IDL in Schools

REACT Upgrade

Over the holidays the REACT software was upgraded. Distance Education schools will be piloting and testing the new version over the next 2 months.

For those schools who are working with NTOEC, ASSOA or KSA the IDL Leaders will be assisting you with the REACT upgrade.

For those schools who have an urgent need for REACT and prepared to suffer a bit of pain (Pioneers have to be tuff…) please contact Margaret Littler or the IDL Leader in your region to discuss further.

NT Government and non-government Schools access IDL service through one-way satellite equipment installed at each school.

What is IDL for Schools
Schools use a one-way satellite to receive the IDL broadcast and the existing Telstra ntschools network for return audio, video, desktop sharing etc. The software used is Remote Educational And Conferencing Tool (REACT) which provides quality video and audio, collaborative tools such as text chat, collaborative storyboard, desktop sharing, file transfers, web browsing etc.

Currently schools using IDL are those working with NTOEC, ASSOA or KSA. The Distance Education school delivers either directly to the students or alternatively to teachers providing support and mentoring as required.

Depending on the bandwidth at the receiving schools, response can be via audio, or for schools with sufficient bandwidth (>10Mb) video return and desktop sharing. See here for schools and bandwidth.

There are some schools that are piloting the use of REACT in other scenarios eg using a mix of teleconferencing and video, using the ntschools networks only. These trials are in preliminary stages and preparing the way for more engagement once the IDL servers are centralized in the Chan Building (expected Sem 2 2007).

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Anywhere - Ability to use REACT from anywhere in the school connected to the schools network.

Collaborative - Able to use it in a number of ways eg just audio chat, video conference, simple presentation, full collaborative tool set including collaborative storyboard with text, graphics and desktop sharing etc.

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What you need to get started with REACT

• React log-on.
• React Software must be installed (requires Windows XP, SP2, Windows Medial Player 11, Dotnet Frameworks 2.0).
• Accessories such as webcams and microphones must be purchased and the drivers installed on the PC you intend to use.
• Connection to the ntschools network
• Assessment of your schools LAN/WAN

Schools should contact the IDL Leader in their region for further advice/details on what is required.

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Before Launching REACT
Some simple checks to do before your IDL session:

Is your internet working?
If not log a job with IT Services Centre on ph. 1800 756 657.

Is your PC plugged in and connecting to the school server (can you see your shared drives)?
If not check your blue cable is plugged in, then if the problem persists refer to your ICT.

Is your pentoffice plugged in and lights showing as follows:
Power/Lock – Solid Red; Link/Speed – Solid Red; Act – No light but flashes green when network activity is detected.
If not restart and if there is no improvement contact your IDL leader.

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What you see when you log into REACT
There are a number of venues or meeting places:

		This venue uses the schools VPN and the reflector to access REACT. (Note: Venues starting with VPN and in grey do not use the Optus network).
		ASSOA’s classroom Please contact the school if you would like to watch these lessons.
		AusStar Programs – available after school hours, provided primarily for ASSOA students. Contact ASSOA for more info.
		KSA’s classroom Please contact the school if you would like to watch these lessons.
		If you get this icon only – it usually means there is a problem with your network ie you are not connected or there is congestion. See the Troubleshooting Guide.
		Maningrida Classroom Maningrida are presenting from a portable studio at their hub school to their remote homelands.
		NTOEC’s classroom Please contact the school if you would like to watch these lessons.
		Special Events For all activities where schools and distance education students are invited.

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Logging onto REACT when using a teleconference
Click here for instructions on logging onto REACT.

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