Someone can’t attend the videoconference because they are out of town; how can they participate?

There are three ways to participate in a videoconference:
•    Gain access to a H.323 videoconferencing system
•    Call in using a telephone
•    Connect to the conference using a browser on a computer

Each of these alternatives has their advantages and disadvantages. Gaining access to a H.323 videoconferencing unit can be difficult, but it would provide you with full audio/video interaction with the other participants in the videoconference. If you are visiting a university it may be possible to schedule time on one of their systems. If you have good Internet access where you are visiting and have a computer that supports desktop videoconferencing, this can also be a good alternative and would provide full audio/video interaction.

If you do not have access to the Internet or to H.323 equipment, it is possible for you to use a standard telephone (even a cell phone) to dial into the videoconference. Just dial the telephone number (1-847 467 0001). You will hear a recorder voice asking you to dial the extension of the session you want to join. Just dial the number of the conference followed by a pound sign (#). You will be able to hear all of the conference participants and they will be able to hear you.

If the person who schedules the videoconference selects the option to have the conference streamed, then you will be able to use a computer with a browser to join the conference. You will be able to hear and see all of the conference participants but of course they will not be able to see or hear you.

If the videoconference includes data (e.g. PowerPoint), participation is a little more difficult. The best situation is if the data materials were distributed before hand. If they are available for browsing over the Web, that might work as well. Of course the best situation is if you have good H.323 access and can view the data as others in the conference would view it.