Techniques: Desktop Video Systems as a Tool for Adult Educators
1998; Volume: 26; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês
ISSN
0856-1109
Autores Tópico(s)Online and Blended Learning
ResumoIntroduction Many adult educators have students who take courses by video tape, correspondence study, directed study or over the Internet. Often these students include those who live in very rural parts of our country, need a particular class but have no accessible institution with the desired offering, or simply cannot fit a certain course offering into their busy schedules. These students are often at a disadvantage in the learning process because they have no opportunity to meet the or ask questions of the instructor, or to take part in discussions with other members of the class. The motivation and emotional bond necessary for learning is almost impossible. Verduin and Clark (1991) argue that individual differences must be considered when instructing adults and that interaction is prerequisite in instructional design. The use of desktop video conferencing is an affordable technology that increases accessibility, meets the students learning and emotional needs by creating a transactional learning experience (Care, 1996), and provides a method of interaction that considers individual learning styles (James & Gardner, 1995). This article will introduce the software and hardware required to use desktop video conferencing as well as the unique terminology associated with the use of this technology. Tips will also be provided which will help the individual, who is just becoming familiar with the use of desktop video conferencing, to eliminate some common frustrations. Software Many software packages exist for desktop video conferencing. Intel Corporation's Video Phone (www.intel.com), Connectix Corporations Video-phone (www.connectix.com), Cornell University's Cu-seeme (www.cu-seeme.com), are all packages that will allow a point-to-point, that is, a computer to computer conference. The Cu-seeme package will allow multi-user conferences through the use of a reflector (see definition under terminology). Another benefit of the Cu-seeme and Video-phone software is cross-platform communication, that is, communication between a Macintosh and a PC. Equipment The equipment requirements for desktop video-conferencing vary with the brand of software used. Most multi-media ready computers will have all the necessary equipment in the systems, except the camera. Those that are not multi-media ready will need to install the missing components. Suggested minimum configuration for computers follows: * A Pentium 120, faster if recommended by the software, with 16 MB of RAM, and a sound card. * An extra parallel port or a printer switch box if using a Connectix or similar type of digital camera. These cameras plug into the computer' printer port; a switch box would allow use of both by switching between devices. An additional parallel port would eliminate the need for a switch box and allow the printer and camera to be used simultaneously. * Amplified microphone is recommended as are speakers. * A Connectix, or similar, digital camera completes the required components. Connection to the Internet Most software requires that the user be connected to the Internet. The highest quality conferencing is though a direct Internet connection. Direct connections are usually available through organizations or schools that have networks. These networks have a high capacity line that allows for very rapid transfer of digital data. Dialup modern connections using traditional phone lines, while not as fast as a direct connection, can provide satisfactory conferencing. However, modems with a speed of at least 28.8 bps should be the minimum. Slower modems will work but the sacrifice in speed and clarity will be readily seen. Terminology The terminology associated with desktop video conferencing is unique. Below are a few of the terms likely to be encountered when exploring the use of this technology. Full duplex. This refers to the ability of the computers sound card to process two-way audio. …
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