Submitted Question:
I'm helping some teachers convert our morning announcements to a TV format, and Visual Communicator is one of the programs we're looking at. We need to stream the show to the teachers as we are not wired for cable. Do you know, does streaming work with VC?
Yes, in fact SchoolTube is my preferred (free) method among other choices like Mogulus that was discussed in my blog previously. As long as you have a moderator level account at SchoolTube.com you have the ability to use their free streaming service. They set it up for Flash-based streaming, which is what Adobe Visual Communicator does. I've experimented with it from school and from home and works great!
A technical explanation simplified: Your PC sends the stream outwards to SchoolTube's servers. From there, SchoolTube processes your signal into a streamable format, and sends it out to whomever is watching. You get to place the live player (html embed code) anywhere you desire. It even shows how many are connected at the bottom of the player.
As of spring 2009, they were ready to launch this service, but there are always tweaks being made on an ongoing basis. As of now, to get started you would login, then go to the Channels section and click on the red and white "SchoolTube Live" logo. I believe there are posted instructions (PDF) that you can review for the settings you need to use.
Just think-- the ability to do live web streaming (FREE) of school auditorium events, sports, graduation ceremonies, etc. The possibilities are HUGE, especially since SchoolTube is the recognized leader in safe media sharing. This is why only approved moderators have ability to do live streaming. Check it out!
Hope that helps, let us know by leaving comments or questions below!
