No. 193, March 2003

Contents

Streaming video how-to now available online

New multimedia tools at work on Extension's Web site

Extension's diversity leader authors book on communicating between cultures

"Communicate!" moves to all-electronic delivery

 

Streaming video how-to now available online

If you're interested in using streaming media (video) technology to deliver information and/or educational programs, here's a program you should see. "Streaming Media--What it is and how to use it: An introduction for Extension faculty and staff" is a streaming video program that was delivered live last fall. The program is now archived online. This program explains--in a simple and straightforward way--how Extension educators and staff can best use streaming video technology.

The 55-minutes program covers:

            * What is streaming video technology (a nontechnical explanation)

            * Strengths and limitations of streaming technology

            * How Extension educators can use streaming video 

            * Stages or steps required to produce a streaming video program

            * Costs of producing a streaming video program

"Streaming Media: What it is and how to use it" is presented by Jim Bennett, Information Services/Communications Media Center, and Bob Rost and Dwight Owens, EESC. For viewing information, check out. If you have questions after viewing the program or if you're planning a streaming video program, drop me an e-mail or give me a call (541-737-3381).

--Bob Rost, writer/photographer

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New multimedia tools at work on Extension's Web site

Imagine sitting at your computer and eavesdropping on returning salmon in a coastal stream, exploring a stream restoration site with a sweeping view that takes you around the entire project--all 360 degrees of it--creating a time-lapse movie built from archived images that shows the stream's seasonal changes and, finally, settling back to watch related videos and read more about salmon watershed restoration.

It may sound a little far fetched but these cyber teaching tools--live Webcams, virtual reality movies (360-degree panoramas), image archiving, streaming video and electronic publications--can be found in a new OSU Extension Web site.

Working with Lincoln County watershed agent Mary Holbert and landowner Rolf Hagen, Extension and Experiment Station Communications is using these tools to create a "virtual field trip" and ultimately a comprehensive learning experience for Extension audiences interested in salmon and watershed restoration.

The centerpiece of the creekcam Web site is a remote-controlled Webcam located in the Coastal Range some 25 miles from campus. It was the original tool. The site is a proving ground of sorts. It allows EESC to learn more about the technologies and how these high-tech tools can help us do a better job of communicating with our Extension audiences.

Already our experience has opened our eyes to other applications and taught us a lesson or two about the pitfalls and the limitations of this cyber tool chest.

Like all Web sites, creekcam is dynamic--evolving--and will benefit from feedback. Take it for a spin and let us know what you think.

Keep watch for future "Communicate!" articles when we look at the individual Web technologies and share what we've learned so far.

--Lynn Ketchum, educational video specialist, and Scott Gilpin, multimedia educational designer

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Extension's diversity leader authors book on communcating between cultures

As Extension educators, we strive to build strong communities. Often, however, community-building runs up against a wall of conflict between people of different ethnic, socioeconomic, linguistic, cultural, or political backgrounds.

"Working with Differences in Communities" by Ann Schauber, Extension diversity leader, offers some clear explanations and concrete examples of how to improve communication and understanding between cultures.

"This book explains ways to think about differences, and what to do to include the voices of others in community-building, in the workplace, and in community organizations," said Schauber.

The book contains many examples, illustrations, anecdotes, and exercises that highlight and explain the basis for cultural conflict and ways to move beyond conflict. It is a valuable resource for anyone involved in working with people in their community.

With its attractive cover, rich illustrations, and universal appeal, "Working with Differences in Communities" also is ideal for display and sale in a county office. Retail price is $15 per copy (plus shipping and handling); OSU faculty and staff receive a 25 percent discount. Order from Extension and Experiment Station Communications (fax: 541-737-0817; e-mail; phone: 541-737-2513).

Check out a flier of the cover and contents.

--Teresa Welch, electronic publications editor

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"Communicate!" moves to all-electronic delivery

You asked for it, you got it--beginning with this issue, "Communicate!" will be distributed and archived only online.

Responses to our survey, in late January, overwhelmingly favored distributing the newsletter electronically. Some reasoned that it would save money (true), and others thought they'd be more likely to read an electronic version.

Actually, "Communicate!" has led a double life for years--distributed in print and archived online. From this URL, you can get to issues dating back to 1994, in Adobe Acrobat PDF format. New issues will continue to join the lineup

Survey responses about "Communicate!" content and direction included a number of good ideas. Thanks to all who took time to contribute. We're working on the suggestions and will have more to tell you in later issues.

Meanwhile, send your comments and suggestions to Evie Engel.

--Andrea Dailey, electronic publications editor

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