Digital
Video Distribution System Update
http://itls.saisd.net/dvds/
Howdy! Here's a quick update on use of
the digital video distribution system (DVDS) for the 2004-2005
school year.
NEW DIGITAL VIDEO SERVER
To bridge the gaps in speed and video availability, SAISD increased
bandwidth to the Internet and between campuses. Furthermore, Instructional
Technology invested in a digital video server that will be accessible
on the Intranet. This will result in a significant increase in
speed since bandwidth between campuses is higher than between
a campus and videos coming from the Internet.
The digital video server--currently being reloaded with over 150
additional videos--will be back online by September 17th. To take
advantage of the fast video serving available, Macintosh and Windows
users should be aware that they will need Windows Media Player
loaded on their computer (Note: Mac OS 8.6 - 9 users can access
Quicktime videos via the Internet).
MORE EFFECTIVE USER MANAGEMENT
SAISD is moving to a more effective user management system, allowing
quicker loading of staff at the district level, relieving campuses
of user management duties. However, some adjustments will have
to be made by a small percentage of users who have assignments
in the system.
Please be aware that teachers who have assignments in the digital
video distribution system are urged to make backup copies of their
lessons BEFORE October 1. Due to the increased mobility of SAISD
teachers, as well as losses due to attrition, the entire user
database for the digital video distribution system will be updated.
This may potentially eliminate assignments created by teachers
during training sessions, or for use in classrooms. While every
effort is being made to safeguard the assignments currently in
the digital video distribution system, teachers are urged to make
backup copies over the next two weeks. You are also encouraged
to NOT create any new assignments before October 1st. All users
will be notified via email through the digital video distribution
system email system. Campus Tech Reps, librarians and CICs will
also receive this same information via email.
At 8:00 AM on October 1, all existing user accounts will be purged
and new accounts created. This will remove old accounts, create
new ones, and reset the password for all users back to a simple
password.
ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Please be aware that there are currently two classes available
for learning how to use the Digital Video Distribution System.
These 3-hour classes take place on October
26, 2004 and May
12, 2005. However, short two hour classes are available for
your campus on an as-needed basis. Only 5 people need to come
together to "make" a class and it can take place at
your campus. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would
like to have such a class take place at your campus. You can find
a complete list of professional development sessions online at
http://itls.saisd.net/pd.
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