Linda Burik
Learning Center Director
Technology, Media & Library Services
The Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf
(412) 371-7000 x103
Video Conferencing
WPSD’s Video Conferencing technology is used for a variety of purposes, including remote participation in IEPs and other educational meetings, virtual field trips, distance learning and the broadcast of special events from WPSD’s auditorium.
The school’s Polycom Visitation 4000 system consists of 3 televisions, 2 cameras and a document camera. Sets of 4 ISDN lines have been placed in several locations on campus, a classroom, 2 large conference rooms, a small meeting room, the Learning Center’s Mini -max theater, and the auditorium. Placement of the system in any of these locations allows for up to 512 kps frame rate, which broadcasts sign language smoothly.
A second system is located at WPSD’s Central PA Outreach Office in Harrisburg. Parents and educational personnel from the central and eastern Pennsylvania can participate in activities at WPSD via live video conferencing. The technology is especially gratifying as a communications tool for our residential students and their parents.
WPSD welcomes educational collaboration with those who have similar capabilities.