia’s oldest natural history Museum. Become a detective and discover how scientists collect, preserve and display the many extraordinary specimens in their collection.

ClickFest – Geology Rocks

Time: 13:00

The Geology Rocks video conference will look at the dynamic earth forming processes. Students will learn about the layering of lava flows, see if rocks float and learn how to make a gas and find out about the rock cycle. You will also see real specimens and there will be opportunities to ask questions.

Clickfest : Human Body – Look at the major body systems and senses

Time: 14:00

Students look at major body systems and how the five senses work in this engaging workshop! Where is heat in your body conserved? How do the lungs work? Heart, kidneys, bones, liver and other vital organs are discussed.

ClickFest – Fascinating Fossils

Time: 14:00

Fossils are fascinating reminders of life in ancient times and provide a window into the past. They can also reveal an amazing amount of information about extinct species and the ancient world. Step inside the shoes of a palaeontologist to use fossil material and modern animals to reconstruct some extinct Australian animals.

Clickfest: Free Primary TPL Session – Simple science experiments for Staff Development

Time: 15:30

Find out how your primary classroom can be transformed into an interactive science environment without breaking the bank. Learn how to use easily obtainable materials from the local shops to run hands-on experiments that cover chemistry, forces, light and sound.

13 November 2015

Clickfest: Law of the Land: Troopers, Trackers and Bushrangers

Time: 9:30

In this virtual excursion your students will go back in time to the 1880s to share an hour in the life of a mounted trooper (played by a costumed interpreter) as he talks about the difficulties the police faced in overcoming the threat of bushrangers in NSW.

ClickFest – Geology Rocks

Time: 10:00

The Geology Rocks video conference will look at the dynamic earth forming processes. Students will learn about the layering of lava flows, see if rocks float and learn how to make a gas and find out about the rock cycle. You will also see real specimens and there will be opportunities to ask questions.

Clickfest: Law of the Land: Troopers, Trackers and Bushrangers

Time: 11:30

In this virtual excursion your students will go back in time to the 1880s to share an hour in the life of a mounted trooper (played by a costumed interpreter) as he talks about the difficulties the police faced in overcoming the threat of bushrangers in NSW. The trooper has lots of stories to tell about his life in the bush and his exploits in bringing the bushrangers to justice.

Clickfest: Law of the Land: Troopers, Trackers and Bushrangers

Time: 13:30

In this virtual excursion your students will go back in time to the 1880s to share an hour in the life of a mounted trooper (played by a costumed interpreter) as he talks about the difficulties the police faced in overcoming the threat of bushrangers in NSW.

16 November 2015

Clickfest : K – 2 Science in Art

Time: 14:00

Explore chemistry in colourful art creations you can make in your class!  Your class participates in a number of activities as a series of group activities run in class during the video conference. Fizzics Education will provide information on the simple materials required prior to the event date.

17 November 2015

Clickfest: Free Primary TPL Session – Simple science experiments for Staff Development

Time: 15:30

Find out how your primary classroom can be transformed into an interactive science environment without breaking the bank. Learn how to use easily obtainable materials from the local shops to run hands-on experiments that cover chemistry, forces, light and sound.

19 November 2015

Clickfest : Creative chemistry workshop

Time: 10:00

Designed to cover a broad range of chemical concepts that is accessible to students. Kitchen chemistry found at home, physical changes vs. chemical reactions, acids vs bases and indicators to detect them, acid rain, properties of solids, liquids and gases, UV light and glowing chemicals and energy changes.

Clickfest : Creative chemistry workshop

Time: 11:30

Designed to cover a broad range of chemical concepts that is accessible to students. Kitchen chemistry found at home, physical changes vs. chemical reactions, acids vs bases and indicators to detect them, acid rain, properties of solids, liquids and gases, UV light and glowing chemicals and energy changes.

20 November 2015

ClickFest – The Big Issue Classroom

Time: 14:00

The Big Issue Classroom is a social enterprise initiative of The Big Issue. Our online workshops provide students with a “real-life” insight into homelessness, marginalisation and disadvantage, as experienced by thousands of Australians every night.

23 November 2015

Clickfest: Free Primary TPL Session – Simple science experiments for Staff Development

Time: 15:30

Find out how your primary classroom can be transformed into an interactive science environment without breaking the bank. Learn how to use easily obtainable materials from the local shops to run hands-on experiments that cover chemistry, forces, light and sound.

24 November 2015

Clickfest -Human Body… major body systems and senses

Time: 14:00

Students look at major body systems and how the five senses work in this engaging workshop!Where is heat in your body conserved? How do the lungs work? Heart, kidneys, bones, liver and other vital organs.

