Implications

It is likely that the use of video conferencing will continue to increase over the next few years. PCs and workstations often have many of the components of a video conferencing system built in, and networks, particularly internal ones, will be better able to cope with the increased traffic. These factors, and others such as increased travel problems and financial restraints will encourage the uptake of video conferencing to provide remote lecturers, remote seminars and courses, distance learning and telecommuting.

Apart from technological aspects, there are a number of other factors that affect the success of a video conference. It is necessary to be aware of the conventions used in a conference, how to ask questions or interrupt, how to switch site and so on. Although many of the conventions may be those used in traditional face to face meetings, the environment is slightly different, and some training will be required. In particular teaching staff will need to learn an additional set of skills to use video conferencing facilities. Different strategies for presenting material and encouraging student interaction will be required.

Without training the video conferencing systems will be under used. Therefore there may be an increasing need for courses on using the basic video conferencing hardware and software, and on presentation skills.