What is MediaCAST

MediaCAST is an on-demand learning platform purchased by the CCSD to enhance the delivery of lessons in the classroom.

The system provides stored resources such as Windows Media, QuickTime, Flash, Shockwave, MP3, and other audio/video/document formats.

It also delivers live cable TV via the district’s connection to the local cable provider, and it provides an avenue for schools to broadcast live events within the school and/or across the district.

Events can also be recorded, copyright permitting, and uploaded to the system for later viewing.

MediaCAST is available 24/7 from home for teacher use at: http://mediacast.cherokee.k12.ga.us.

Please note that cable TV is not available when logging on to the system from outside of the district network.

INTENDED USE:

The primary function of MediaCAST is to provide educational resources for daily classroom instruction.

Secondary functions may include broadcasting or recording of special events such as school newscasts, guest speakers/presenters, etc.

In the event of an emergency the system may be reconfigured to allow for effective communication throughout the district.

The system is not intended for entertainment purposes.

FEATURES:

1. Digital TV:

Delivers live cable TV via the district’s connection to the local cable TV provider. Cable TV channels cannot be changed by end users.

2. Stored Media Resources

All items within the digital library are available for use as needed by CCSD staff.

Use the Quick Search or Advanced Search features to access stored resources.

Note: Due to license agreements with content providers, some items may be removed based on expiration date.

3. OnAir

A one-way video conferencing for presenting to a group that does not need to interact with the presenter.

Sessions can be recorded for later viewing.

AUTHORIZED USERS:

All district employees with a CCSD network account are permitted to use the system.

Users must adhere to the District’s Acceptable Use Policy when using network resources in addition to the guidelines set forth in this document when using MediaCAST.

UNAUTHORIZED USERS:

At this time, students are not permitted to log on to MediaCAST. Students may be given links provided by the External URL feature within MediaCAST to view only the resource needed.

Additionally, parents, volunteers, guests, etc. are not permitted to sign into MediaCAST, but items of interest to the general public may be provided through the use of an External URL.

LIVE BROADCAST GUIDELINES:

Copyright:

When broadcasting pre-recorded material, users must be certain that no copyright infringement takes place. Digital resources with Creative Commons, royalty free or no copyright restrictions are preferred. If resources are used that are protected by copyright, the school must obtain written permission from the copyright owner/publisher to use their material in the broadcast.

LIVE BROADCAST GUIDELINES cont. :

When obtaining copyright permission, a copy of written permission must be kept on file at the school as long as the resource exists.

Once the archived file and all backups are removed, the permission letter can be destroyed. District personnel will audit copyright compliance as needed.

Before any broadcast containing copyrighted material is made available to the general public (live or recorded), proof of compliance will be required.

Student Appearances:

Because some events may be broadcast outside of the district network or made available online for on- demand viewing, students that appear in live broadcasts or are recorded through MediaCAST must not be on the “Do Not Publish” list.

Student Appearances cont. :

The staff member responsible for the content of the broadcast or recording should verify their local school list to ensure that there is no breach of confidentiality or security for students involved.

UPLOADING CONTENT:

Content uploaded to the servers should be beneficial for a large population of the school or for the district as a whole.

Media servers must not be used to store work-in-progress, personal media files or inappropriate content.

EXTERNAL URL:

All staff members have the ability to share media resources using the External URL feature.

Directions for using this tool can be found by searching the MediaCAST database.

Because the CCSD purchases copyrighted content, users are not permitted to post links to non-CCSD created resources housed in MediaCAST.