Flash-based On-line Simulation Video

1. Flash-based On-line Simulation Video Tron Compton-Engle Case Western Reserve University June 19th, 2009

2. 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

3. 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

4. My Requirements • System could not be significantly more burdensome to AV staff than VHS • Platform neutral (Mac/PC compatible)

5. 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

6. 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

7. Contenders - Windows Media Server • Pros • No additional cost • Able to disable caching, downloading videos • Cons • Permissions management • Poor cross-platform compatibility

8. 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)

9. Demo • http://lawvideo.case.edu

10. Posting ProcessVersion 1.0

11. 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

12. 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

13. Posting ProcessVersion 2.0

14. 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

15. “Parts List” • Sanyo VPC-CG9 • Tripod (standard) • VAR-A2 accessory • VAR-G8 accessory • SD card • JW FLV Player license VAR-A2 VAR-G8

16. 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

17. 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.

18. 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)?

19. 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?

20. Q and A • Questions?