This report presents an informative introduction into the world of distance learning.  It particular, it focuses on the videoconferencing aspects of the technology, and how it benefits the institution of education.  The report gives a breakdown of the various components used in the system and some very basic start up costs.  It presents examples of the “technology at work”and shows how the technology helps the institutions instruct and operate.
                                                                                                                               Top

Purpose

The purpose of this report is to give a brief introduction into the technology of distance learning.  It presents how distance learning videoconferencing technology (DLVT) benefits and enables institutions to reach and teach people in a more efficient way.  It focuses in on the area of education by presenting a brief introduction and examples of how the technology helps the institutions communicate.
 

Background

The use of distance learning videoconferencing has greatly widened the horizons of communication.  It has provided the world with a tool that “bridges the gap” between distant locations and enables institutions to instruct in an easy, cost efficient manner.  Studies have shown that when distance learning (DL) is used in education, there is no significant difference in effectiveness between DL and traditional teaching methods (DL Facts,2).
                                                                                                                        Top

Videoconferencing is an interactive tool that combines the use of video, computing, and communication technologies to allow people in different locations to meet face-to-face to conduct a conference in real-time.  Videoconferencing allows students, faculty, and staff to communicate with one another while staying close to their home (Videoconferencing, 1).

Interactive videoconferencing uses audio-visual equipment (monitors, cameras, microphones, and speakers) to communicate between sites.  The system is linked through T-1phone lines and uses a modem–like coder/decoder to transmit and receive audio and video signals.
                                                                                                                        Top

Distance Learning Videoconferencing Technology (NYIT, DLRooms)

Distance Learning Room.  The distance learning room or the “virtual classroom” is where the technologically advanced learning occurs.  The room contains all the components that are listed below.

Coder/Decoder (Codec).  The coder/decoder is the part of the system that sends and receives the audio and video signals.  The signals are transmitted over fiber optic lines that inter link the sites together resulting in a simultaneous transmission.

Monitors.  The monitors are the visual component of the system.  They display the visual images being transmitted from site to site.  The number of monitors used is dependent upon how many sites are involved.

Cameras.  The camera is the relaying aspect of the visual component.  The camera transmits the visual images from site to site.  There are usually two cameras, one for the front of the room focused on the students and one in the back of the room focused on the instructor.

Microphones.  The microphones are the amplifying aspect of the audio system.  They are set at a very sensitive level to ensure people can be heard while speaking in a normal tone.

Fax Machine.  The fax machine is used to send and receive learning materials to and from remote locations.  It is a portion of the system that allows the instructor to use the traditional medium of print to instruct.

Copier.  The copier is used to make copies of handouts and any other type of instructional materials that can be used to help instruction.

Equipment Rack.  This rack houses most of the electronic equipment that controls the  videoconference.

Instructors Area.  This is a desk-top area that contains the monitors and is also where the document camera is situated.

Camera Remote.  The camera remote controls the movement and focus of the front and the rear cameras

Video switcher Remote.  The video switcher device is used to flip around the various devices such as the document camera, VCR, PC, and/or laptop.

Picture in Picture Remote.  The P.I.P. remote controls the pictures on the monitors.  It can be used to have the class shown on the majority of the screen and the instructor in a small box in a corner, or the opposite with the instructor on the majority and the students in a corner.

Document Camera (DCAM).  This camera is used as an interactive displaying device.  It is a camera situated on the instructors desk that allows him/her to display print materials such as pictures, graphs, handwritten materials, etc.

Computer.  The computer allows the instructor access to the Internet and various software systems from Microsoft.  Another very helpful program is the Net Meeting.  This software allows the instructor to communicate with the remote sites via computer.

VCR.  The VCR is an audio-visual device that allows the instructor to show video recorded materials that can be used to help the learning experience.
                                                                                                                         Top

The pricing information given below is for a generic system. The figures are only approximate costs of videoconferencing equipment. For additional information, prices, and questions you can contact an equipment vendor via the Internet.  Here are some links to vendors: Picturetel Corporation, VTEL corp,  Mosaic Information Technologies, Specom Technologies, Videoconferencing Systems, Inc.
 

Low End System: $13000

Features:

     Full duplex, 7Khz bandwidth
     Integrated ISDN BRI
     H320 Standard
     Picture in Picture
     20'' Display and keypad
     IDEC II (Echo cancellation technology)
 

Medium System: $19,000

High Quality, full duplex
Integrated ISDN BRI
H320 Video compression standard
     Picture in picture
     System Cart
 

High End system $35,000

     Standards supported: G.711/722/728 audio, PT724
     H320 Video Standard
     IDEC full duplex audio
     Pan Tilt Zoom camera, Camera presets
     PowerMic
     Choice on Network Interface
     Director Control and Voice activated multipoint
     27'' Display
 

Ultimate system: $45,000

     Standards supported:SG4,SG3,g.711/722/728audio,PT724
     H320 Video Standard
     IDEC full duplex audio
    Director Control and Voice activated multipoint
     Choice of Network Interface
     Picture in Picture
    Pan Tilt zoom camera, camera presets
     System Cart
     wireless keypad
     High end Speakers
                                                                                                                          Top

Background

The education field has used DL technology to broaden the horizons of traditional teaching methods and reach new boundaries.  With the technology available schools have the ability to broadcast to remote locations and provide instruction in a more efficient manner.  It is estimated that 55% of U.S. colleges and universities now offer courses off site (Success,1).  Some studies show that students enrolled in distance learning classes earn higher grades than students who are enrolled in a traditional classroom setting (Success,5).  A videoconference can improve retention and appeal to a variety of learning styles by including diverse media such as video or audio clips, graphics, animation, and computer applications (Brief Description, 3) The technology is a communicational breakthrough and education is using it to educate the future of America.
 

Technology at Work (Education)

Cornell Universities “Virtual Classroom” Amphitheaters

Cornell University is a fine example of how distance learning is being used to help enhance and improve education.  The university has two state-of-the-art amphitheater classrooms specifically designed for distance learning.  The DL rooms allow teachers to broadcast their lectures from one site to another or to many remote sites creating a wider more efficient learning environment.  The amphitheaters are designed to recreate the appearance and feel of a traditional amphitheater but uses videoconferencing technology to create a virtual learning environment (Cornell, DL).

New York Institute of Technology’s Distance Learning Rooms

New York Institute of Technology has three separate campuses, one in Central Islip, one in Old Westbury, and another in Manhattan.  The Institute offers DL courses at all three of their campuses.  This is particularly convenient for students and/or working students to attend classes at the different sites.  The convenience of having the three different outlets allows for a student to take classes at the different locations.  With this advantage a class that may not have been able to run, can now run because of the advantages of the DL technology.  This Institute is a fine example of how DL can improve education (Guide to DL).
                                                                                                                              Top

Distance learning is a technological breakthrough in communication.  It provides the world with an instrument that connects distant locations for the purpose of instruction.  The institutions of education are fine examples of how the technology can make a difference in time, cost, and efficiency in learning.  The technology offers a new instructing medium that creates a new learning environment that is convenient and efficient.  The universities that use the technology have a distinct advantage over traditional teaching methods and these advantages help to bridge the learning gap across America.