Videoconferencing by definition describes the electronic means of audio and video interaction between two or more parties that are at different locations. Each party can transmit their own audio and video to other parties, as well as receive other parties audio and video as well. It's like using television instead of telephones to communicate with many people at once. This differs from broadcast television (like we watch at home), in that broadcast television is only one-way: the origination site broadcasts a program which viewers simply receive and do not interact with. The ability to phone or email questions and comments to a live broadcast is sometimes considered videoconferencing, but is in fact teleconferencing - a limited interaction broadcast event. Another difference between videoconferencing and television or teleconferencing is how the media is transmitted. Television broadcasts programming via satellite, cable television, or radio tower, where videoconferencing uses data transmission lines, like those for the internet, for all of its media transferring. Utilizing data lines is what allows for the two-way interaction between originating sites and participants.       Videoconferencing in it’s grandest sense involves a great deal of high-end, high-cost, high-maintenance, high-tech equipment that many small companies can’t afford, much less the home and education consumer. Desktop videoconferencing uses a personal computer to facilitate both the transmission and reception of the audio and video content, sacrificing quality for affordability. It takes advantage of the increased availability of high-speed consumer connectivity mentioned above to allow users individual flexibility in utilizing videoconferencing. Some of the high-end providers have recently developed desktop solutions that are able to interact with their industrial solutions. These programs, however, are not free downloads, and cost $80 to $300 for a licensed copy. The hardware demands for such software area also quite heavy, so this may not be as simple a solution as it may seem.       1. First you'll need access to a Videoconferencing unit. Some schools in Wayne County are equipped with this equipment, and Wayne RESA may be able to provide that equipment if necessary. Contact us first and we'll help. 2. Make sure you have high-speed internet. Videoconferencing takes up much more of your internet pipeline than mp3 music and e-mail. 3. Find an Event to join. There are many opportunities available, and we’ve found a number of them you may be interested in. You can browse them by clicking the “Browse Upcoming Events” button in the left navigation area. Hear of an event we don’t have listed? Contact us and we’ll see what we can do for you. 4. Secure funding. Some events are free, but the content providers may charge a fee for usage and/or materials. Fees are listed with the event information, and they (usually) are pretty reasonable. NOTE: Wayne RESA does not charge for its role in helping with your conference. 5. Acquire event materials and schedule facilities. Follow steps the event originator supplies in getting your materials. Also, you'll need to reserve the facility you will be viewing the conference at, eve if it is your own school. Location will also be influenced by technology limitations. We'll help with that as part of step 1.