Clickfest: Free Primary TPL Session – Simple science experiments for Staff Development

Time: 15:30

Find out how your primary classroom can be transformed into an interactive science environment without breaking the bank. Learn how to use easily obtainable materials from the local shops to run hands-on experiments that cover chemistry, forces, light and sound.

25 November 2015

Clickfest: Law of the Land: Troopers, Trackers and Bushrangers

Time: 9:30

In this virtual excursion your students will go back in time to the 1880s to share an hour in the life of a mounted trooper (played by a costumed interpreter) as he talks about the difficulties the police faced in overcoming the threat of bushrangers in NSW.

Clickfest: Law of the Land: Troopers, Trackers and Bushrangers

Time: 11:30

In this virtual excursion your students will go back in time to the 1880s to share an hour in the life of a mounted trooper (played by a costumed interpreter) as he talks about the difficulties the police faced in overcoming the threat of bushrangers in NSW.

Clickfest: Law of the Land: Troopers, Trackers and Bushrangers

Time: 13:30

In this virtual excursion your students will go back in time to the 1880s to share an hour in the life of a mounted trooper (played by a costumed interpreter) as he talks about the difficulties the police faced in overcoming the threat of bushrangers in NSW.

Clickfest: Stars and Planets

Time: 14:00

Students investigate our Universe and space exploration techniques in this hands-on workshop.What did the big bang really look like? How do stars work? What technological developments were necessary to allow astronauts to work and survive outside of Earth’s atmosphere?

26 November 2015

Clickfest: Weather and Pressure

Time: 09:30

What is air pressure? Why are low and high pressure areas important? How are clouds formed? What is our atmosphere made of anyway?What conditions are needed to cause tornadoes?

Clickfest: Weather and Pressure

Time: 11:30

Overview: Overview: What is air pressure? Why are low and high pressure areas important? How are clouds formed? What is our atmosphere made of anyway? What conditions are needed to cause tornadoes?

Clickfest: 4 Slimes in 30 minutes – Kitchen Chemistry fun!

Time: 14:00

4 slimes in 30 minutes…. how could you go wrong? Join Fizzics Education as we dive into kitchen chemistry in this fun yet educational workshop. Slimes we will investigate are – Non-newtonian fluid, Edible blood slime (gross), Soapy slime and Flubber

Clickfest: Free Primary TPL Session – Simple science experiments for Staff Development

Time: 15:30

Find out how your primary classroom can be transformed into an interactive science environment without breaking the bank. Learn how to use easily obtainable materials from the local shops to run hands-on experiments that cover chemistry, forces, light and sound.

27 November 2015

Clickfest : Science of Sound

Time: 9:30

What do sound waves look like? Do soundwaves always travel at the same speed? How does the Doppler effect work? What is resonance? How does a soundwave change with pitch and increasing volume.

Clickfest : Science of Sound

Time: 11:30

What do sound waves look like? Do soundwaves always travel at the same speed? How does the Doppler effect work? What is resonance? How does a soundwave change with pitch and increasing volume.

ClickFest – The Big Issue Classroom

Time: 14:00

The Big Issue Classroom is a social enterprise initiative of The Big Issue. Our online workshops provide students with a “real-life” insight into homelessness, marginalisation and disadvantage, as experienced by thousands of Australians every night.

Clickfest: 4 Slimes in 30 minutes – Kitchen Chemistry fun!

Time: 14:00

4 slimes in 30 minutes…. how could you go wrong? Join Fizzics Education as we dive into kitchen chemistry in this fun yet educational workshop. Slimes we will investigate are – Non-newtonian fluid, Edible blood slime (gross), Soapy slime and Flubber

30 November 2015

Clickfest : Light & Colour Science

Time: 9:30

Students learn about properties of light in this fun interactive workshop! Investigate rainbows using the visible light spectrum, plus learn about colour addition and subtractio, Mix creative colour changing chemical concoctions, see illusions and more.

ClickFest – The Big Issue Classroom

Time: 11:30

The Big Issue Classroom is a social enterprise initiative of The Big Issue. Our online workshops provide students with a “real-life” insight into homelessness, marginalisation and disadvantage, as experienced by thousands of Australians every night.

Clickfest : Light & Colour Science

Time: 11:30

Students learn about properties of light in this fun interactive workshop! Investigate rainbows using the visible light spectrum, plus learn about colour addition and subtractio, Mix creative colour changing chemical concoctions, see illusions and more.

