Technology Options for Distance Learning:

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Technology Options for Distance Learning
When to Use Which to Reach Who with What?
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Presented by

• Scott V. Fedale, Director
• Extension Information Technology
• Washington State University

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The Current Options

• Satellite
• Videoconferencing
• Streaming media
• The Web
• Others

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Satellite Technology?
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How does it work?
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The basics of satellite technology
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Satellite Technology

• Pros
• Its point to multi-point
• Its real-time (synchronous)
• Can transmit voice, stills, motion video and
  computer images
• It delivers broadcast quality video audio
  (highest bandwidth)

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Satellite Technology

• Cons
• Its one-way video w/ return audio via phone.
• No return video
• It has a cost/hour for transmission
• Requires satellite dish and monitor to view it

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So What Does Satellite Do Best?

• Reaches a large, geographically disbursed
  audience
• All at the same time, in real time
• Highest quality video and audio
• Everyone gets the same information
• Save travel time and dollars
• Can be videotaped for review
• Can provide timely information about hot topics
  and bring experts to all locations

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What topics/activities work best via satellite?

• Topics with need for quick response
• Access to national expert with feedback/questions
• Internal business
• Very specific topic for specific audience

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Why wouldnt you use satellite?

• For very detailed subject matter
• If you need to see your audience
• Training where hands-on is critical
• Where you dont have receive capability

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Videoconferencing

• The two-way transmission of video and audio via
  dedicated bandwidth or via the public internet

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Videoconferencing

• Pros
• Its point to multi-point
• Its real-time (synchronous)
• Can transmit voice, stills, motion video and
  computer images
• Provides two-way audio and video

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Videoconferencing

• Cons
• Lower quality video signal
• Signal quality affected by many factors
• Requires equipment and software to view
• More of a one-to-one display medium, w/ small
  group possible via large screen projectors
• May not be as reliable as other media

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Videoconferencing

• Two types
• Dedicated or private systems
• Internet based

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150 outlets w/ videoconferencing
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Dedicated Systems

• Pros
• Greater quality control than public utility
• High-quality meeting rooms/equipment
• Technical support staff at sites
• Cons
• Limited of locations
• High cost/hour for use/ transmission

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Cost for Kinkos videoconferencing Services

• Point to Point (Kinkos)225/hr/site
• Point to Point (non-Kinkos)295/hr/site
• Point to Multi-Point (Kinkos)265/hr/site
• Point to Multi-Point (non-Kinkos)335/hr/site

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Internet based

• Pros
• Wider choice of geographic and in-building
  locations
• Lower cost/hour for use/transmission
• Cons
• Less quality control
• Usually not dedicated meeting rooms
• Technical support staff not at all sites

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(No Transcript)
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Streaming Media

• An Internet data transfer technique that allows
  the user to see and hear audio and video files
  without lengthy download times. The host, or
  source ,"streams" small packets of information
  over the Internet to the user, who can access the
  content as its received.

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Streaming Media

• Can be audio, video audio or text
• Need video camera, microphone, encoder and
  server

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Streaming Media

• Quality depends on
• Computer power
• Source of original signal
• Bandwidth

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Streaming Media

• Pros
• Easy to use
• Cross platform
• No actual transmission costs

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Streaming Media

• Cons
• -Quality not as good as satellite, video
  conferencing
• -Not well suited to group viewing
• -Not good for content with lots of motion
• -Must have streaming server to provide this
• -Must have adequate connection speed for good
  quality

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What Do You Need?

• Video camera
• Microphone
• Encoder
• Streaming server

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Other options

• The Web
• CDs
• DVDs
• Videotapes

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The World Wide Web

• Pros
• Fairly ubiquitous
• Large user base
• Can include text, stills, audio video
• Low or no cost to utilize
• Can be used for some synchronous activities

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The World Wide Web

• Cons
• Need high speed connection for quality video
• Mostly an asychronous medium
• Not well suited for delivery to groups at sites
• Quality of end product susceptible to outside
  influences
• Compatability issues

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So when should I use each?

• If you have full-motion video to share, satellite
  is the best choice
• If you need to reach multiple locations, all at
  the same time, use satellite
• If you want to hold avirtual meeting, use
  videoconferencing
• If quality of the video is not critical and you
  have limited budget, use videoconferencing
• If you want to reach audience one-to-one, at
  little cost to you (for transmission) use
  videostreaming

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So when should I use each?

• If you absolutely must see your audience and then
  use videoconferencing
• If you need to show and explain a process, then
  satellite is your choice
• If you want to get a working group together for
  the first time, use videoconferencing
• If you want to furnish an on-demand record of the
  information/event, use videostreaming
• If you have mostly text and stills to share, use
  the web.

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Summary

• Choice depends upon
• Audience type size
• Audience location distribution
• Access to equipment
• Content requirements
• Budget
• Interactivity needs

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QUESTIONS?