Video conferencing in schools
Video conferencing (VC) enables two or more individuals in different locations to talk to and see each other. Many schools have partnering arrangements with different schools around the World and VC is a particularly useful tool for contacting and arranging joint learning sessions with these partner schools in other continents.
VC sessions can also offer a medium for exchanging audio, image, video or any other type of digital file, enabling users to share computer applications and even work concurrently on a single file. Powerful document cameras can be coupled up to the video-conferencing equipment and can be incorporated into the system to show, in sharp focus close-up, details such as fine stitching, intricate design points or tiny 3D objects.
There are two types of VC system mainly used in UK schools:
Mobile self contained units
These “Roll-about” systems are complete VC packages housed within a wheeled cabinet. The quality is usually very high and they can use ISDN technology. They contain:
- one or two monitors on top of the cabinet
- at least one camera
- an audio system, including an echo canceller to handle audio feedback
- an audio suppresser unit to deal with background noise
- a control system
- a CODEC system to compress and decompress the audio and video signals.
Installed room systems
The next stage up is a permanent or semi-permanent installation in a dedicated room. This is the most expensive option but the audio and video quality are usually better than in a mobile unit and there is no setting up to do before a lesson.
Video conferencing connections
Internet connection quality is still not good enough to be used for regular teaching due to the varying bandwidths through which the transmission may have to travel, although this may well change as technology improves.
Most long-distance VC occurs over digital phone lines and ISDN is emerging as the most commonly used communications method.
We offer a mixture of digital ISDN, LAN/WAN and other connectivity, depending on what resources you already have and what you can afford.
Multipoint video conferencing
Conferences between three or more sites is known as multipoint video conferencing and requires additional hardware/software called a multipoint control unit (MCU) or bridge. The MCU can be either situated in-house or on the premises of a third party, such as a VC service provider.
Infacom can recommend a Video Conferencing System from a choice of manufacturers to specifically meet the needs of your school.
Call 01273 579930 to find out more.
For more information about our services or products, or to ask for a demonstration, please call 01273 579930 or email
