If we can give a better program by teleconferencing, it makes sense to do it once and let all the counties downlink it. In April, Dr. Marty Brunson, extension fisheries specialist, led a video teleconference on farm pond and small lake management. The program was downlinked to 19 counties and was viewed by about 350 people. However, this amount is far below the cost of personal visits. In a typical year, Brunson averages 45 county workshops and seminars.
Any additional visits cost more money and require more time.
Because we can use many different presentation media, it offers a higher quality than I could deliver by taking a slide projector on the road. A satellite teleconference allows the speaker to use resources at the television studio such as still photographs, video, graphics and even drawn illustrations. It also allows many specialists to be present, which usually is not possible to repeat at each workshop. By making it possible for audience members to ask questions, specialists can address specific issues important to their listeners. You've got to have the interaction to make the event successful.