TELECONFERENCING

 

TELECONFERENCING

Teleconferencing is essentially a live interactive audio or audio-visual meeting that ensures between geographically dispersed participants.  Here, participants communicate via telecommunications networks using laptops, desktop computers, and even specially designed tech- enabled meeting rooms.  The process involves technology more sophisticated than a simple two- way phone connection.

Telecommunication systems support teleconferences by providing audio, video and data services.  Teleconferences were initially conducted through telephone lines and were limited to audio; however, now it is more common for teleconferences to be conducted online or using voice over IP.

 

TYPES OF TELECONFERENCING

Audio teleconferencing: An audio teleconferencing service is a telephone conferencing service that allow multiple participants to connected together seamlessly over a teleconferencing bridge.  Audio teleconference service is also known as Audio Conference Calling, Phone Conference Calling or Telephone Conference Calling.  Audio teleconferencing services are used by businesses to remotely meet, collaborate or present information to reduce the time and cost of business travel for meetings.

Audio teleconference was first developed during the middle of the 20^th century as a business tool, this form of teleconferencing was once extremely expensive.  Today it is possible for individuals as well as organizations of all sizes to make use of telephone conference calls for very little expanse. 

There are two basic types of conference calls.  Operator dial out services, also known as operator connected services, are the oldest type of audio teleconferencing.  With this model, a conference call is booked in advance, reserving a certain number of lines and a specific duration.

As second option is the dial-in conference.  With this option, attendees dial a specific telephone number to connect with the conference bridge.  An automated message urges the attendees to enter the passcode to the teleconference.

Over the years, service features have made audio teleconferencing increasingly user friendly.  Today many services offer the moderator many tools to control the conference, including the ability to mute all other attendees, disconnect all lines at will and make use of voice notifications when someone enters or exits conference.

Features of Audio teleconferencing

ü  Voice only

ü  Also known as conference calling

ü  Link people in remote locations via telephone lines

ü  Distance learning can be conducted

ü  Planning is necessary

 

Video teleconference : Videotelephony, sometimes also referred to as video teleconference or videoconferencing, comprises the technologies for the reception and transmission of audio-video signals by users in different locations, for communication between people in real time. A videophone is a telephone with a video display, capable of simultaneous video and audio for communication between people in real time. Videoconferencing implies the use of this technology for a group or organizational meeting rather than for individuals, in a video conference.

Video conferencing is the conduct of video conference by a set of telecommunication technologies which allows two or more locations to interact via two-way video and audio transmissions simultaneously it has also been called visual collaboration.

Combines audio and video to provide voice communications and video images .

●      Capable to display moving images

●      One teacher can teach to a number of sites.

●      Institutions are able o serve all students equitably.

 

Audio graphics teleconference : Transmit visual information such graphics, alpha-numerics,documents and video pictures as an adjunct to voice communication.

 

●      Also known as desk top computer conferencing and enhanced audio

●      Used for meetings and distance learning.

●      Electronic tablets, fax etc

 

Computer teleconference : It is the conduct of meeting by the use of computer based telecommunication.

●      Uses telephone lines to connect to or more computers and modems.

●      Using e-mail, memos, reports, updates, newsletters etc can be sent.

●      It is an emerging area for distance conferencing.

 

ADVANTAGES OF TELECONFERENCING

●      Reduction in travel or low cost communication. Saves time and energy

●      Good support for students widely scattered in a region Easily accessible by remote students.

●      Familiar mode of instruction where the faculty initiates and controls it.

●      Easy scheduling of group discussion and conferencing by telephones.

●       Immediate feedback from all concerned and quick remedial action.

●      Easily adaptable and flexible.

●      Highly interactive as all have to actively participate

 

DISADVANTAGES

 

●      Connection Problems can occur during the conference which might disrupt the conference.

●      Language barriers and miscommunication of ideas can occur as communication occurs between people of different culture and background.

●      Background noise can be a disturbance during teleconference.

●       Time consuming for preparation.

●      Lack of participant familiarity with the equipment.

●      The current cost of teleconferencing is high if compared to travel and accommodation  expenditure.