Videoconferencing is a form of technology that allows two or more people at different locations to see and hear each other at the same time by using computer networks to transmit audio and video data.

• Live and Synchronous
• Immediate Comments and Dialogue
• Immediate questions/answers
• Can improve students' memory retention by appealing to a variety of learning styles
• Lectures/teaching models can be transferred easily to videoconferencing
• Provides access to the visual data (video and audio clips, graphics, animation)
• Nonverbal communication cues that reassure us in our discussion process
• Participants can jointly view and discuss images
• Can bring many people together from different locations and share ideas, share data, opinions, observations
• Can reduce miscommunication
• Is adaptable to many locations - groups can be linked in to an individual host/facilitator

 

Use the links above to learn more about videoconferencing

EDUC 643
Faith Bivens
Debra Dixon
Jeffery Goldman
Elizabeth Hernandez-Lopez
Amy Seidel

• Requires specialized equipment
• Availability of bandwidth may not be enough to produce a smooth image quality or that the cost of upgrading telephone lines to achieve it would be expensive
• Cost of equipment can be expensive to purchase or rent, since each location would need access to it
• Technology can be distracting and difficult to use
• Demands a fixed time schedule/transmission time
• Difficult to coordinate with participants in different time zones or with different schedules
• Not suited well for text-based presentation
• Dependent on other channels of communication for a good flow of communication
• Participants sometimes are not trained in conference etiquette and therefore don't specify who questions are addressed to.
• One author stated it's hard to be creative in video-conferencing…
• Power outages and network failures
• Shy participants
• Uncooperative facilitators
• Mixed abilities of participants and/or facilitators
  

• A multimedia Macintosh or PC desktop computer
• A computer sensitive hands-free Microphone
• A set of computer speakers
• A sound card (this is used to process audio)
• Digital Video Camera
• Headset (if you prefer)
  

PRIOR TO THE SESSION Rehearse with the site coordinator or technical person Make a test call		AFTER THE SESSION Follow up on all questions and give timely and constructive feedback Evaluate the program Make necessary changes Thank the participants onsite and participants offsite
DURING THE SESSION Start the session on time Provide large name cards for students to place in front of them Give students' practice time Explain logistics and rules for behavior Mute the microphones when you are not speaking		Explain discussion rules and special signals you may have for students to gain their attention Discuss the distribution of material Be specific about how you would like the discussion to take place Encourage students to be assertive and to share information during class session

 

 

 

• Expect to see the person who is speaking on your TV. When another person speaks, the
  TV screen will flip to that person. The TV, then, is voice activated.
• Expect to TAKE TURNS talking
• When the teacher calls on your school, speak clearly and distinctly in your microphone
• When your school is not talking, make sure your microphone is OFF.
• DO NOT HAVE SIDE CONVERSATIONS
• Make a name card with your name in large print and place it in front of you
• If you are not sitting at a table, take your name sign with you to the microphone
• Remember these sessions are being videotaped. Others will watch the tapes so make a good impression.
• BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHERS