March 8th, 2006

WATERLOO TECHNICAL SOCIETY

Wednesday, March 8th, 2006

Cedar Falls Holiday Inn (Greenstreets Restaurant)

TOPIC: VIDEO VISITING

Virtual Interactive Families (VIF) is a startup company that connects seniors to their families using a computer and a web camera. Seniors are an underserved population from the benefits of technology. Research indicates one of the top four ways to increase the quality of life for individuals is to connect them with their loved ones. Interactive video conferencing is a way to connect people living at distances. Technology networks, hardware, and software have come together enabling cost-effective, quality video conferencing for “any place, any where” application.

Presentation will include a discussion of the needed components for a successful video conference. It will include a real-time, interactive demonstration.

Speaker: Jo Dorhout

Jo Dorhout has a Masters Degree in Educational Technology and advanced graduate work in video conferencing. Most recently Jo was Instructional Technology Coordinator for the Waterloo Community School District. She now is President of Virtual Interactive Families (VIF), a company specializing in video conferencing with a target market of seniors and small businesses. VIF was recently invited to exhibit at the White House Conference on Aging. In 2005, VIF was recognized by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals as best practice for innovative approach to resident-centered health care.

Program Chair: Gary Dorhout

Price: $12.00 per person (includes tax, tip & room rent.)

Time: Social period: 6:00 P.M.

Dinner: 6:30 P.M. at Greenstreets Restaurant, 5826 University Ave., Cedar Falls

Presentation: 7:30 – 8:45 PM

Reservations: FOR THIS MONTH Contact Bob Tujetsch via phone (319) 234-1273 or email (tujets@mchsi.com ), or mail to 635 Alpine Drive, Waterloo 50702, by noon on Monday, 6 March 2006. Leave name and message on answering machine. Guests are welcome, please make a reservation. Indicate if special dinner preparations are necessary.

Dues: 2005-2006 Dues of $10.00 may be sent to the Treasurer: Verlyn Knief at P.O. Box 141, Waverly, IA 50677 or paid at the meeting. If your mailing label shows "S05", you are paid up through September 2005.