Clickfest : Liquid Nitrogen – Properties of Solids, Liquids and Gases

Time: 14:00

Find out how solids, liquids and gases change when rapidly heated and cooled.Smash a squash ball! Shrink a balloon instantly! What happens to living things if they are frozen?How can Newton’s 3rd Law of Motion explain a liquid nitrogen sprinkler?

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Conference – reVEAl 2015

We are pleased to announce the Virtual Excursions Australia conference reVEAl on Tuesday 8 December. reVEAl will be FREE to all presenters and delegates.

VIC VEA group edit

ACMI in Victoria and the Australian Museum in NSW will be hosting the reVEAl. We will have presenters and delegates in each venue connected with via video conference. People can also dial into a single session or the whole conference.

The day is being designed to be fun, interactive and to provide networking opportunities for both teachers and content providers. There will be a variety of short sessions to provide something for everyone.

Content Provider Stream

9:15am – 9:30am          Arrival & registration
9:30am – 9:45am          reVEAl welcome
9:45am – 10:00am        Value of video conferencing for cultural institutions
10:00am –  10.15am    Techniques in presenting to camera
10:15am – 10:45am     Tech talk

Morning Tea

11:30am – 11:45am     How to help schools get comfortable with their equipment
11:45am – 12:15pm     Content provider experiences (the good, bad & ugly)
12:15pm – 12:30pm     Future directions all in discussion for content providers

Lunch

School Showcase

2:00pm – 2:15pm        reVEAl welcome
2:15pm – 2:30pm        The value of video conferencing for schools
2:30pm – 2:45pm        Key Learning Area Experiences: STEM
2:45pm – 3:00pm        Key Learning Area Experiences:  Arts & Culture

Afternoon Tea

4:00pm – 4:15pm        Key Learning Area Experiences:  History
4:15pm – 4:30pm        Key Learning Area Experiences:  Sports & more
4:30pm – 4:40pm        Booking platforms in Australia
4:40pm – 5:00pm        Worldview
5:00pm – 5:30pm        Networking

 

Reveal_Logo_WIP3

 

Earth Science Week

Earth Science Week is celebrated from 11-17 October 2015. Join Virtual Excursions Australia to get involved in a week of down to earth fun!

Earth Science Week is an international celebration initiated and hosted by the American Geosciences Institute, promoting the importance of the geosciences to the community

ALIVE exhibition documentation

12 Oct

Earth Science Week: Earthquakes, Volcanos, Meteors & more!
Time: 14:00

A hands-on science workshop where students investigate all manner of natural disasters.Your students will learn about earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, meteorites, cyclones, pandemics and more in this engaging video conferencing workshop. Great for Earth Science Week!

 

13 Oct

Earth Science Week – Fascinating Fossils
Time: 9:30

Fossils are fascinating reminders of life in ancient times and provide a window into the past. They can also reveal an amazing amount of information about extinct species and the ancient world. Step inside the shoes of a palaeontologist to use fossil material and modern animals to reconstruct some extinct Australian animals.

 

Earth Science Week: Earthquakes, Volcanos, Meteors & more!
Time: 9:30

A hands-on science workshop where students investigate all manner of natural disasters. Your students will learn about earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, meteorites, cyclones, pandemics and more in this engaging video conferencing workshop. Great for Earth Science Week!

 

Earth Science Week – Geology Rocks
Time: 11:00

The Geology Rocks video conference will look at the dynamic earth forming processes. Students will learn about the layering of lava flows, see if rocks float and learn how to make a gas and find out about the rock cycle. You will also see real specimens and there will be opportunities to ask questions.

 

Earth Science Week: Earthquakes, Volcanos, Meteors & more!
Time: 11:30

A hands-on science workshop where students investigate all manner of natural disasters. Your students will learn about earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, meteorites, cyclones, pandemics and more in this engaging video conferencing workshop. Great for Earth Science Week!

 

Earth Science Week: Earthquakes, Volcanos, Meteors & more!
Time: 14:00

A hands-on science workshop where students investigate all manner of natural disasters. Your students will learn about earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, meteorites, cyclones, pandemics and more in this engaging video conferencing workshop. Great for Earth Science Week!

 

14 Oct

Earth Science Week: Earthquakes, Volcanos, Meteors & more!
Time: 9:30

A hands-on science workshop where students investigate all manner of natural disasters. Your students will learn about earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, meteorites, cyclones, pandemics and more in this engaging video conferencing workshop. Great for Earth Science Week!

 

Earth Science Week: Earthquakes, Volcanos, Meteors & more!
Time: 11:30

A hands-on science workshop where students investigate all manner of natural disasters. Your students will learn about earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, meteorites, cyclones, pandemics and more in this engaging video conferencing workshop. Great for Earth Science Week!

