Video conferencing is two-way visual and verbal communication. It is an effective means of distance learning for courses or programs. Video conferencing features:
- Synchronous learning (all students learning and communicating at the same time)
- Communication with specific geographic regions
- Visual and verbal communication
- Group interaction between students which includes small group activities or dialogue between students
- Connection with students multiple times. Students often need several exposures to video conferencing to feel comfortable with the camera
- Connection to guest speakers in distant locations
CFAES and Extension uses IP (Internet Protocol) video conferencing equipment. Connecting to another IP video conferencing unit, at Ohio State or outside of the University, is very much like making a phone call. You dial the number of the other video conferencing unit to connect. If you connect to multiple sites, or are connecting IP video to another form of video conferencing, you will need to go through a "bridge." With multiple site video conferencing, units call the bridge number to connect.