Webcasting Videoconferences Over IP: A Synchronous Communication Experiment

Abstract

A multipoint videoconference was webcast live to an audience who could communicate with conference panelists and each other via chat. The videoconference, webcast, and chat were done entirely over the Internet. Seven panelists at four conference sites that had Internet2 connectivity and were located in different time zones within the continental United States discussed the topic of "Evaluating Health Professions Education and Information Resources on the Web." This discussion was broadcast to individuals and groups at various U.S. locations who had expressed an interest in the topic and had sufficient connectivity for receiving the video stream. Webcast recipients could log on a chat server and type questions and comments to the panelists and other viewers. The experiment's rationale, procedures, and outcomes are described, and issues associated with the use of the technologies are identified.

Perceived barriers to completing an e-learning program on evidence-based medicine

“…31,32 Indeed, this program addresses the development of individual skills in critical appraisal and EBM and opts for a self-tutorial method of instruction. A recent study 33 found no significant differences between two forms of EBM teaching: one consisting of directed workshops and the other consisting of a selfdirected computer-assisted program.…”

Participatory videoconferencing for groups

“…Multi-site videoconferencing generally uses voice-activated switching -a device that automatically switches the image on the screen so that only the site where the active speaker is located is shown at any given time [18]. This technique could enable higher levels of both viewer participation and engagement; however, voice activated switching could also serve to alienate participants in multi-site videoconferences by rendering them invisible.…”

“…Multi-point videoconferencing is challenging for participants used to seeing just one image on the screen as they would on a television set. Participants have greater difficultly paying attention to and looking at multiple sites displayed on one screen [18]. For large group multi-site videoconferencing a larger screen is recommended.…”

Implementation of an embedded mobile device based feedback system for real‐time audience feedback

“…However, they require more technical infrastructure and can be difficult to manage [19,20]. Additionally, webinar software is designed for distance learning, which is a different method of learning than lecture interaction.…”