Chapter-11 (Audio & Video Conferencing)



Question: What is audio and video conferencing?

Answer:  Video Conferencing

Video is used for content that must be presented utilizing visuals such as video tape, slides, charts, graphs, drawings and demonstrations. Since video is a more expensive medium to use because of the cost of wide band transmission, it should be used selectively when the content requires it. All content does not need to be presented over video. After primary information has been presented on video, some interaction may take place if there is time left in the class period and if the instructor has planned for interaction.

Audio Conferencing

To continue the discussion during the next regular class period, the class can meet via audio conference bridge. The equipment required for this is an audio conference bridge with enough ports on it to accommodate the size of the class. During the audio conference the instructor can present new material that does not require video for presentation, answer questions, and set up and interaction between students so that they are able to share information and experiences. Audio conferencing should be used when synchronous (real time) discussion is required. During the early part of the course, audio conferencing can be used more to dispel the student's sense of isolation from instructor and peers. Formal audio conferences should be scheduled well in advance, an agenda should be set by the instructor, and students should have hard copies in their study guide or text of visuals that were used in the video class. To bring a different element into the course, guest experts in the content field can be asked to present lectures or participate in question and answer periods through the audio conference. Additional visual materials can be mailed, faxed to students. Text can be sent via computer. Attendance should be taken during the audio conference and the instructor should require students to interact as part of their grade. Classes should be taped and made available to students.
Question: What is the use of audio and video conferencing?

Answer:

Use of Audio & Video Conferencing:

1.      Significant Travel Savings

2.       Improved Communication

3.      Increased Productivity

4.      Conferencing Quality


Question: What are the factors affecting video conferencing?

Answer: Video conferencing quality can make or break an implementation project. It's important to understand how video resolution and frame rate affect image quality, and how much bandwidth you'll need in the underlying network.

Question: What are the advantages or usefulness of video conferencing?
Answer: Videoconferencing provides businesses with the ability to meet and to work with others over a distance. The following list includes several examples of the benefits for businesses using videoconferencing:
  • Reduce travel costs.
  • Improve use of executive time.
  • Speed up decision-making.
  • Keep meetings brief and more focused than face-to-face meetings.
  • Enable top management to quickly and effectively communicate with employees sitting in multiple locations.
  • Allows virtual project management via video and data conferencing with geographically dispersed peer groups at short notice.
  • Provides an effective way of delivering cost-efficient training to individuals without the requirement to consistently travel to central locations.
  • Creates a medium for conducting interviews.