Information Technology and ECTL support several applications for 1) audio/video conferencing and 2) disseminating/archiving course materials over the web:

• Skype: web-based audio/video conferencing
• WyoLync: videoconferencing facility with application sharing
• WyoCast: lecture capture and presentation

Skype

Skype is a computer-based telephone and video conferencing application that works over the internet.  The application enables users to place

• Free
  • one-to-one video calls
  • group voice calls (through senders' and recipients' computers) with up to 25 participants
• Fee-based
  • calls to phone lines
  • group video conferences

Click http://www.skype.com/intl/en/prices/ for telephone and group conference pricing.

With the proper hardware and software, Skype works on most Windows and Mac computers as described below:

1. Senders and recipients install Skype and create Skype accounts and account names.
2. The sender places the call, using his/her Skype user name and the recipient(s)'s Skype user names. Note that participants speak and listen through the computer.

Hardware requirements

• Audio/visual equipment: Microphone and speakers -- or headset -- and a webcam supplied by your department
  Contact the Academic Support Unit (http://microlab.uwyo.edu/about_asu.asp) for specific device recommendations.
• Internet connection

Software requirements

• Skype installed on both the local and remote computer. Click http://www.skype.com/intl/en/get-skype/ to download and install Skype.
• A Skype user name on both the local and remote computer.

Who can help

The following on-campus resources are available to help you install and configure Skype:

• Office use: Your department's IT consultant will help you install and configure the software and connection. (Click http://www.uwyo.edu/infotech/services/helpdesk/uc/duclist.asp to find your department's IT consultant.) The microphone and webcam, however, must be provided by you, perhaps through your department.
• Classroom use: Beginning spring 2012, Skype will be installed on classroom computers.  Users/departments, however, must provide the audio/visual equipment.
  
  For help setting up a user account and/or installing the software (before spring 2012), contact Classroom Technology Support (766-HELP). Please allow at least two days for Classroom Technology Support to fulfill your request.

See the Skype User Guides page (http://www.skype.com/intl/en/support/user-guides/) for user instructions.

WyoLync

WyoLync, based on the Microsoft Lync product, provides application and desktop sharing, videoconferencing, and recording capability.  The logistics require planning and the features are restricted somewhat based on UWyo domain membership, location and operating system. 

See the IT help site:  http://www.uwyo.edu/infotech/services/multimedia/wyolync/

WyoCast

The product MediaSite provides our WyoCast, a facility for lecture capture. WyoCast broadcasts and records video, audio, and presentation materials. Lectures may then be viewed online from the WyoCast website, in their entirety or through slider controls. The equipment in available in three Classroom Building rooms and by reservation for the mobile unit. Advance arrangements are necessary.

Instructors can link to the WyoCast service, the login page, via the URL "wyocast.uwyo.edu" (from a course site page, for example).  The viewer's computer needs to have MS Silverlight installed.  If recorded lectures are public, the students can find them in the folder list on the left, or the instructor can simply embed a link to an individual lecture, in any web page, by copying the link from "Watch" in the WyoCast catalog.  If lectures are not public, instructors cannot simply link to any particular WyoCast presentation, because they are behind the authentication wall; students will have to go to the WyoCast home page and then login with their UWyo credentials.

See the IT help page:  http://www.uwyo.edu/infotech/wyocast/

[Elluminate]

[The product Elluminate was a videoconferencing facility for application sharing, providing computer screens and audio connections.  Elluminate (now Blackboard Collaborate) is being phased out in favor of WyoLync.]

For more information, contact Instructional Computing Services: 307.766.5499/ectltech@uwyo.edu.