11.Video Conferencing

 According to the Cambridge Dictionary, " Video Conferencing is a system that allows two or more people who are in different places to talk to and see each other using electronic technology". It is a medium by which people can connect to one another and conduct meetings via online without moving to a common place. It is free of cost and can be used by anyone, anywhere at any time. It is the quality of the data connection that determines the efficiency and consistency of the video conferencing. We can make use of electronic devices like mobile phones, tablets, laptops or desktop computers with inbuilt cameras or web cameras connected to the devices, for this purpose. The additional requirements include video conferencing software, a computer or conference phone and other peripherals like microphone, headset,  speaker and so on.

 Techniques in Video Conferencing

 Video Conferencing is powered by VoIP, Voice over telephone, the technology that makes voice communication over the internet possible. Inorder to transfer audio and video signals between two locations VoIP relies upon a special algorithm called Codecs (coder decoder).

 Data Compression (Coding)

 During the video conferencing, the camera captures the analog video (AV) signals and microphone captures the audio signals. These signals are transformed into data packets by the VoIP for the internet to understand and for the transfer to begin.

  Data Transfer and Decompression (Decoding)

 The data packets travel over the internet and reach its destination where it changes to analog video and audio signals for the receiver’s to understand.

  Types of Video Conferencing

 1.Point-to-Point Conferencing

2.Multi-Point Conferencing

Point-to-Point Conferencing

In Point-to-point conferencing there will be only two people engaged in the communication cycle. And it is limited to two locations. Individual to individual communication takes place here and they can link together anywhere at any time through the medium of internet from their respective PCs.

 Examples: Job interview

                  One-on-one customer support

 Multi-Point Conferencing

 Multipoint Conferencing can include three or more participants in the video conferencing and they can connect from different locations. It is also known as Group Video Conferencing. It makes use of a conference bridge which is a hardware or software used as a hub for large conference calls.

 Examples: Teem meeting

                  Video lectures

                  Webinars

 Applications for Video Conferencing

 Ring Central 

 https://www.ringcentral.com/

 

Microsoft Teams

https://www.microsoft.com/en-in/microsoft-teams/group-chat-software

 

Google Meet

https://workspace.google.com/intl/en_in/products/meet/

 

Zoom

https://explore.zoom.us/en/products/meetings/

 

 

ClickMeeting

https://clickmeeting.com/

 

GoToMeeting

https://www.goto.com/meeting

 

       

 

Features of Video Conferencing and its Importance in English Language Teaching

 1.Chat Features

It enables the participants in the video call to chat among the group and convey their ideas, thoughts and concepts via text messages. Important points, dates and other key information can be shared through the chats. It also helps the shy participants to involve themselves in the call. This chat makes use of the English language for communication purposes and pupils can develop their communication skill via chatting and immediate correction can be made possible, by the teachers.

 2.Screen sharing

 Screen sharing helps the participants to share their screen for depicting presentations, illustrating pictures, showing videos and so on during the webinars and meetings, It can make the conference captivating and interactive. Varieties of files can be shared by screen sharing. While teaching, teachers can make use of this feature to depict their audio-visual aids and thereby make their teaching more understandable to the children. Audios of different poems, dramas, movies, PowerPoint presentations, videos and much more can be provided to the students and it is one of the best advantages of Video Conferencing. Teachers are able to provide the material they are not able to give during the conventional classrooms.

 3.Multiple Webcam Capabilities

It is the method by which the videos of the people engaged in the video call can be seen together on one's screen. It can build virtual togetherness and brings in a community feeling.

 4.Unlimited Recording

 By the method of unlimited recording, the meetings, webinars and video lectures can be recorded and shared for further use. It greatly helps the people with poor internet connection or who are not present in the meeting to hang up with the discussions. These recordings can be later used by the pupil for learning.

 5.HD Video

High quality videos can make a huge difference when it comes to video calls. It can increase the quality and reliability of the communication and bring in togetherness.

 6.Performance Reports

 Performance reports help to collect instant feedback and reviews from the participants of the meetings. It can also depict how effective the meeting or presentation was and how many had taken part in it.

 7.Electronic Whiteboards.

  In these electronic boards the host can demonstrate key ideas and concepts along with images and illustrations which is really helpful for video lecturing and webinars. These Whiteboards really create a classroom feeling and help the English teachers to write key words, teach grammar, demonstrate varied ideas and topics like poetic devices,  and many more.

 8.File transfer.

It enables the participants to send files to other participants in the video conferencing. Any type of files can be sent through file transfer. Teachers can send notes, pdf files, images and videos related to the subject to the students. It help in the easy collection of material rather than physically collecting it.

 Benefits of Video Conferencing

 *It saves travel time and is cost effective.

*It increases productivity and efficiency.

*It improves communication and is more engaging.

*Improves relationships and connects people.

*Ease to schedule meetings, virtual events and webinars.

*Bring remote workers and telecommuters together.

*Reduces carbon emission.

Drawbacks of Video Conferencing

 *Lack of personal interaction and understanding.

*Network connectivity issues and time lag.

*Limited number of people can only engage in it.

*Cause of fatigue and stress.

*Increased screen time can damage vision.

 Previous  year University Questions

MCQ

1,The major advantage of using video conferencing is that it......

a) Eliminates the aspect of personal interaction

b) Is bound to experience technical problems

c) Limits the number of users engaging at the same time

d) Enables students to record lessons for later review           (April 2019)

 

2.Mention the main advantages and disadvantages of video conferencing in language education.(April 2018, 4 Marks)

 3.One of the advantages of video conferencing is? (April 2017)

 4.What is video conferencing? (May ‘  2 Marks)

-Submitted by Ms.Shilpa