:: VC or DL?::
Video Conferencing or Distance Learning? What is the diff?
In case you require a system to support Distance-Learning (DL) origination (the teaching site), there are a number of other consideration you must be aware of.
The difference(s) between the videoconferencing (VC) and distance-learning (DL) models as described below requires significantly different classroom environments, depending on whether the course is being taught from the "near end" or the "far end."
| Big Picture: The "origination" end for the instructors requires an additional camera, multimedia resources, monitors, and a significantly more advanced control system and signal routing, adding significantly to the cost and complexity of the system. |
Videoconferencing Model
Generally, "face-to-face" videoconferencing requires only a single camera with wide-angle lens directed toward one or more seated participants facing a common screen, and enough push-to-talk microphones for the participants, generally two participants per microphone. This model is common for business and conference room applications, and a single camera set-top system will meet these requirements. A minimum amount of system control is required, other than dialing, basic resource (video) switching, such as used for accessing images from a document camera ("Elmo") or VCR playback. All set-top systems are controlled with a wireless, hand-held control; these are not appropriate for DL origination (see below). Usually, student-only "tutor" sites have minimal installed multimedia in use.
Non-DL Origination examples @ Cal Poly:
- Videoconference room 02-025B (Polycom FX with 'Elmo,' second camera, and scan converter);
- A single person sitting in front of a desktop videoconferencing system; (Polycom ViaVideo or VCON ViGo system and NetMeeting)
- The old VTel system at Vandenberg AFB (No multimedia used);
- College of Engineering's Gentner system;
- ANY brand of the "set-top" or "conference room" videoconferencing systems, including Polycom Viewstations; (multimedia ready).
Please note that this videoconferencing model is appropriate for DL when the course instructor is located at the far end, and only students are at this end, such as the Swanton Ranch, Vandenberg AFB, various Equine Science, or Special-Ed courses. Tandberg refers to these applications as "Tutor Student Sites." This single-camera model has been the basis of ALL brands of videoconferencing systems sold, until only recently.
| Important Note: Merely adding a second auxilliary camera to a single camera system does not increase the functionality for faculty teaching a course. |
Distance-Learning Origination Model
The distance-learning classroom model generally requires the following additional systems:
- Expanded and programmable user interface, usually a touch panel, providing advanced video routing and control system programming to facilitate monitor and resource switching. This is extremely important on our campus, as we do not provide a technician/operator in DL classrooms.
- Instructor camera with presets, possibly "tracking;"
- Instructor microphone(s);
- Monitors in the rear of the room or within the instructor's line-of-sight;
- Up-to-date computer(s) with scan converter (if required) and software;
- Multiple student microphones under instructor's control;
- VCR for recording or playback of media.
It is easy enough to understand why the expanded hardware support is required for the instructor, but what's so important about DL-specific programming?
| If your DL facility is to ever be used for course origination (taught from your end), the entire system design and programming must be designed around that mode. Many systems integrators don't even understand this distinction. |
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Mode: Instructor at this end |
Mode: Instructor at far end |
| The courseware (and/or instructor camera) is presented on the front display for the sake of the local students |
The far end (instructor and courseware) is presented on the front display(s) |
| Instructor camera is in rear of room. |
Student camera front of room. |
| Far end image within a P-I-P on the main screen (single monitor), or displayed on secondary monitors |
Near end image within a P-I-P on the main screen (single monitor), or displayed on secondary monitor |
| Student microphones generally muted, under instructor control |
Student microphones generally on, except in the case of multipoint conferences |
| Far end on rear, 'eyeline' monitor or TV |
n/a |
| Multimedia presentation and transmission support required |
Multimedia not necessarily required |
| Videoconference lighting preferred |
Special lighting usually not required |
At Cal Poly, both of our D-L classrooms are programmed to support either mode. Among off-the-shelf videoconferencing products, the Tandberg Educator is the only system I have found that is specifically designed to easily switch between modes. The system at Swanton Ranch is also a Tandberg Educator.
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