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Download PDF File Video Conferencing in UK Further and Higher Education . built videoconference rooms. Desktop systems are increasing in numbers and usage. s The technology has changed: With the development and implementation …

Senior Management Briefing

Video Conferencing in UK Further and Higher Education
This briefing has been prepared for senior managers in further and higher education institutions with responsibility for curriculum development and delivery strategies. It will be useful for Assistant, Deputy or Vice Principals, Pro Vice Chancellors, and Directors of Learning and Teaching.
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The technology has changed: With the development and implementation of SuperJANET4, the possibility of providing real time applications such as Videoconferencing and Video Streaming using IP has become a reality. Costs are decreasing: equipment is cheaper and Internet-based systems are cheaper to run than ISDN based systems, since there are no ISDN charges or telephone bills to pay. Functionality is increasing: Multi-site videoconferencing is becoming easy to do. 12 sites in a single meeting is standard in some communities. An additional PC and network connection added to the main videoconference facility enables participants to share PowerPoint slides, or look at web pages together, work on the same database or spreadsheet, share a whiteboard, and use instant text messaging while still seeing and hearing each other on the main videoconference screen. Desktop PC based systems are widely available which allow integrated videoconferencing and application sharing in different windows on the same screen. Standards have been established: Internet-based systems use standards such as H.323 and T.120. There are ISDN `gateways’ so that videoconferences can include both internet and ISDN sites.

What is videoconferencing?
Videoconferencing is a communications medium variously used for lectures, tutorials, workshops, project reviews, remote site visits, etc. A videoconference can be either two way (pointto-point) or multipoint, linking three or more sites with sound and video in real time. Multipoint conferences are technically more demanding. Depending on the system used, a videoconference can also include data sharing such as an electronic whiteboard that all participants can draw on, or text based real time `chat’ (like e-mail but it appears instantly on recipients’ screens) and application sharing such as word processors, spread sheets, CAD packages, etc, so that all participants can work on the same file.

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Why is videoconferencing important?
Videoconferencing has been around for quite a while. There are a variety of reasons why educational institutions and commercial organisations are taking a fresh look at it:
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What are the benefits?
Campus based uses
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It is widely available: All Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland HEIs and many English HEIs, and all Welsh FEIs, now have custombuilt videoconference rooms. Desktop systems are increasing in numbers and usage.

Guest speakers can be invited to add quality and variety to campus-based activities. Small group tutorials and seminars can be enriched with input from students at different sites.

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Video Conferencing in UK Further and Higher Education

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