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Audio & Video's Role in Distance Learning

By Carl Street, Pupbrothers.com

Audio conferencing is a distance education environment in which both students and instructor can communicate to each other in real time. Because participants can only hear each other and aren't able to see one another, this sort of distance learning technology typically is supplemented with worksheets that can be printed or are in an electronic layout.

With audio conferencing, individuals are linked to one another either by phone or by gear specifically intended for audio conferencing.

Audio conferencing involves only sound - it does not show graphics. Audio conferencing is used for delivering lectures, when brainstorming, and for discussions. A distance learning course that relies entirely on audio conferencing may cause some students to lose interest in the studies being taught in the program. It may also reduce a student's ability to concentrate.

Together, these issues sometimes make it difficult for students to maintain interest using this aspect of online education classes. It is for this very reason that many teachers will also put together some sort of written notes as that can make it easier for students to follow along.

Video conferencing on the other hand, is an education online environment in which 2 or more students can participate in a virtual classroom along with a teacher. The students can not only talk with each other, they can also see each other also.

Videoconferencing items can vary and be as plain as a computer that is set up with a video camera or web cam, a monitor, speakers, and a microphone. The computer also requires a network to transmit information. The video cameras capture and transmit pictures of the classroom students or anything else that is located in front of the camera.

Students talk into their microphones and can hear what other students say via the speakers that are hooked into their computers. A TV can also be used to show images and a modem or LAN can also be utilized to transmit online education resources.

Video conferencing is much more involved however, as setting up cameras, speakers and microphones can be a challenge. And there is another interesting limitation of video conferencing and it does not have to do with equipment.

When some students know they are 'on camera' there is an affinity to become camera shy. This drawback typically goes away as students become more comfortable with these kinds of distance education courses.

When real time, back-and-forth communication is preferred, both audio and video conferencing are acceptable distance education training media. Both audio and video conferencing facilitate a high level of interactive online learning between teacher and students. Because there are no limitations on locality, it's so much easier to assemble guest speakers from around the world. And while audio conferencing cannot transmit pictures, it is not hard to integrate this media with others such as satellite education or ITV.

Both of these kinds of online teaching and learning media are used by participants located in distant parts of the globe, making it easier to become engrossed in a long distance learning environment provided they have access to the essential equipment.