Birnbaum said that while his responsibility rests with producing lectures, he would be enthusiastic to advise others on creating similar Web sites to produce streaming-video for different University functions.
"I hope this shows other people the way to do it," said Birnbaum. "I hope the place is full of Web sites of streaming stuff. The livelier BC looks on the Web, the better off we are. More students will be attracted here. More alumni will be attracted to give money to the school."
Academic Vice President and Dean of Faculties John Neuhauser agreed with Birnbaum and Herbeck, saying that he likes the Web site and hopes that Front Row and sites featuring streaming-video can grow at BC.
"From an academic standpoint, it's just a terrific thing to have," said Neuhauser. "I wish we had a broader bandwidth so you could see it in a larger, more fine-grain picture. It's a terrific way to showcase the things a university can do with terrific outside speakers and discussion about topics, which are not necessarily classroom topics."
Neuhauser said BC has used other types of streaming-video in conjunction with a program in Scotland through the Center for International Partnerships and Programs (CIPP); students can use the video to help with coursework.
Birnbaum said events appearing on Front Row must be of interest to the general public, have strong content, and be of high quality. Front Row focuses on events that are free to the public and airs events regardless of political viewpoints. While Front Row tapes are not edited, Birnbaum hopes to edit material as videos of more events become available to the public.
"We will be able to produce much more polished highlights of a week at BC," said Birnbaum. "You're not going to need a television station to beam it to the world. You won't have to pay a cable company to carry the signal."
Spring Break
