Introduction

• web browsers
• search engines
• chat rooms
• FTP
• images & animation
• regular video & audio
• streaming video & audio
• electronic whiteboards
• MUD's & MOO's
• videoconferencing
• web authoring tools
• push technologies
• site capturing
• intranets

References

Videoconferencing

Modern computers and broadband Internet connections allow users to view in real-time (with some delay to allow for network traffic) video with audio of an individual or a group at another location. Known as video conferencing, this communication can occur using modest video cameras and microphones connected to desktop or laptops computers over common broadband Internet connections, or it can occur using to expensive video conferencing systems and dedicated circuits.

For educators videoconferencing provides the opportunity to participate in real-time audio and video conversations with individuals or groups located at a distant location. Because videoconferences are synchronous, participants must participate at the same time, so video conferences allow less flexible use of media than streamed or downloaded media, but the great advantage of videoconferencing is that participants can interact with each other.

Museums and organizations with students as target audiences offer videoconferencing as a method through which students can access resources located at a distance and without the expenses real ted to travel. Teachers are also using videoconferencing to organize discussions between classes located in different schools, and to conduct professional discussions and meetings in real-time but without the need to travel.

Depending on the complexity of the videoconferencing equipment one has available and that can be configured to work on both ends of the video conference circuits, the technical issues of participating in a videoconferencing can either be very easy to resolve or very difficult to resolve. Prior to planning to participate in any videoconference, educators should ensure there is sufficient bandwidth on the network to be used, that the videoconferencing clients on each end of the conference are compatible, and that the school Internet filter allows videoconferencing traffic.

Resources for videoconferncing:

• AT&T (2006) provides this dated (but still very useful) overview of video conferencing.
• The Videoconferencing Cookbook (Video Development Inititive, 2004-206) is a site that provides a comprehensive review of the issues and technologies related to using video conferencing in schools.