VCN (Video Conference Network)
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TOOL
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The Maricopa Video Conference Network (VCN) is designed to 
facilitate live, interactive communication among the 
Maricopa Colleges. Consisting of nine equipped locations, 
including eight colleges and the District Support Service 
Center, VCN provides two-way video, audio, and graphics 
connections.

 IMPORTANT FEATURES OF TOOL
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VCN is used for:

+ shared credit classes taught by a single faculty member, 
+ team teaching between separate classes (full or partial 
semester) 
+ guest lectures -staff development (e.g., Lodestar 
Distinguished Visitor programs) 
+ meetings (e.g., Ocotillo, planning, budget) 
+redistributed videotapes or satellite prograrns

WHO WOULD USE THIS TOOL?
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VCN can be used by any group in the Maricopa District who 
has the need for communication with other locations in the 
Maricopa District This includes students, faculty, and 
staff. Special arrangements can be made for College/District 
sponsored groups external to the Maricopa District to use 
the network.

HOW DOES THE TOOL SUPPORT EFFECTIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING?
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VCN-shared class schedules begin development one year in 
advance of the class being delivered. The VCN Coordinating 
Committee, comprised of the Deans of Instruction or designee 
from each participating college, jointly develops the class 
schedule. Any faculty member wishing to deliver a class on 
VCN should contact his or her Dean of Instruction for 
further information.

Support materia1s are available to anyone who wishes to use 
VCN. These materials indude: an introductory brochure 
outlining the benefits and applications of VCN, a User 
Guide, a faculty guide (available at MCLl), a reservation 
form, and evaluation forms. To receive any if this 
information, send an A-1 message to VCN.

Technical assistance and training is available upon request 
from any VCN site. For a complete list of contracts for VCN, 
refer to the VCN brochure or User Guide.

CONTACT PERSONS
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Janet Whitaker, MST/ITS       731-8822
Ann Barrett, DIST/ITS            731-8876