 

Earth Science Week: Earthquakes, Volcanos, Meteors & more!
Time: 14:00

A hands-on science workshop where students investigate all manner of natural disasters. Your students will learn about earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, meteorites, cyclones, pandemics and more in this engaging video conferencing workshop. Great for Earth Science Week!

 

15 Oct

Earth Science Week: Earthquakes, Volcanos, Meteors & more!
Time: 9:30

A hands-on science workshop where students investigate all manner of natural disasters. Your students will learn about earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, meteorites, cyclones, pandemics and more in this engaging video conferencing workshop. Great for Earth Science Week!

 

Earth Science Week: Earthquakes, Volcanos, Meteors & more!
Time: 14:00

A hands-on science workshop where students investigate all manner of natural disasters. Your students will learn about earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, meteorites, cyclones, pandemics and more in this engaging video conferencing workshop. Great for Earth Science Week!

 

16 Oct

Earth Science Week: Earthquakes, Volcanos, Meteors & more!
Time: 9:30

A hands-on science workshop where students investigate all manner of natural disasters. Your students will learn about earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, meteorites, cyclones, pandemics and more in this engaging video conferencing workshop. Great for Earth Science Week!

 

Earth Science Week – Fascinating Fossils
Time: 9:30

Fossils are fascinating reminders of life in ancient times and provide a window into the past. They can also reveal an amazing amount of information about extinct species and the ancient world. Step inside the shoes of a palaeontologist to use fossil material and modern animals to reconstruct some extinct Australian animals.

 

Earth Science Week – Geology Rocks
Time: 11:00

The Geology Rocks video conference will look at the dynamic earth forming processes. Students will learn about the layering of lava flows, see if rocks float and learn how to make a gas and find out about the rock cycle. You will also see real specimens and there will be opportunities to ask questions.

 

Earth Science Week: Earthquakes, Volcanos, Meteors & more!
Time: 11:30

A hands-on science workshop where students investigate all manner of natural disasters.Your students will learn about earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, meteorites, cyclones, pandemics and more in this engaging video conferencing workshop. Great for Earth Science Week!

 

Earth Science Week: Earthquakes, Volcanos, Meteors & more!
Time: 14:00

A hands-on science workshop where students investigate all manner of natural disasters.Your students will learn about earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, meteorites, cyclones, pandemics and more in this engaging video conferencing workshop. Great for Earth Science Week!

 

Earth Science Week

 

 

 

Celebrating Biodiversity Month

Biodiversity Month is held in September each year and aims to promote the importance of protecting, conserving and improving biodiversity both within Australia and across the world.

 

The Manly Environment Centre presents a series of video conferences to celebrate Biodiversity Month.

The Manly Environment Centre (MEC) was set up as an action and education based environment centre promoting sustainable living practices through practical projects.

 

Tuesday 1 September

Biodiversity Month – Possums and their habitats

Time: 9:30am  & 11:30am

In support of Biodiversity Month, Manly Environment Centre is offering the opportunity for students to learn to learn about the importance of biodiversity in relation to possums and the environment in which they live.

Throughout the session students are encouraged to complete a range of creative and research based tasks and watch a number of educational videos in order to learn about biodiversity in Australia.

Friday 4 September

Biodiversity Month – Birds and their habitats
Time: 9:30am  & 11:30am

In support of Biodiversity month, students will undertake a number of creative and research based tasks throughout the session that encourage them to take a closer look at Biodiversity in Australia.

In this session, Manly Environment Centre is encouraging students to get involved and increase awareness about Australia’s unique ecosystems in relation to biodiversity by taking a close look at Australia’s bird life.

Monday 7 September

To recognise Threatened Species Day and Biodiversity Month the Australian Museum is offering video conferences on how you can find more about the animals living near you.

Fascinating Frogs

Time: 9.30am
Frogs play a key role in many food webs, both as predators and as prey. By observing frog populations, we can get a good indication of the condition of the environment as frogs are sensitive to environmental change.

Minibeasts Magnified

Time: 12.30pm

Minibeasts Magnified explores the exciting and diverse world of invertebrates. Students will learn how to identify common groups of invertebrates and why they are important.

Museum Secretes Revealed

Time: 2pm

This video conference provides a glimpse behind the scenes of Australia’s oldest natural history Museum. Become a detective and discover how scientists collect, preserve and display the many extraordinary specimens in their collection.

