FLASH-BASED ON-LINE SIMULATION VIDEOTron Compton-Engle
Case Western Reserve University
June 19th, 2009
Impetus
Library tired of cataloging, storing, and checking out VHS tapes and DVDs
Students tired of checking out VHS tapes and DVDs; wanted “electronic” access
Limited use of simulation video by students due to inconvenience
Very limited use of simulation video by faculty due to inconvenience
Faculty Requirements
Students cannot download video Password protected: students cannot see
anyone else’s video until they have been recorded their own
Very easy to use Ability to comment on video Live, password protected remote viewing
by faculty
My Requirements
System could not be significantly more burdensome to AV staff than VHS
Platform neutral (Mac/PC compatible)
Contenders- MediaNotes
Pros Free Robust commenting
Cons Learning curve for software Students have easy access to video files
(“to post on YouTube”) Not web-based Permissions management not built into
system
Contenders - CommuniCoach Pros
Very robust commenting Course management approach to video Permissions management built-in Web-based
Cons Time consuming to set up course structure Faculty learning curve At the time, not Mac compatible or AD
integrated Not free
Contenders - Windows Media Server Pros
No additional cost Able to disable caching, downloading
videos Cons
Permissions management Poor cross-platform compatibility
Decision – InternallyDeveloped IIS/Flash Site Pros
True cross-platform compatibility, web-based Easy permissions management (web-based,
AD/NTFS integrated) Ability to disable right-click downloads Very little learning curve for faculty and
students Relatively easy for AV
Cons No commenting (yet) Some performance issues with Flash player Video is cached locally (progressive download;
not streamed)
Technical DetailsVersion 1.0 Camcorder: Samsung SC-MX10
(generates AVI’s with proprietary codec) “Batchable” conversion software: Alive
Video Converter and Alive Video to Flash Converter
Web site: IIS 6.0 with Longtail’s JW FLV Player and progressive download FLV files
Version 1.0 Pros and Cons
Pros Can convert virtually any video file type
Cons Have to use precise file names Large initial file sizes (slow transfers) Poor post-conversion video quality Complicated requirements and directions
Technical DetailsVersion 2.0 Camcorder: Sanyo VPC-CG9 (generates
“web friendly” MP4s with non-proprietary H.264 codec; no conversion necessary)
Web site: IIS 6.0 with Longtail’s JW FLV Player and progressive download FLV files
“Parts List”
Sanyo VPC-CG9 Tripod (standard) VAR-A2 accessory VAR-G8 accessory SD card JW FLV Player license
VAR-A2
VAR-G8
Version 2.0 Pros and Cons
Pros No file conversion: can drag and drop directly to web
server; no need for batch files and precise file names Better quality video (because of no conversion) Smaller video sizes for much faster transfers from camera
to web server Much faster posting of videos (hourly playlist scheduled
task) Faculty can self-manage process from recording to posting Much less complicated requirements and directions
Cons Must use camcorder which records natively in Flash
compliant file type (FLV or H.264 MP4 with progressive download support)
Sanyo camcorder does not come with AC power supply or external microphone option
Feedback
Both faculty and students watched more videos
Faculty reviewed videos to refresh memory when writing formal notes, grading, or justifying grade given
More faculty are now requesting that their classes be recorded
Lead faculty members could easily review adjuncts’ sessions
Ability to skip around in video allowed greater efficiency
Clinic is now using camcorders for off-site interviews, crime scene filming, etc.
Outstanding Issues
Can we incorporate a commenting feature? Should this be the solution for recording our
large lecture classes due to video/audio quality? Are there other camcorders with “web friendly”
H.264/progressive download files (and ideally an AC adapter and an external microphone option)?
If not, how long will we be able to acquire the Sanyo VPC-CG9 with necessary accessories?
What should we name the system (OMRI)?
Other Thoughts
Could you use Adobe Connect for faculty to view and comment remotely, record the meeting and then post on the site?
Using v. 1.0 system, you could record the classroom screen and audio with software like CaptureWiz or Camtasia, convert to FLV and post
You could check out camcorders in the library for student-only assignments
You could give camcorders to students, faculty, librarians, etc. for vlogs with easy self-posting (abroad programs, student recruitment, training, etc.)
Could security cameras with remote control capabilities and scheduling features be tied into this system?
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