OJJDP has been using satellite videoconferencing since 1993 as a means of effectively and efficiently disseminating information to diverse juvenile justice constituencies across the United States. Satellite videoconferencing is a cost-effective means of delivering consistent training and information to individuals who live in geographically diverse areas, including persons whose location may limit their access to such information. Since 1993, OJJDP and grantee Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) of Richmond, KY, have produced 19 videoconferences for an estimated audience of more than 200,000 viewers. Other organizations have used videotaped copies of the broadcasts for their own internal training purposes. The videotapes are available for purchase from the Juvenile Justice Clearinghouse (see "How To Access Information From JJC").
During 1998, OJJDP sponsored six national satellite videoconferences. On average, 458 viewing sites, with an average estimated viewing audience of 13,730, tuned in to each of the videoconferences. Topics addressed in the 1998 videoconferences were developing comprehensive State juvenile justice plans, protecting children from online exploitation, teen courts, risk factors and successful interventions for serious and violent juvenile offenders, the White House Conference on School Safety, and juveniles in the criminal justice system.
EKU also initiated pilot tests of cybercast technologies during 1998. Using emerging technology, EKU can now simultaneously broadcast OJJDP videoconferences on the Internet. EKU conducted an audio-only test of the simulcast technique during the videoconference on school safety; more than 1,500 people participated in this broadcast via the Internet. EKU then conducted a second test, using full audio and video technologies, during the videoconference on juveniles in the criminal justice system. Merging Internet capabilities with satellite videoconferencing technology will allow even greater numbers of people to receive OJJDP's training and information in the future. Additional pilot tests are planned for 1999.
EKU also has conducted internal and independent external evaluations to assess potential modifications to the videoconferencing format. Evaluations of the six videoconferences produced in 1998 show that the majority of viewers find this method of information dissemination to be as effective as traditional conferences. Benefits cited by videoconference participants include the ease of participation, the opportunity for professional networking, and the sharing of information and ideas among audience members, panelists, and other downlink sites.
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| OJJDP Annual Report 1998 | October 1999 | |