SeaTrek Distance Learning Studio

What is IVC?

Interactive Videoconferencing (IVC) allows people at two or more locations to see and hear each other simultaneously. They can be as close as the next room, or as far away as the next hemisphere.

Videoconferencing systems can be small, remote-controlled devices that sit on top of a television. These have a built-in camera and microphone. They can also use software installed on a desktop computer or mobile device.

Starting a videoconference is similar to making a telephone call. Once connected, the two sites can collaborate by sharing documents, slides, video, white boards and more.

We offer Virtual Office Hours via Skype every Monday from 2:00-3:00 pm ET.

Click here for more details.

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How to Connect

To receive IVC programs from Mote Marine Laboratory, you will need a videoconferencing system capable of connecting at symmetrical speeds of 384 Kbps or more. Our connections are via IP (H.323) using a Polycom VSX 8000 system. Program recipients are responsible for dialing into our studios. Our IP numbers and testing protocols are emailed to the contact listed on the registration form. We no longer offer connections via ISDN.

The day of your conference, you may connect with us up to 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time to ensure the quality of your service. However, you must connect with us no later than 15 minutes after your start time to avoid cancellation and billing.

If you are having technical difficulty connecting to our studios just prior to or during your conference, you can reach our technician in the studio at 941-388-2904. All other times, call 941-388-4441 x 250.

Technical Questions?

Jason Robertshaw
Digital Learning Developer
jrshaw @ mote.org
941-388-4441 x 250

Test Calls

We recommend that you do a test call no later than five working days before your scheduled conference. To schedule a staffed test call, contact our Site Coordinator.

You may do an unstaffed test call anytime to our studio when it is not already booked (check our Calendar). We run an automated, looping video (see below) when we are not in an active connection. Our videoconference IP number and testing protocols are listed in your SeaTrek IVC Confirmation email.

SeaTrek's automated, looping test call video on YouTube

You should see our automated looping video on your screen when you successfully connect to our studios for an unstaffed test call. If you do not see our shark logo and hear the welcome message, your test call was not successful.

Media and Videotaping

If you are planning for media coverage during the delivery of your IVC program, please let us know. We always appreciate notification about press coverage of Mote Marine Laboratory events. Also, please note that direct videotaping of our IVC programs is not allowed without permission.

Multipoint Connections

For details about multipoint connections, please contact our Site Coordinator. Each additional site costs $75.

Billing and Scheduling Questions?

Kasey Gaylord-Opalweski
Site Coordinator
contact @ seatrek.org
941-388-4441 x 263

Billing and Cancellations

Please see our IVC Program page for current pricing. We will invoice you after successful delivery of each program. Payment is due in full upon receipt of the invoice. Checks should be made out to Mote Marine Laboratory, Inc. Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours prior to your confirmed videoconference date to avoid billing.

A 1.5% late charge will be added thirty days after the invoice date. Non-payment will result in the denial of further registrations from your organization.

Program fees will not be waived due to technical issues unless specific problems can be reliably traced to a SeaTrek hardware malfunction.