Tuesday 8 September

Threatened Species Day
Time: 9:30am  & 11:30am

In support of Threatened Species Day, Manly Environment Centre is encouraging students to learn about our endangered native wildlife and the things that they can do individually and as a class to help protect these animals and their habitats.

Tuesday 15 September

Biodiversity Month – Australia’s marine life & Sharks
Time: 9:30am  & 11:30am

In support of Biodiversity Month Manly Environment Centre is offering the opportunity for Stage 3 students to learn about biodiversity in Australia’s marine life.

With a particular focus on sharks, students will have the opportunity to view a variety of educational videos and participate in a number of tasks that encourage them to raise awareness about Australia’s Biodiversity.

Thursday 17 September

Fizzics Education presents sessions on Bees for Biodiversity Month.

Biodiversity month: What’s the buzz on bees?
Time: 10am

Discover the secret life of bees! During this workshop come up close and personal with bees as well as the tools used in bee keeping. Guided by a experienced bee keeper, you’ll learn why bees are so essential in pollination and how they contribute to the global economy.

Biodiversity month: What’s the buzz on bees?
Time: 11.30am

Discover the secret life of bees! During this workshop come up close and personal with bees as well as the tools used in bee keeping. Guided by a experienced bee keeper, you’ll learn why bees are so essential in pollination and how they contribute to the global economy.

Biodiversity month: What’s the buzz on bees?
Time: 2pm

Discover the secret life of bees! During this workshop come up close and personal with bees as well as the tools used in bee keeping. Guided by a experienced bee keeper, you’ll learn why bees are so essential in pollination and how they contribute to the global economy.

 

Find out more about how you can recognise Threatened Species Day and Biodiversity month

Biodiversity Month

Sleek Geeks Eureka Awards

Join the Sleek Geeks and the 2015 Eureka Awards finalists to view the winning films and hear from the students about how they developed and produced their films.

The Sleek Geeks are two of Australia’s best loved science broadcasters. Dr Karl Kruszelnicki and Adam Spencer mix science with humour as they set out to answer some of the perplexing scientific mysteries we encounter on a daily basis.

The University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize is offered to primary and high school students and encourages students with a passion for science and for communicating ideas to tell a scientific story using a short video.

This event will showcase some fascinating science, provide an insight into science communication and the insider tips might just help your students excel in next year’s competition. You and your students will also be able to tweet any questions you have for the winning students or Dr Karl and Adam Spencer through to @SLEEKGEEKS.

Dr Karl & Adam Spencer

The University of Sydney and the Sleek Geeks are looking forward to sharing this experience with you!

 Book now with DART Connections

See the website for more information on the Sleek Geek Eureka Prize

sydney.edu.au/science/outreach/primary-school/eurek

SciFest 2015

It is time to start planning for SciFest and National Science Week. The SciFest video conferencing festival is in August and provides a great link to National Science Week. Now in it’s third year SciFest is a great opportunity to engage your students in a variety of science workshops and events.

SciFest 2015

Join in with SciFest and National Science Week to enjoy and explore the wonders and benefits of science.

Monday 3 August

SciFest – Minibeast Magnified

Time 10am

Minibeasts Magnified explores the exciting and diverse world of invertebrates. Students will learn how to identify common groups of invertebrates and why they are important.

SciFest – Geology Rocks

Time: 11am

The Video conference will look at the dynamic earth forming processes. There will be explosive experiments demonstrated including the step by step exploration of the different phases of a volcanic eruption.

 SciFest – Museum Secretes Revealed – FREE

Time: 1pm

This video conference provides a glimpse behind the scenes of Australia’s oldest natural history Museum.

Meet the Experts – FREE

Time: 2pm

The Australian Museum is bringing our scientists to you! This is your chance to come face to face with an Australian Museum scientist and ask your question.

Tuesday 4 August

 SciFest – Minibeast Magnified

Time: 10am

Minibeasts Magnified explores the exciting and diverse world of invertebrates. Students will learn how to identify common groups of invertebrates and why they are important.

 SciFest – Geology Rocks

Time: 11am

The Video conference will look at the dynamic earth forming processes. There will be explosive experiments demonstrated including the step by step exploration of the different phases of a volcanic eruption.

SciFest – Museum Secretes Revealed – FREE

Time: 1pm

This video conference provides a glimpse behind the scenes of Australia’s oldest natural history Museum.

Meet the Experts – FREE

Time: 2pm

The Australian Museum is bringing our scientists to you! This is your chance to come face to face with an Australian Museum scientist and ask your questions.

