The original AT&T Education First Initiative helped connect California 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. Today, numerous educational facilities are using or contemplating using videoconferencing over a variety of networks including the most common, ISDN or IP (Internet Protocol) networks.
This guide is designed to help teachers, librarians, and students use videoconferencing technology effectively. If you're new to videoconferencing, 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 try searching our Videoconferencing Directory to determine who else has videoconferencing. Join our Collaboration Collage (aka ed1vidconf) listserv to see what they are doing with it!
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 share computer applications such as Internet pages, library catalogs, documents, 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 a 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. Regular broadcast TV is 30 frames per second (fps).
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 expense is huge. Advances in telecommunications technologies and lower costs have sparked an interest in compressed video systems which transmit information via the Internet using Internet Protocols (IP) and digital telephone networks such as ISDN.
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.
Internet-based connections are increasing in popularity. IP-based video shares or competes for bandwidth with other Internet data which may cause audio clipping or delays that result in jerky video or slow networks. Increasing numbers of schools, libraries, and other institutions are developing high bandwidth networks and are experiencing good results with IP videoconferencing. Many believe that the Internet will eventually replace ISDN as the medium of choice for videoconferencing. However, for the highest quality, ISDN is still most widely recommended.
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
"The excitement of using new technology and interacting with other students or adults increases motivation. "We have had students give up recess to do our programs and ask 'When are we doing that fun thing again?' "Kayla Dove, Liberty Science Center, New Jersey
"Several of our students gave up lunch hour to continue the dialogue and viewing!!!" James K. Tice, Supt. in Strafford, MO
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.
"Students see themselves on screen and realize that is how others see them. Over the course of the semester I have seen dress change, posture change, poise change, all for the positive." Paul Massmann, Concordia University Irvin
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.
"By removing the need for either the content provider or the students to travel, yet still providing a two-way audio AND video link, you're providing educational opportunities for interactions that would not otherwise exist." Bruce Betts, San Juan Capistrano Research Institute
"In terms of cost effectiveness, a number of video conferencing systems could be placed into schools and other centres for the same cost of bringing all Highland Council Secondary Guidance Teachers to Inverness for an in-service day. " newspaper excerpt contributed by John Bruce, Highland Council, UK
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.
"Videoconferencing lends itself to viewing multiple perspectives on an issue and it better addresses the needs of visual learners. Also, collaborative learning is practically automatic with videoconferencing. Videoconferencing helps set up authentic learning situations--students are working on a real-world problem or project and they are communicating with real people involved in the problem or project. This also supports the idea of authentic assessment--you must have your information pretty accurate before you connect with an "expert" and ask meaningful questions." Beth Bustamante, AT&T Education Advocate
"Because of the multiple camera set up we have here, there are times that off-site guests see things better then if they were here." Kayla Dove, Liberty Science Center, New Jersey
Education Advocate Expansion Education Advocates are now available to train and consult with customers nationwide with an emphasis in the 22 AT&T states. Contact us or your sales account manager if interested.
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First posted 1995.
Last modified
Thursday December 04, 2008
