Video Conferencing

Video conference—fully interactive two-way video and audio. This is the most popular mode for tutorials and meetings. A maximum of two centres can be reached at the same time via satellite and Lautoka and/or Labasa centres via land lines.
When you enter your centre’s USPNet room you’ll notice a large television, a small rectangular camera on top of the television, and a triangular black microphone on the table. This equipment is easy to use. Most centres have trained USPNet staff to prepare the equipment for you.

Your lecturer or tutor in Laucala, Emalus or Alafu’a can control your camera using a remote control device similar to a home TV remote control device. The equipment is pre-set for students; you only have to come to class and learn.

Teamwork

Some students feel uncomfortable talking with lecturers or tutors. With USPNet sessions, interaction is the key to success. Think of USPNet as a fancy telephone—both people need to talk to make the telephone work!

Lecturers and tutors are learning how to use the USPNet equipment themselves and, at the same time, delivering your lecture. Please help them out with useful suggestions and comments.

Talking via the satellite is not as clear as talking face-to-face with someone. Some of us have accents or unusual names. Sometimes the USPNet rooms echo or there are distracting noises, such as rain on the roof.

Don’t be embarrassed if a lecturer cannot clearly understand you and asks you to repeat yourself a few times. If you cannot understand, ask the lecturer to repeat himself or herself. Or ask the lecturer to write out a word or phrase and show it to you on the document camera.

• VBC Room Timetable - Semester 1 , 2011 (REACT Venue 2)