VIDEO COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN TEAMS

[GGCO]

I too would love to see something like this implemented. However, haven't there been efforts like this before that all have failed? For example, I remember (but cannot find) a thread last year that suggested we do the same thing using IRC and some special software. Or the thread about using Google Wave during kickoff (I think this idea had mild success to put it best). Another example is the (or lack of a) FRC team naming convention for twitter.

In order for this idea to take off, there will need to be several experienced and respected CD members using this system who will attract teams looking for help, and everyone would have to adhere to some set of standards. Some how this has to go viral but in an orderly fashion.

Ideally, a website like CD or TBA (something that has a big reputation in the FRC) would "sponsor"/promote/coordinate it. Realistically, neither of these two sites are going to want to write code for video conferencing (although there might be an open source API out there...).

What they could do is have a page that lists all the team's unique skype or whatever ids with a description of what that team has offered to give advice with. The rest would be up to those teams who gave their name.

[Chris is me]

Shaker has used Skype for inter-team collaboration and discussion before. It works about as well as you think it would.

I think I'll bring up the idea of leaving a computer on with Skype open during build meetings. Seems like there's a lot of good and not much harm that can be done with such an idea.

We don't need "video conferencing code" when Skype exists right now and anyone can have a video call with anyone at any time.

[DonRotolo]

Originally Posted by GGCO

However, haven't there been efforts like this before that all have failed?

So let's be the year that doesn't.

[dag0620]

Originally Posted by krudeboy51

well its the same but, i see that many people are switching to oovoo but skype can be used too

The thing is with oovoo is that is very popular amongst the average team. However if you get outside of webcaming with an average highschooler, I would say most people still use Skype. As mentioned before there is the current betta version out of skype with the 3+ video confrencing.

I can deffinatly see this working. As it is members of my team often use skype to commmunicate with eachother when outside of robotics meetings.

I might just go a little bit further to say that I think for at least my team useing skype around our building would be a good idea. With out shop at one end of the building (where things are getting built wired etc.) the audditorium on the other (where the robot gets programmed, tested, showed off, drive team practice) along with a couple diffrent classroms that are used for buisness, chairmans, and formal meetings, there is alot of running involved. With at least one avaible computer for skypeing in each of these areas, communication amongs the team spread throughout the building could work out alot better.

[BrendanB]

Google Wave failed because it was not set up for more than 20 people editing a page online at the same time. Skype however is easier for small uses such as listed above.

I like this idea!