Monday 10 August

SciFest: Light & Colour Science
Time: 09:30
Students learn about properties of light in this fun interactive workshop for National Science Week! Investigate rainbows using the visible light spectrum, plus learn about colour addition and subtraction.
SciFest: Light & Colour Science
Time: 11:00
Students learn about properties of light in this fun interactive workshop for National Science Week! Investigate rainbows using the visible light spectrum, plus learn about colour addition and subtraction.

Tuesday 11 August

SciFest: Weather and Pressure
Time: 12:00
What is air pressure? Why are low and high pressure areas important? How are clouds formed? What is our atmosphere made of anyway?
SciFest: Weather and Pressure
Time: 14:00
What is air pressure? Why are low and high pressure areas important? How are clouds formed? What is our atmosphere made of anyway?

Wednesday 12 August

SciFest: Human Body… major body systems and senses
Time: 12:00
Students look at major body systems and how the five senses work in this engaging workshop!Where is heat in your body conserved? How do the lungs work?
SciFest: Human Body… major body systems and senses
Time: 14:00
Students look at major body systems and how the five senses work in this engaging workshop!Where is heat in your body conserved? How do the lungs work?

Thursday 14 August

Scifest Inspiring Stories Tim Jarvis AM Antarctic Adventurer and Explorer
Time: 10:00
TIM JARVIS AM Shackleton Epic Expedition Leader is one of the world’s leading explorers and possesses an extraordinary adventure and leadership resume. He is also a best-selling author, film-maker and public speaker. Intrepid explorer Tim Jarvis has recently returned from Antarctica where he retraced Sir Ernest Shackleton’s legendary 1916 voyage of survival and crossing of South Georgia’s mountainous interior.
Scifest Inspiring Stories Tim Jarvis AM Antarctic Adventurer and Explorer
Time: 14:00
TIM JARVIS AM Shackleton Epic Expedition Leader is one of the world’s leading explorers and possesses an extraordinary adventure and leadership resume. He is also a best-selling author, film-maker and public speaker. Intrepid explorer Tim Jarvis has recently returned from Antarctica where he retraced Sir Ernest Shackleton’s legendary 1916 voyage of survival and crossing of South Georgia’s mountainous interior.

Friday 14 August

SciFest: Stars and Planets
Time: 12:00
Students investigate our Universe and space exploration techniques in this hands-on workshop. What did the big bang really look like? How are the tides formed? Where is Earth in the Solar System?
SciFest: Stars and Planets
Time: 14:00
Students investigate our Universe and space exploration techniques in this hands-on workshop. What did the big bang really look like? How are the tides formed? Where is Earth in the Solar System?

Monday 17 August

SciFest Dinosaur Slam – writing workshop with author Paul Stafford

Time: 14:00

Fast, ferocious and fun narrative writing workshop with the Scattered Bones team. Join author and literacy consultant Paul Stafford in a single session workshop aimed at helping Stage 2 and 3 students build the skills to plan and write short, fun narratives quickly. This session will cover the essential elements of writing a narrative, modeled by an author, using the weird and wonderful dinosaurs as a creative springboard for generating ideas.

Tuesday 18 August

Scifest ANMM Inspiring Stories Lloyd Godson “The man who has lived underwater!” Inventor Extraordinaire!
Time: 10:00
Lloyd Godson is an ambassador for ocean exploration and is committed to encouraging more young Australians to undertake science, technology, engineering and maths. He loves to  put his wild ideas to the test in the real world.
SciFest – FANTASTIC FROGS
Time: 11:30
Have you ever heard of the Vampire Flying Frog? Dr Jodi Rowley is an amphibian biologist at the Australian Museum Research Institute who conducts scientific expeditions in search of amphibians. So far, she’s discovered 14 new species of frog, including the famous Vampire Flying Frog.
SciFest – PERILS OF PLASTIC POLLUTION
Time: 12:30
Plastic litter is a very visible and well-known problem, particularly for our aquatic animals and birds. Recent research by the ANSTO Plastic Project and its partners suggests that plastic litter also poses a threat to our aquatic animals and birds at the atomic level, with elements from plastics now being found within feathers of sea birds.

Thursday 20 August

Scifest ANMM Inspiring Stories Lloyd Godson “The man who has lived underwater!” Inventor Extraordinaire!
Time: 12:00
Lloyd Godson is an ambassador for ocean exploration and is committed to encouraging more young Australians to undertake science, technology, engineering and maths. He loves to put his wild ideas to the test in the real world.
SciFest Dinosaur Tales -Stage 1
Time: 14:00
Narrative writing workshop with the Scattered Bones team for stage 1 students. Join author and literacy consultant Paul Stafford in a workshop aimed learning the basic the skills to plan and…

Wednesday 26 August

SciFest – Sleek Geeks Eureka Awards
Time: 12:00
Join the Sleek Geeks and our 2015 finalists to view the winning films and hear from the students themselves about how they developed and produced their films. This event will showcase some fascinating science, provide an insight into science communication and the insider tips might just help your students excel in next year’s competition.

