Pacific Bell's Education First Initiative helped connect schools, libraries and community colleges via ISDN lines (integrated services digital network). These high speed networks are capable of carrying large amounts of text, voice and video data over existing telephone lines. This guide is designed to help teachers, librarians, and students use videoconferencing technology effectively. If you're new to videconferencing, this site will provide the background you need to get started. Experienced videoconferencers will find ideas, strategies, resources, and checklists to help improve the quality of their videoconferencing. Please see our publications and links pages for print materials (pdf) and related articles. Introduction | Examples | Instructional Strategies | Multipoint | Compressed Video | Equipment | Communication Skills | Planning | Evaluating

What is videoconferencing?

Videoconferencing technology allows two or more people at different locations to see and hear each other at the same time. In addition, it is often possible to sharine computer applications such as Internet pages, library catalogs, or software. This rich communications technology offers new possibilities for schools, colleges, and libraries including formal instruction (courses, lessons, and tutoring), connection with guest speakers and experts, multi-school project collaboration, professional activities such as meetings and interviews, and community events (see our examples page for elaboration).

Placing an ISDN video call is a lot like placing a telephone call. After you connect, you see the other person in color video and may be able to transfer files or collaborate via options such as document sharing or whiteboarding. The video frame rate varies from 5-30 frames per second, depending on the connection, hardware, and software.

Basic Videoconferencing Technology

A videoconference system must have audio-visual equipment (monitor, camera, microphone, and speaker) as well as a means of transmitting information between sites. As you can imagine, a broadband satellite connection with studio-quality equipment produces an excellent full-motion video connection, but the equipment and transmission expense is huge. Recent advances in computer and telecommunications technologies have sparked an interest in compressed video systems, which transmit information via today's Internet or telephone network, greatly reducing the cost of videoconferencing.

Videoconferencing connections may be limited to a closed network (such as a LAN) or may use public networks (such as regular phone lines). Many connect via ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) because it is an economical solution for high-quality videoconferencing. ISDN works over regular copper telephone lines, transmits at a minimum of 128 Kbps per line, and provides dedicated bandwidth for smooth audio and video (15-30 frames per second). The preferred rate for events is at least 384 Kbps.

In contrast, an Internet-based connection shares or competes for bandwidth with other Internet data, which may cause audio clipping or delays resulting in jerky video on slow networks. Many schools, libraries, and other institutions are developing high bandwidth networks and are experiencing better results with IP videoconferencing. Many believe that the Internet will eventually replace ISDN as the medium of choice for videoconferencing.

Benefits

As an interactive communication medium, two-way video stands out in a number of ways. First of all, it's almost like being there. The visual connection and interaction among participants enhances understanding and helps participants feel connected to each other. This goes a long way toward building relationships in a way that e-mail, telephone, or online chat systems cannot, supporting collaboration among traditionally isolated institutions. A videoconference can improve retention and appeal to a variety of learning styles by including diverse media such as video or audio clips, graphics, animations, computer applications. Educators and librarians from around the country report that videoconferencing technology impacts student learning in the following ways:

Heightens Motivation

Improves communication, presentation, and "SCANS" skills

• Students perceive video guests as important and are more conscious of their appearance and oral communication.
• When students plan and implement the videoconference, they learn important communication and management skills.

Increases Connection with the Outside World

• When a live visit is not possible, videoconferencing makes a face-to-face visit is possible and an ongoing relationship can take place.
• Videoconferencing is usually easier than visiting so communication can be more frequent, saving time and resources.
• Students have a greater opportunity to form meaningful relationships with children or others who may be very different from them.
• The richness of the communication supports the formation of relationships between learners and mentors/role models.

Increases Depth of Learning

• Students learn to ask better questions
• Learning is from a primary source rather than from a textbook
• Students show more depth in understanding
• Necessary planning contributes to a better learning experiences.

First posted 1995.

Pacific Bell Knowledge Network Explorer
Copyright © 1995-2001 Pacific Bell -- All Rights Reserved
URL: http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/vidconf/intro.html