Uses of Video Conferencing

Video conferencing is used for a variety of purposes, including:

• Personal communication. Informal communication would normally use desk top systems. More formal meetings with several participants at each site would probably use dedicated studio settings.
• Collaborative work between researchers using shared applications
• Presentations
• Education. Teaching usually involves one to many connections. The student sites may receive audio and video but only send audio.

Video Conferencing is very useful whenever there is a clear communication need, and the benefits described by those using video conferencing systems include:

• Reduced travel costs
• Face to face rather than telephone meetings
• Better quality teaching
• Easier collaborative working