Dual Mode Conferences

Re: Dual Mode Conferences

by Pheo Martin -
Number of replies: 9
Paul,
I have been in a dual mode presentation in which an onsite moderator fielded all our 'virtual' questions,and presented them for us. This is limited but far better than no access.

I have been in a dual mode in which, an Elluminate session was used for the virtual participants. The bandwidth issue is the challenge there. To have the visual component takes too much bandwidth most of the time.

I am wondering about using video conferencing as a tool. The upgrades have made using this tool over the internet possible.

I believe this dual mode is a 'step' in education that we are working with right now. Once again, only the technology is slowing how fast take steps for this.

Pheo :)


In reply to Pheo Martin

Re: Dual Mode Conferences

by Paul Stacey -
Pheo:

I've been thinking quite a lot about the use of video in education. Like you I appreciate the visual component. However, I find that straight video conferencing or even web cam's in Elluminate, while great for providing an initial sense of identity and personality, are not exactly captivating over a lengthy time. This is further exacerbated if the bandwidth issues result in the audio being out of synch with the video (I find it almost impossible to watch for very long video of talking heads where the lips are out of synch with the audio).

I think we've constrained our thinking about the video channel too much. I look forward to seeing video be used in cinematic ways to show not only faces, but places, demos, walking tours, social interactions, drama, ...

Paul
In reply to Paul Stacey

Re: Dual Mode Conferences

by Don McIntosh -
Hi Paul,

I agree with you that video has been over-hyped. I just finished a short paper on the subject which you can find at http://www.trimeritus.com/video.

To summarize briefly, the best use of video is for feedback to learners (something I have rarely seen done on the internet). The next best use is for demonstration of psychomotor skills with a strong visual component but that requires careful planning and expert camera work which is difficult in a live video conference session. Talking head video may provide some identification with the subject and some non-verbal cues but is often a waste of learners' time and/or bandwidth.

Don.


In reply to Don McIntosh

Re: Dual Mode Conferences [link to Trimeritus.com]

by Paul Beaufait -
Hello, everyone; hi Don:

Another Paul here, very keen to find the paper to which you pointed. Thanks for the pointer and the summary.

However, I got an error message from Trimeritus when I clicked on the link in SCoPE. Here's the gist of that message:

Site Error
An error was encountered while publishing this resource.
Resource not found
Sorry, the requested resource does not exist. Check the URL and try again.
Resource: http://www.trimeritus.com/video
(2011.04.21, c. 16:30 JST)

The URL and display text seem identical. I hope you'll let us know if inaccessibility was a temporary problem, or there is another URL we might try.

Cheers, Paul B.
In reply to Paul Beaufait

Re: Dual Mode Conferences [link to Trimeritus.com]

by Don McIntosh -
Thanks for your interest Paul and my apologies for the incorrect link. It should be http://www.trimeritus.com/Video. I hope this helps.

Don.
In reply to Don McIntosh

Re: Dual Mode Conferences [link to Trimeritus.com]

by Paul Beaufait -
Much obliged, Don. The new link worked like a charm. Cheers, Paul
In reply to Don McIntosh

Re: Dual Mode Conferences

by Paul Stacey -
Don:

Thanks for the link to your paper - interesting analysis.

Wanted to correct your perception that my comments were an indication that I felt video is over-hyped. Video is becoming huge and its use very diverse. If anything we're under-hyping videos potential.

I was particularly struck by a comment Michael Strangelove left me saying he's eliminated ALL written (paper-based) assignments from his many courses and now requires all students to make a research-based video and write a blog. Read that again - eliminated all written paper based assignments! Video and blogging are new forms of academic expression and assessment.

Paul
In reply to Paul Stacey

Re: Dual Mode Conferences

by Pheo Martin -
Hi Paul,
Very encouraging to hear about the increased use of video/blogging for expression and assessment of students. We have the technology to allow for expanded forms, getting educators to use them is the next step. Thanks for your comments. Pheo :)
In reply to Paul Stacey

Re: Dual Mode Conferences

by Dr. Nellie Deutsch -
Paul,

I find it very difficult to present online without a webcam. I use WiZiQ because it is flash based and allows me and the other participants to speak with the webcam or via audio if they don't have a webcam. Personally, I need to see the presenter or I feel like I'm on the phone. For me, it's like the difference between radio and TV. I prefer TV.
In reply to Paul Stacey

Re: Dual Mode Conferences

by Lynn Anderson -
Hi Paul, I agree with your comment about the use of video, particularly in platforms like Elluminate. I usually limit the presenters use of video in Elluminate to just prior to the presentation. One presenter from the Open University did give us a very short walking tour of his offices which was fun in that it was new, but really, it's just offices.

The best use of video in conferences that I have heard of has been by the Supporting Deaf People Online Conference. Video was used to enable signing between deaf people and the professionals who support them. The conference delegates were from all over the world. It's a great example of how online conferencing provides accessibility to conferences and connects people who otherwise would not be able to meet.