Bookings and topics are available at DART connections. Simply search SciFest to see all the exciting events from organisations across Australia.

SciFest event is proudly supported by Virtual Excursions Australia

National Science week_large

NAIDOC Week 2015

NAIDOC Week is held in the first full week of July. It is a time to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and an opportunity to recognise the contributions that Indigenous Australians make to our country and our society.

This year the theme highlights Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ strong spiritual and cultural connection to land and sea. The theme is an opportunity to pay respects to country; honour those who work tirelessly on preserving land, sea and culture and to share the stories of many sites of significance or sacred places with the nation.

Virtual Excursions Australia is presenting the NAIDOC Week Video Conferencing Festival. This event will run before and after the July school holidays for student across Australia. Please join the Australian Museum, Australian National Maritime Museum, State Library of NSW and Sydney Olympic Park for a series of fabulous events.

3245420_237684_Video Classroom Donna Carstens 8929

22 June

NAIDOC – Create YOUR Australian flag

Time: 10:00

Overview: In this special NAIDOC week art workshop students will explore Indigenous culture and art from various regions of Australia. In this lesson students will create their own Australian Flag by investigating their cultural heritage as well as that of Australia’s first inhabitants, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

NAIDOC – Create YOUR Australian flag

Time: 11:00

Overview: In this special NAIDOC week art workshop students will explore Indigenous culture and art from various regions of Australia. In this lesson students will create their own Australian Flag by investigating their cultural heritage as well as that of Australia’s first inhabitants, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

NAIDOC – Create YOUR Australian flag

Time: 12:00

Overview: In this special NAIDOC week art workshop students will explore Indigenous culture and art from various regions of Australia. In this lesson students will create their own Australian Flag by investigating their cultural heritage as well as that of Australia’s first inhabitants, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

 

23 June

NAIDOC week ANMM Unlocked: Unlock Water and Indigenous people

Time: 10:00

Overview: To celebrate NAIDOC week Indigenous Programs Manager Donna Carstens and special guest Uncle Terry will discuss the cultural significance of water to indigenous people. Water is integral to the everyday life of communities for survival, travel and play. Learn an traditional dance, examine an Indigenous artwork and build a canoe replica.

NAIDOC – Create YOUR Australian flag

Time: 10:00

Overview: In this special NAIDOC week art workshop students will explore Indigenous culture and art from various regions of Australia. In this lesson students will create their own Australian Flag by investigating their cultural heritage as well as that of Australia’s first inhabitants, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

NAIDOC – Create YOUR Australian flag

Time: 11:00

Overview: In this special NAIDOC week art workshop students will explore Indigenous culture and art from various regions of Australia. In this lesson students will create their own Australian Flag by investigating their cultural heritage as well as that of Australia’s first inhabitants, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

NAIDOC – Create YOUR Australian flag

Time: 12:00

Overview: In this special NAIDOC week art workshop students will explore Indigenous culture and art from various regions of Australia. In this lesson students will create their own Australian Flag by investigating their cultural heritage as well as that of Australia’s first inhabitants, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

NAIDOC week ANMM Unlocked: Unlock Water and Indigenous people

Time: 14:00

Overview: To celebrate NAIDOC week Indigenous Programs Manager Donna Carstens and special guest Uncle Terry will discuss the cultural significance of water to indigenous people. Water is integral to the everyday life of communities for survival, travel and play. Learn an traditional dance, examine an Indigenous artwork and build a canoe replica.

 

24 June

NAIDOC Week – Language on Tumblr and Sacred Land Sculpture workshop

Time: 10:00

Overview: This interactive video conference for Stage 2 and 3 students is centred on the NAIDOC 2015 theme of We all stand on Sacred Ground: Learn, Respect and Celebrate. Learn about the State Library language resources with the Indigenous Services team, and see how they are now being shared through social media. Use some Sydney Language words in a creative activity where students reflect on sacred places and build a miniature 3D model of their own special place

 

26 June

NAIDOC week ANMM Unlocked: Unlock Water and Indigenous people

Time: 10:00

Overview: To celebrate NAIDOC week Indigenous Programs Manager Donna Carstens and special guest Uncle Terry will discuss the cultural significance of water to indigenous people. Water is integral to the everyday life of communities for survival, travel and play. Learn an traditional dance, examine an Indigenous artwork and build a canoe replica.

