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The Use of Videoconferencing in Higher Education

3. Field site interview structure for Manager/ service providers

Name:
Department / Unit:
Date of visit:

(1) Availability Of Services

NB. Include all types of VC (PC, stand-alone, roll-about, studio) in table below Type of unit (e.g. PC, roll-about, studio)
No. of units (Approx)
No. of users (Approx)
Network used
Bandwidth
Hardware/soft-ware used (make, model)
Date(s) purchased/ commissioned
Date(s) upgraded

Additional equipment/ facilities

Document camera
Video recorder
Fax
Whiteboard
Whiteb’d camera
OHP
File-sharing
Extra microphone
Extra loudspeaker
Extra monitor
Extra camera
Others (specify)

Are there likely to be many other pieces of VC equipment here that you do not know about? (if so explore)

Do you have an MCU (Multi-point Control Unit)? If not, do you use/hire another body’s MCU for multipoint calls?

(2) History of Service

When did VC start?

Who initiated the setting up of the service and why?

Did you receive any advice in how best to set up the service?

Was there any pilot/ trial period? If so, describe.

How was the service funded?

Who chose the equipment, and what criteria were used in its choice?

Were there any specific problems setting up the service?

How did you initially make the service known to potential users?

(3) Service Usage

What are the main uses here for VC? (include rough percentages, in terms of hours of use, for each usage category)

Has this pattern changed in the last 18 months? (include rough percentages for each usage category as at 18 months ago)

How do users currently get to know about the services? Has this changed in the last 18 months?

Are new services introduced as a result of user request or strategy or both?

How are users' requirements analysed and catered for?

What has the general response been from users?

What are the main problems that users report with VC in general?

(4) Management Structure

What is the overall management structure? E.g.

Is one department / unit responsible -if so who?
Are the services managed by committee? - If so who?

(5) Financial Management

Who is responsible for financial management? Has it always been this way? In particular, what changes have occurred in the last 18 months?

Do users pay for using the service?

What is the cost structure?

Do the hire costs cover the running of the service?

How are indirect costs funded? (e.g. purchase of new equipment)

(6) Technical Support

Who is responsible for Technical support (e.g. training, ‘online’ support, maintenance...)? Has it always been this way? In particular, what changes have occurred in the last 18 months?

Are new users given any training in how to use VC? If so, what does it involve and how long does it take?

What are the most frequent technical problems experienced by users?

What are the technical support mechanisms? E.g. if a link goes down, who would the users go to for help?

What are the main technical problems that you experience with the equipment and the network? How do you overcome these problems?

Has this changed since 18 months ago?

Are there any groups, references, bodies etc. that you have found particularly helpful for technical advice?

(7) Day-to-Day Management

Who is responsible for Day to day management (e.g. booking rooms, scheduling...)? Has it always been this way? In particular, what changes have occurred in the last 18 months?

Who manages booking of sessions internally?

What is the procedure?

Do you think this procedure is successful?

Has this changed at all in the last 18 months?

Who co-ordinates bookings of the network? (Edinburgh?)

(8) Strategic Management

Who is responsible for Strategic management (e.g. evaluation, policy making, future planning...)? Has it always been this way? In particular, what changes have occurred in the last 18 months?

Are there regular evaluations of the service to check if users are satisfied and to identify changing needs etc.? If so, how often, and what does the procedure involve?

Are you personally involved in policy making and strategic planning?

What are the procedures involved in changing policy, investing in new equipment etc.?

What would you say are the main changes that have taken place over the last 18 months in terms of policy/strategy?

What are your predictions for the future of VC here?

What are your predictions for the future of VC in Higher Education generally?

What is your overall opinion of VC in HE?

Has this changed at all in the last 18 months?

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