[ VIDEOCONFERENCING HOMEPAGE ]
What is Videoconferencing?
Videoconferencing is the simultaneous transmission of video and audio between two or
more geographically remote sites. Through this technology users based at different locations
are able to see and talk to each other in real-time.
This technology is not only limited to audio-visual links - it also incorporates sharing
of data such as printed material, overhead projector transparencies, 3-D objects, computer
based presentations and videos.
Types of Videoconferencing
During a videoconference, the audio and video are compressed and transmitted over a
digital network. There are two main categories of videoconferencing depending on the technology
used to transmit compressed data:
- IP (Internet Protocol) videoconferencing -
the compressed data is transmitted over the same networking infrastructure used by e-mail & Web pages.
- ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) videoconferencing -
the compressed data is transmitted over the ISDN lines of the public telephone network.
The IT Services supports both IP and ISDN videoconferencing.
The IT Services can offer high quality IP videoconferences through the GÉANT2 high-speed research
and education network. The GÉANT2 network connects the research networks in 34 European countries
and is also interconnected with other research networks across the world.
Users are encouraged to make use of IP conferencing rather than ISDN conferencing. ISDN links
that originate from the University of Malta are relatively more expensive compared to IP conferencing.
More information about charges involved in organising a videoconference is available
here.
Benefits & Uses
There are several benefits and applications of videoconferencing. The main benefits derived from
use of this technology are the financial and time savings.
In the educational context, videoconferencing can be used for:
- Lectures, meetings & conferences -
Staff & students at remote sites can participate in interactive lectures, meetings & conferences
saving on travel costs and time. Videoconferencing will therefore minimise on disturbances in teaching
and learning routines.
- Research reviews & assessment -
Videoconferencing enables local tutors & students to interact with external examiners in the assessment
of a dissertation/thesis.
- Expert Sessions - Staff & students are able
to interact with experts or guest speakers at remote locations. Similarly local experts can conduct interactive
sessions with students situated at remote locations.
- Collaborative working - Staff & students can
discuss projects with persons located at remote sites.
- Interactions with people at 'inaccessible' sites -
Students can interact with people located at venues (e.g. an engineering workshop or an operating theatre) which
are logistically inaccessible to groups of students.
- Vendor communications - Staff can interact with
international vendors before purchasing equipment for their department. They can follow product demonstrations
and clarify any issues they have about any aspect of the equipment.
- Staff recruitment - Videoconferencing can be used
to conduct interviews with prospective staff that are away from Malta.
Last updated: 29-Aug-07
