Kalpanarani DashM.Phil Scholar

Department of Education Ravenshaw University, Cuttack

Under the GuidanceDr. Sudarshan Mishra, Reader

Department of Education Ravenshaw University, Cuttack

Teleconference: What it is ..?Teleconference -

The word ‘tele’ means distance. ‘conference’ means consultations, discussions.

Through teleconferencing two or more locations situated at a distance are connected so that they can hear or both see and hear each other.

Similar to telephone calls, expands discussion to more than two people.

Video conferencing transmits pictures & voices through video cameras and computer modems.

Past…..….and TodayTook birth: 47 years ago in 1964 as a vision from American

Telephone and Telegraph (AT & T) through its Picture phone device which was introduced in at the World's Fair, New York

Has become need of the hour: Internet teleconferencingbased on internet and the popular software; Skype, Google Talk, Yahoo Messenger, Window Live Messenger.

Features of TeleconferencingLearners/participants present at particular

time and in dispersed placesResource persons present at the same time at

the teaching end or different Teaching ends.Interactions betweenLearner – resource persons/AV materials at teaching

end(s).Learner – learner at the learner centerLearner – facilitator/materials/activities at the learner

centerLearner – learner at/between other learner centersResource person – resource person

Functions…….Education and Training:

Impart information, build attitudes, provide role models, etc Upgrade skills Share experiences Facilitate problem solving Offer counseling Supervise/conduct/guide project work Conducting interviews

Functions…Continued

Courses for professional development Remedial learning and off-hours teaching Interaction by students with scientists, experts, decision and policy makers

Benefits of Using Teleconferencing

reaches large or sparsely-populated areasprovides broader access to public meetingsgeographical barriers diminishedbroader range of ideas and points of viewsaves learner’s time and travel costsconvenient and efficientbroadens participation

IT system behind teleconferencing

personal computertelephone lines or satellite hook-upmonitor microphone webcamspeakers

Effects On Education

Education meetings can take place

Saves time, money, and energy

Different cultures can merge

Disabled students can benefit

Expensive

Drawbacks….. Poor Substitutes for Face-to-Face Meetings

Journal of Communication Studies, "Communication studies have indicated that up to 80 % of the comprehension of discussion arises through body language and eye contact, [with] only some 20 % through the words spoken." Hossein Bidgoli, in his book “Intelligent Management Support Systems” “People become less relaxed, more rigid and less open.”

High Cost Equipment cost and dial-up plans are often considered expensive

Time-consuming;For establishing technical links, identifying

sites and constituencies, and coordinating meetings.

Technical Issues Technical personnel are required to set up

and coordinate meetingsParticipants might not be comfortable

handling the equipmentFailure of Transmission System or

Connection Problem