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Video for Instruction

Announcements

WebEx support ends June 15
Interactive video meetings began voluntarily shifting to Zoom on March 19, 2018 with a mandatory transition to Zoom on June 16. Anyone with a valid VT Username (PID) can use Zoom by signing in at virginiatech.zoom.us. For help signing into Zoom from your browser or the Zoom mobile app, visit the Zoom on Personal Computers and Mobile Devices.

WebEx recordings made through April 9 have been moved to the new video content management system located at video.vt.edu. Any remaining recordings made from April 10 through June 15 will be moved by July 20. These recordings can also be accessed within Canvas course sites.

Background

Virginia Tech has selected Zoom and Kaltura as the university's primary platforms for interactive video, lecture capture, and video content management. These cloud-based tools offer intuitive setup, automated central storage for video assets, mobile compatibility, flexibility for large and small courses, and robust analytics, plus easy integration with other Virginia Tech tools like Canvas, Google Apps, and Office365.

Timeline for Implementation

The new tools will go live this spring before Summer Session 1 begins on May 21, 2018. All video content stored in either WebEx or Echo360 will be converted and moved to VCMS by the video for instruction program implementation team. The timeline will be updated as the implementation progresses.

  • February 20: Announcement of new video tools.
  • February 20-24: Direct email communication to current WebEx hosts, Echo360 content owners, and anyone with a Zoom.us account using a @vt.edu email address to login.
  • March 19: Zoom launches for Virginia Tech users. Anyone with a valid VT Username (PID) can begin using Zoom at https://virginiatech.zoom.us. Visit the Zoom on Personal Computers and Mobile Devices page for more information.
  • March 19: Zoom cloud recorded videos copied into Kaltura as recordings are made in Zoom. Recordings copied to the “My Media” section located at video.vt.edu.
  • April-May 2018: Transition of videos stored in WebEx and Echo360 to Kaltura.
  • May 10: Zoom and Kaltura available in Canvas.
  • May 10: No new Echo Recordings
  • May 14: Webex meeting center recordings from July 1, 3013 through May 14, 2018 moved to Kaltura, video content management system, located at video.vt.edu.
  • May 15: Webex meeting center recordings will be copied to Kaltura, same day.
  • May 21: Summer Session 1 begins. Kaltura and Zoom integrated with Canvas.
  • May 31: WebEx Training Center and Event Center recordings from July 1, 2013 through April 9, 2018 moved to Kaltura, video content management system, located at video.vt.edu.
  • June 15: Support for WebEx and Echo360 ends. No new WebEx meetings scheduled after this date.
  • July 1: Echo360 videos available in Kaltura, video content management system, located at video.vt.edu.
  • July 20: WebEx recordings made from April 10 through June 15 available in Kaltura, video content management system, located at video.vt.edu.
  • August 15: Kaltura Media Space and Zoom Room Systems launch to production for university-wide use.

Last updated: 6/8/2018.

Features of Virginia Tech’s New Video Tools

  • Login with your VT Username (PID). No extra credentials needed.
  • Tools are available to all faculty, staff, and students.
  • Full Canvas integration plus intuitive connection to Google Apps, Office365, Slack, and social media.
  • Access with Mac, Windows, Linux, Chromebooks, iOS and Android devices, anywhere, anytime.
  • All recordings stored in either WebEx or Echo360 will be converted and moved to Kaltura by the video for instruction program implementation team.

Zoom Features

Access Zoom at https://virginiatech.zoom.us. Visit the Zoom on Personal Computers and Mobile Devices page for more information.

Zoom is committed to ensuring universal access to their products and services.

  • All faculty, staff, and students can host and record events.
  • Host up to 100 participants (Faculty/Staff upgraded to 200 participants).
  • Broadcast your event to Facebook Live or YouTube.
  • HD video and high-quality audio. Videos are automatically recorded as MP4.
  • Save videos on a local drive or directly to the cloud (with a copy to Kaltura within a day or less).
  • Zoom Room equipped spaces offer “one button” setup.

Kaltura Features

  • Kaltura’s “accessibility first” development approach ensures content is accessible across products, services, and devices.
  • First-class content delivery network (CDN) provides great playback experience regardless of your location.
  • Unlimited video storage.
  • Personal “my media” space along with course specific spaces.
  • In browser video editing tools—trim, clip, caption, add quizzes, and more.
  • Recordings made using Kaltura hardware in connected classrooms are added automatically to course sites.
  • Connected classroom recorded videos offer interactive viewing. Users can toggle between picture-in-picture, side-by-side, or single view with synchronized audio.
  • Robust search tools, including text-level caption and transcript access, make videos more searchable and discoverable.
  • Built-in analytics and reports provided for video playback.

Training & Self-Help Guides

TLOS is providing full support during the transition to Zoom and Kaltura, including in-person training and technical support. To register for in-person training, visit the PDN registration site and search for "Zoom" or "Kaltura" to find sessions.

If you want to start learning right away, Zoom offers a suite of video tutorials.

Questions, Concerns or Conversation?

If you have questions about using the new video tools, or concerns about how the new tools will affect you or your stored videos, submit an incident using 4Help.

If you would like to explore innovative uses of video in your classroom, email tlos@vt.edu.