Thread: Video Conferencing overview

Video Conferencing




I was pushed today to offer some thoughts on the use of video conferencing and initially it was hard to be anything other than cautionary.
I remembered that when I was teaching back into the mid 90's there was much chatter about the possibilities of video conferencing which then as now was on the surface a very attractive solution to teacher shortages in certain subjects (physics, languages) and accessing specific expertise in Higher Education. There were also good arguments for broadening children's appreciation of different cultures and ways of living around the world.
A quick Google search found this Becta report from 2004 that concludes “Video conferencing is currently a relatively underused technology in schools, often pursued by a few enthusiasts and with its educational potential across a wider curriculum still to be fully explored.” Although now a few years old, I think this is still relevant today.
Possibly things might be changing! With the development of new Internet technologies that use video and voice over internet protocols, iChat being the best one I can think of, the power to video conference is put in the hands of the learner not the control of the teacher. This development might just be the thing to help video conferencing take off, freeing the teacher to focus on enabling opportunities rather than making the technology work and marshalling students from A to B for high investment, high stakes events.
I would argue that is much better for a student to 'fire up' iChat (or the equivalent) to network from their laptop computer (not to mention portable devices!) and engage in an authentic learning activity rather than traipse down the corridor to a dedicated room for a pre-determined video conferencing ‘event’.
Some reasons for video conferencing not taking off with the old technology:
1. it s a relatively problematic and challenging experience to set up and run successfully – the risk of failure is relatively high:
2. much planning effort required if a meaningful learning experience is to be developed – that is not just sitting, smiling, and waving at each other….
3. timetabling and class management can be difficult
4. technological issues are always a risk
Although not a reason for video conferencing not taking off, I would also argue that there are questionable pedagogical implications. The rationale for some video conferencing is that Inbuilt into the assumption that we need to see and listen to an expert because he has something important to tell us - a transmission model of education. I understand that it doesn't have to be this way, but I think that without care this may be the default mode of video conferencing.

Hi

I have been making computerised presentations for audio-visual programmes and short films since 1980. The body has aged to 60 but the mind yearns for more and more.

Am deeply interested in the current technologies being developed as well as availabile facilities for independent and conference use; would be obliged to just initiate any kind of learning correspondence on the subject. Am doing my reading of your posted page and others on the net.

Look forward to your reply.

Regards

My email : dippykakkar@yahoo.com

Thanks for sharing such a useful information's and thoughts on Video conference. Video conference is becoming more popular among the Business people for their business meetings, Educational and training purposes. video conference has lot of good advantages in business as well as personal reduce the traveling. By the way have you heard of which is the world's largest and virtual conference on Cloud Computing its events, innovations and also covering latest trends. I got a good opportunity to update my knowledge on computing Industry and also great opportunity to meet and talk with the world's leading experts on cloud computing. This Cloud Computing Conference 2009 is the 1st annual virtual and video conference on Cloud Computing Industry.

Thanks for the info

Video Conferencing is restricted to only large companies

Even with high bandwith ability you might get stuttering, voice loss and picture loss. In that case "the flow" of the meeting may be lost especially if you are doing the selling or convincing.

If you organized and proposed video conference and the technology lets you down, your business partner may lose confidence in you.

Great information about the Video conferencing method. Thanks for sharing it here. Most of the conference are using the video conference method. I got a good experience on video conference is by participating in the Cloud Computing Conference 2010 which is the World's largest conference on Cloud computing. I came to know about the conference through

Originally Posted by Aamy1980

Great information about the Video conferencing method. Thanks for sharing it here. Most of the conference are using the video conference method. I got a good experience on video conference is by participating in the Cloud Computing Conference 2010 which is the World's largest conference on Cloud computing. I came to know about the conference through

Hi

I know another company who provide Conferencing facility. Name of that company is Arkadin India. u can search it on google.

Thanks

I know another company who provides Web conferencing facility. Name of that company is Arkadin India. Search it on Google.

Thanks

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