Developing ICT

Video / web conferencing

Video or web-conferencing allows two (or more) individuals or groups to communicate, using either general purpose computers with suitable additional equipment, or special video or web-conferencing systems. As well as providing basic 'videophone' facilities, the software will provide a shared notepad and drawing pad, and the ability to share programs with the other participants(s).

A high speed communications link is necessary: the better the link, the better the quality of the video, and the speed of response when sharing computer programs. ISDN lines have been widely used in the past but are an expensive option: as well as the line rentals, participants may need to dial each other directly. Broadband Internet connections make it possible to videoconference without any ongoing line or call costs. A number of companies and organisations provide special services for multipoint conferences over broadband links.

Video or web-conferencing can be used to connect groups of students in different schools, or to put students in touch with individual 'experts' whom they could not otherwise meet, in the contexts of one-off events, longer projects, or structured distance learning.

The great advantage of video or web-conferencing is that it allows remote groups of people to meet and work together, creating learning opportunities that could not otherwise exist. The main constraint is the degree of planning and co-ordination required to organise the sessions themselves - particularly if the project takes place across different timezones.