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Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I videotape an IPTV Transitions ICN session to view with my students at a later date?
No, Transitions ICN events offered through IPTV may not be videotaped. Sessions are not routinely videotaped for the following reasons. First, the sessions are designed to be interactive. Second, in order for the sessions to be taped and made available for distribution, appearance release forms would need to be received from EVERY STUDENT involved as well as from the program presenter. Since the sessions may involve as many as 300 students per hour-long session this would not be practical. Third, IPTV does not have the staff or equipment to efficiently duplicate videotapes. Repeat ICN sessions are offered whenever possible to try and accommodate various school and class schedules.
- Is there a charge for the ICN sessions?
The Transitions Project is able to provide ICN sessions at no charge to schools. However, when students and teachers don't show up for a scheduled session, IPTV must pay for an empty room and in many cases, another school is denied the opportunity to interact, since the total number of sites involved is often limited to ensure the experience is truly interactive.
What if I am unable to attend my scheduled session?
If a school must cancel participation in a Transitions ICN session, IPTV should be notified at least THREE WORKING DAYS in advance. Early notification allows IPTV to cancel the school's ICN video classroom from the session and avoid receiving ICN charges for an empty room. Last minute weather related or emergency cancellations should be phoned in to Tina at (800) 532-1290 or (515) 242-6449. Even though the ICN site can not be canceled with a late notification, the call will let the presenter know not to expect students on-site.
The majority of Transitions ICN sessions are developed to be highly interactive. Students should come prepared with questions or comments relevant to the topic. The event detail page for each session provides a description of the event. To help teachers prepare their students, guides to resources and relevant Web links are provided when available. Please review the materials with students so that they may prepare insightful questions or comments. Often it is helpful to assign students the task of writing at least one question ahead of time.
- How do I remain current on upcoming ICN events?
You might want to bookmark the Transitions Web site as sessions will continue to be posted. The K-12 Calendar on the Iowa Distance Learning Database provides up-to-date information on upcoming Transitions ICN events as well.
- Our school's ICN room is often occupied when we want to participate in an event. Why can't the events be scheduled to fit into our school's ICN schedule?
Transitions sessions are offered statewide. Sessions are scheduled at various times in an effort to accommodate various school and presenter schedules. Even if the school's ICN video classroom is consistently busy with semester-long classes, many schools are willing to change the class schedule to allow for a one-time use. Check with the school's ICN site contact and/or school administrators to discuss this option. Schools may also elect to bus students to the next closest, available ICN video classroom. IPTV can assist in finding an alternative site.
- What if I experience technical difficulties in the ICN room?
The Keys to a Successful Session document will help teachers prepare for participation in an ICN session. If technical problems arise, please be patient. To report a technical problem, use the fiber phone in the ICN classroom to call the ICN Classroom Operations Center by dialing 242-3182. The session's facilitator will also work to solve the problem. Please be sure to answer the fiber phone in your ICN room if it rings.
- Why was my registration denied?
The requested ICN video classroom may have been previously scheduled for another session or activity, or the ICN session may have exceeded the registration limit of participants. Often times, additional session offerings for popular events are scheduled to accommodate high demand for a particular program.
- Is training available on using the ICN video classroom?
Yes. Various types of training opportunities are offered through area education agencies as well as through the Regional Telecommunications Councils. RTC Coordinators can be of assistance.
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