Have you attended a meeting via DAVID?  DAVID stands for DAkotas VIDeo system.  The system allows people to see each other by video and also audio in real time.  Dakotas Conference leadership, agencies and churches  utilize DAVID for meetings, trainings and business.

This past year,  sites or places that host a DAVID meeting have expanded from six to twenty.  North Dakota sites include Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, Jamestown, Minot, and Williston.  South Dakota sites are Aberdeen, Mitchell, Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, and Watertown. 

DAVID has also expanded to the Minnesota Conference.  Sites in Minnesota include Grand Rapids, Minneapolis, Redwood Falls, Rochester, and Sartell. 

Additionally, desktop video conferencing is available through the use of software resources “Jabber Video –MOVI” and “Conference Me.”  These tools allow participants to connect from anywhere.  The quality of the connection is dependent on the speed of the internet and,  the webcam and audio that is available through the computer. 

Video conferencing saves time and money.  In 2013, it is estimated over 2,500 of travel time to meetings was saved.  In addition, $40,000 of travel expenses were not spent to travel to meetings and events. 

The DAVID system allows people the may have not had the opportunity to participate in meetings and events because of geographic distances.  The conference is able to involve a more diverse group of people.

How do you use the DAVID system?

If you have a meeting or event that you would like to have by videoconference simple e-mail the communication team at dakumcom@dakotsumc.org.  You will need to provide this information:  the date and time of your meeting or event, including the start time and ending time; what sites you would like to utilize;who will be participating at each site; and contact information of the meeting or event organizer.

How does it work?

The system is managed by software on a server at a remote site.  Once the meeting is scheduled in the software you simply need to turn on the TV at the site you are attending and wait to be connected. 

What happens if I have problems?

There is always someone “on call” to assist you.  The meeting or event organizer will be given contact information of someone to call if there is an issue during the connection. 

Costs

The annual costs to operate the DAVID system are projected at $45,000.  This amount covers the costs of the internet at each site, server, and maintenance agreements. 

Each year $25,000 is being dedicated to equipment updates.  This includes money towards the purchase of a new bridge.  The bridge is the software and server that makes it all work.  Over the next few years high definition equipment will be installed at each site, replacing the standard definition units. 

Livestreaming and recording

The DAVID system also allows for viewing of a meeting or event live.  The content server will generate a link so that anyone that would like to can view at a computer with an internet connection. 

Live viewing or live streaming has been available during the annual conference session.  In 2014 , there were over 500 hits to the live stream feed during the Annual Conference session held in Rapid City. 

Videoconferences can also be recorded.  The content server generates an archive and meetings can be viewed at another time.  For example, the opening worship at the 2014 Annual Conference session was recorded and can be viewed as this link.

DAVID is not perfect

Videoconferencing is a convenience.  However, not every meeting and event should be held via DAVID.  A group should be familiar with the practices, participants, and the purposes of their work before attempting to utilize videoconferencing.

It is wise to know each other and the scope of the work before trying to utilize technology to meet.  Many committees and agencies throughout the conference schedule a combination of face-to face meetings and DAVID meetings.  This combination approach creates an optimum culture for accomplishing the goals of purposes of the group.   

If you have questions or would like to learn more about the DAVID system contact Doreen Gosmire by e-mail or phone 605-990-7794.