Teleconferencing
Teleconferencing
“Teleconferencing means meeting through a
telecommunications medium. It is a generic term for
linking people between two or more locations by
electronics.”
There are at least four types of teleconferencing:
audio, audiographic, computer, and video. The
methods used differ in the technology, but common
factors contribute to the shared definition of
teleconferencing:
Types of Teleconferencing
1. Audio Teleconference: Voice-only; sometimes called
conference calling. Interactively links people in remote
locations via telephone lines. Meetings can be conducted
via audio conference. Preplanning is necessary which
includes naming a chair, setting an agenda, and
providing printed materials to participants ahead of time
so that they can be reviewed.
2. Audiographics Teleconference: Uses narrowband
telecommunications channels to transmit visual
information such as graphics, alpha-numerics,
documents, and video pictures as an adjunct to voice
communication.
Types of Teleconferencing
Devices include electronic tablets/boards, freeze-frame
video terminals, integrated graphics systems (as part of
personal computers), Fax, remote-access microfiche and
slide projectors, optical graphic scanners, and
voice/data terminals. It can be used for meetings and
distance learning.
3. Computer Teleconference: Uses telephone lines to
connect two or more computers and modems.
Anything that can be done on a computer can be sent
over the lines
Types of Teleconferencing
Using electronic mail (E-Mail), memos, reports, updates,
newsletters can be sent to anyone internet. Items generated on
computer which are normally printed and then sent by facsimile
can be sent by E-Mail.
Computer conferencing is an emerging area for distance
education. Some institutions offer credit programs completely
by computer. Students receive texts and workbooks via mail.
Students can assess course files, teachers can upload lectures,
grades and remarks. Students download these files, compose
their assignment and remarks off-line, then upload them to the
common files.
Students and instructors are usually required to log on for a
prescribed number of days during the week.
Types of Teleconferencing
4. Video Teleconferencing: Video teleconferencing is a method of
communicating between two or more locations in which sound,
vision and data signals are conveyed electronically to enable
simultaneous interactive communication. Much more personal and
effective than all types of conferencing, all parties involved can see
the facial expressions and body language that are so vital to the
way we communicate. Video conferencing works by using a few
different technologies. Some of these technologies are hardware
while others are software related.
A Video conference can be between two sites, i.e. locations which
are connected to each other via the video conference, or the
conference can connect multiple locations. It is a live link involving
both audio and video communication.
Types of Teleconferencing
Video conferencing requires high definition HD camera that
come with advanced features like remote control pan, tilt
and zoom, LCD, HD Plasma display or LDP Projectors for
HD video display, good quality microphones and speakers,
high speed internet connection for live streaming and a
conference environment.
If the environment or room is not specially built or equipped
for video conferencing, it is probable that there are not
enough lights to provide the optimum quality for the video
conference cameras. The result is a flickering visual noise
seen especially when the cameras are zoomed in. Also, the
room should be well designed to avoid the echo.
