How to Use Video Conferencing For Educational Training

Video conferencing as a modality to deliver educational training is a widespread practice. Schools as well as businesses use video conferencing for a variety of reasons, the most common being convenience. Video conferencing can bring students and teachers together without forcing them to drive long distances to attend class. There are several ways to set up a video conference, some require major investment in time and infrastructure, while others are relatively easy and inexpensive. It all depends on what the school or business wants to accomplish with the video conference.

Things You'll Need

• Video cameras
• Speakers
• Projectors
• Internet access
• Microphones

Instructions

Small or One-to-One Video Conferencing

1. Determine the goals of the video conference before deciding on what equipment to use. A simple one-to-one meeting over distance can be accomplished with a small video camera attached to the computer and a headset with attached microphone. Both parties in the conference need to be connected via the Internet using one of several available services like SKYPE or Adobe Connect, or NetMeeting. Some of these services are free while others charge a fee.

2. Check with the service to see what the limitations are before arranging the conference. For example, SKYPE is good for one-to-one conferencing if you want to retain the video aspect. You can have up to 15 callers in a SKYPE call, but will lose the video with the third caller. SKYPE is free. Adobe Connect will allow multiple callers with video, but there is a charge to use Adobe Connect. NetMeeting is another free service that has specific features and limitations as well.

3. Explore other web-based options to find out what the best solution for your small or one-to-one conference is. Start with the IT department at your school to see what is available internally before trying other outside options. All parties in the conference will need to have web cameras, speakers and microphones. Headsets work best in areas where noise will bother others. A Logitech laptop webcam is $99.99, and Logitech noise canceling headsets range in price from $29.99 to $49.99 at Office Max.

4. Decide on the time for the video conference and make sure all parties are given log-in information or are at their desks ready to accept a video call. Spend a few minutes before the conference starts checking audio and video to make sure everyone has access and can participate. The conference will start by either clicking on a link in a message (for a web-based conference such as Adobe Connect) or by calling a phone number (for a call-based conference like SKYPE).

5. Have an agenda or schedule prepared so the conference can move along on time. If there are handouts, make sure they are emailed to all participants before the start of the conference so everyone is prepared. Some web based video conferencing applications have chat features so participants can type questions during the presentation. Others have audio access for everyone so they can ask questions directly to the presenter. Set guidelines for handling interaction like questions and comments.

Video Conferencing on a Bigger Scale

1. Teach a class over distance using video conferencing. Entire courses can be taught via video conferencing in a synchronous environment over great distances. This is done through what has been called "Interactive Television," although television is no longer used. Students are present in classrooms equipped with cameras, speakers, projectors and large screens. There are typically three to five classrooms in different parts of the city, county, state, country, or even world with students meeting at the same time.

2. Schedule the students into classrooms most convenient for them. The teacher will be in one of the classrooms, sometimes traveling to different sites on different days. The teacher delivers the content to all the classrooms through equipment like computers, document cameras, DVD players, etc. just as in a regular classroom. The difference here is the images projected from the computer, document camera, or DVD are all broadcast to the other classrooms so all the students can participate in the class.

3. Speak clearly and ask that the students also speak clearly, using the microphones in the classroom. Make sure that everyone looks at the cameras when talking, not necessarily at the teacher, who will actually be at the back of the room. Even though some of the students are miles away, the cameras and speakers bring them all into the same "virtual" classroom where they can learn and interact as if they are all in the same room.

4. Instruct the participants in the video conference on the rules of the classroom, with extra emphasis on noise and distractions. The microphones are very sensitive and will pick up shuffling papers, whispers, and other small noises and broadcast them to everyone in the course, where they will become much larger noises. Even though a teacher is not present at all the sites, the students are still expected to behave as if the instructor is right there.

5. Once the class session is over, make sure all the equipment is turned off and put away. Find out from the campus personnel what is required when leaving the conference classroom. The cameras and other equipment are very expensive and need to be protected. Convey to the students information needed for the next class meeting. Email or post online all course materials and handouts. Record the session if possible for those who miss class.

Tips & Warnings

• Take care of sensitive equipment such as cameras and microphones.

• Be aware of clothing you are wearing when on camera. Avoid stripes, checks, and loud colors or patterns.

References

• Office Max
• Polycom

Resources

• Web Conferencing Guide
• SKYPE
• NetMeeting