Video teleconferencing allows for virtual meetings in which two or more groups can communicate by voice, joined by a live visual image shown on monitors. There is a delay of one second each direction, but users are quickly adapting. In addition, video teleconferencing allows visual aids and other presentations to be shared with all the participants, using a document reader that views the image and transmits the data, which is displayed on the monitor.
Participants can switch from documents to live images easily.
Vanderbilt's teleconferencing room also has VCRs that can tape the conference as it occurs and play footage for both audiences. Elliott Mitchell, manager of instructional systems at the Learning Technology Center, explains the mechanics of video teleconferencing. The equipment allows participants from various points to connect visually and aurally and is available for anyone on-campus to use. To learn more about what video teleconferencing can do for you, contact Mitchell at 343-0183. Currently, the video teleconferencing room is used only about once per week.