NAIDOC week ANMM Unlocked: Unlock Water and Indigenous people

Time: 14:00

Overview: To celebrate NAIDOC week Indigenous Programs Manager Donna Carstens and special guest Uncle Terry will discuss the cultural significance of water to indigenous people. Water is integral to the everyday life of communities for survival, travel and play. Learn an traditional dance, examine an Indigenous artwork and build a canoe replica.

 

14 July

NAIDOC Week – Indigenous Totem workshop

Time: 11:00

Overview: The Indigenous Totems session is a practical workshop where students learn about lifestyles and beliefs of Indigenous Australians whilst creating their own totem. Concepts and culture will be demonstrated with real artifacts and aboriginal cultural material.

NAIDOC Week – Indigenous Totem workshop

Time: 12:00

Overview: The Indigenous Totems session is a practical workshop where students learn about lifestyles and beliefs of Indigenous Australians whilst creating their own totem. Concepts and culture will be demonstrated with real artifacts and aboriginal cultural material.

NAIDOC Week – Indigenous Totem workshop

Time: 13:00

Overview: The Indigenous Totems session is a practical workshop where students learn about lifestyles and beliefs of Indigenous Australians whilst creating their own totem. Concepts and culture will be demonstrated with real artifacts and aboriginal cultural material.

 

15 July

NAIDOC KOORI CLASSROOM: The origins and meaning of NAIDOC

Time: 14:00

Overview: “To know the future we must first know the past” (Aunty Fran Bodkin D’harawal Elder). In this session of our Koori Classroom series, D’harawal knowledge keeper, Shannon Foster will guide students through the origins of NAIDOC – also part of her own family story.

 

NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. Its origins can be traced to the emergence of Aboriginal groups in the 1920′s which sought to increase awareness in the wider community of the status and treatment of Indigenous Australians.

PMC001_15_NAIDOC_logo_inline

 

Virtual Excursions Australia is proud to support this event

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Zoom Video Conferencing

ZOOM VIDEO COMMUNICATIONS LOGO

Recently there has been a bit of excitement in our community regarding using Zoom Video Conferencing as a gateway to reach potential audience that may not have invested in a full suite of Standard Based (H.323) v/c kit. Think of Zoom as Skype on steroids! You can set up a meeting, invite guests, and have them connect simply through their browser. There is no complicated software to install and everything works through the browser without having to install additional software, which is great for companies which have restrictions on such things.

On of the most exciting things for us is that Zoom is free, so anybody you invite to a meeting can use it. And the fact that they provide what they call a H.323 Room Connector. This optional extra can be purchased for a small price of $US49/mo and enables H.323 video conferencing units to join the meeting. Which finally means that we can connect all our v/c units and users together in one big conference!

This all sounds fantastic but there are a few caveats that you should be aware of. Firstly you need to know that DART has (for the moment) put a ban on using Zoom to dial directly into their system. The main reason for this is that the connection that Zoom creates is forced to a connection speed of 6 megabits per second. This is far to fast for DARTs front end points and causes congestion and high usage, resulting in poor experience for other users on the network. To work around this you will need to dial directly into Zoom using your H.323 device so as a result means that it is unusable with DET schools as you need to use DART to connect to them. However as you will read I have been able to work around this using two H.323 devices.

Secondly, unless your guest using the H.323 room connector and a standards based v/c unit, then they will be using their computer which mean they will also be using the webcam and microphone which is included. Generally these built in devices are fairly cheap and are designed to work with just a single person not an entire room of people, so depending on your application the results not be acceptable.

If you really want to take full advantage of what Zoom has to offer you can configure a set up in which you use two H.323 units and a video switcher such as a Tricaster. To do this you would dial the first H.323 unit into DART as you normally would and the second unit would dial into Zoom. In this scenario any schools you need to engage would be connected at the DART end and any ‘special guests’ could be connected to Zoom. Exactly who sees what is controlled by the vision switcher. However, doing this requires quit a bit of technical know how! I have personally done this with a video conference at The Powerhouse Museum and the results where similar to that of a TV broadcast. You can see for yourself HERE.

Is Zoom worth the investment ? Probably….. for $US49/mo I think it’s worth at least trying out, you may find that you have no use for it or your organisation does not have the technical ability for it, but you would not have lost much in doing so. But you may also find that your audience reach has been massively extended and the return will be far greater than the small investment.

Stephen Bancroft is an an Electrical Engineer and Computing expert, he has over twenty years experience with internet based technologies and has worked extensively with live sound and broadcast. He is currently writing technical articles exclusively for VEA.