Schools go high-tech with online 'gradcasts'

As if the internet hasn't changed lives already, now school districts are live-streaming their own events.

It didn't take much of an investment — just an inexpensive cable, a borrowed video camera and some free software — for Aldine to join the growing ranks of school districts that allow friends and family to watch graduation ceremonies from the comfort of their own homes.

"Gradcasts," as some techies call them, allow viewers to watch live streaming video of the ceremonies without the nightmares of parking, uncomfortable stadium seats and long restroom lines. The Web-based technology is catching on among some school districts who say it costs next to nothing to offer the extra service to students' families. Some districts have even started webcasting sporting events and pre-kindergarten graduations. School plays and open houses aren't far behind.

I suppose this is as good a time as any to ask...

If a Houston school district can sent live video of a Pre-Kindergarten "Graduation" ceremony over the web, why then is it so darn difficult for SigEp to present significant events at Conclave as webcasts? I'm just asking.

Schools go high-tech with online 'gradcasts' | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle