Computer conferencing:
Computer
conferencing is a means by which multiple individuals can communicate and share
ideas through the use of a computer system. Due to the expansive nature of the
Internet, this can be done over great distances and may allow people to share
ideas more easily than other means of communication. One of the most common types
of computer conferencing involves multiple users at separate computers. Each
user is able to communicate, often through instant messaging applications,
while they are also able to look at images sent through a host system.
This
type of computer conferencing allows a single person, usually a manager or team leader, to
show others images and documents that are being developed, while the other
users provide feedback about that content. Such conferences can also use a
phone system to allow for easier verbal communication, or the use of
microphones and computer speakers to allow for speech between the different
users. Some computer conferencing programs can even allow multiple users to
share or host images and documents, which may then be modified by other users
and viewed together in real time. This allows for individuals separated by
great distances to more easily brainstorm and share ideas.
Computer
conferencing can also be done in a way that is not at all commercial. Chat
rooms and instant message programs are forms of conferencing that utilize
computers, and these are often used for recreational purposes rather than for
professional use. Computer conferencing can also refer to hosted databases that
can be accessed by remote users, allowing a single resource or program to be
accessed by different users to take advantage of the resources provided by
those users. Such applications can allow for greater processing and resource
sharing among users, and is commonly utilized in business, as well as for open
sources programming and development projects.
Computer conferencing makes possible small
group interaction through the rapid and convenient exchange of written texts.
We are accustomed to experiencing small group interaction only in face-to-face
settings. In computer conferencing one essential feature of face-to-face
meetings is lacking, the physical presence of the members to each other, but it
is replaced to some extent by new forms of textual self-presentation. The fact
that interlocutors cannot see each other means they cannot exchange many of the
tacit signs that play an important role in resolving ambiguities and
establishing social control. Because of this, communication links tend to be
more fragile in on-line systems than in a face-to-face setting. This gives rise
to a form of "communication anxiety" characteristic of this new
medium.
Computer conferences are most successful where
they are led by a "moderator" with specific social and technical
functions that compensate for the loss of tacit cues in the on-line setting.
Teachers can employ the moderating role to organize an on-line equivalent of
the classroom. Effective techniques are identified for instructional
applications of computer conferencing
Computer conferencing
is a special kind of electronic mail system employed to facilitate group
discussion over a computer network. The technology makes it possible to define
private groups, usually no larger than 50, with access to a topically defined
discussion forum. Participants type messages into their own computer terminal
and then transmit the text over phone lines to a central computer where they
are classified and stored. The central computer serves as a remote filing
cabinet or bulletin board where all participants can see the latest additions
to the discussion and respond. Participants can dip in to the file at times of
their own convenience, using the central computer as a "meeting
place" for an "asynchronous" conversation that may last weeks or
months. As a communications medium useful for group discussion, computer
conferencing is the instructional technology through which the liberal arts can
apply computers while retaining their identity. None of the "inhuman"
connotations of the computer, which define it by implication as antagonistic to
humanistic learning, are relevant to this application of the technology. This
new medium does not replace the teacher but provides an alternative way for
teachers and students to meet. Because all communication takes place in natural
language, personalities come through clearly and students and teachers really
feel that they are in each others' presence. Because all the students in the
class see each others' comments and ideas, a feeling of group membership
develops, and students frequently are able to learn as much from each other as
from the teacher. In its application to video and correspondence courses,
computer conferencing adds group interaction to the other advantages of
distance learning, with its potential for self-pacing and continuing education.
Disadvantages of Computer Conferencing
Computer conferencing has become an industry-standard practice due to
its cost-effectiveness and ease of use. Instead of traveling internationally,
an American businessman can now connect to a panel of internationally based
associates at the click of a mouse. Unfortunately, computer conferencing is
inherently limited in many aspects. Disadvantages include lack of immediate
response and lack of convergent thinking.
Low Pressure: The pressure to respond
immediately is largely absent in online chat sessions. People feel less obliged
to speak up when there is a lessened sense of the spotlight being on them.
(This not a disadvantage in video chat sessions, as the conference is held visually
in real time.)
High Interactivity: Video or voice conferences can be demanding for individuals who
have little training in interactive situations. If a person is used to sitting
back and listening in during physical conferences, he may have a hard time
contributing to the discussion. It is demanding to be one of a few on a video
session, because of the obligation to respond immediately.
Disorganization: With the potential for everyone to respond at once, chat sessions
can be chaotic. A person might ask a question and receive dozens of answers.
This can cause the conference to branch out in several directions and open the
door for off-topic discussion.
Low Potential for Convergent Thinking: With the possibility of hundreds of responses
entering the situation, it is hard to combine all the input coherent ideas.
This holds especially true for computer conferencing, where much of the
feedback is text-based and disorganized.
Technical Limitations: If a conference is being held on a specific platform (such as
Skype) both parties must have the platform installed on their computers. The
computers must also be compatible with the program (for example, Macintosh
computers may not work with Windows Live messenger.) Both parties must also
have a working Internet connection.
Pros
1. Cheap
Video conferencing software has become increasingly popular
because it is affordable. In fact, most web conferencing programs do not charge
for basic features. However, consumers often have to pay to access premium
features.
2. Easy to set up
Video conferencing programs are generally easy to set up
because all you have to do is install or access the relevant software online.
This also means you do not necessarily have to hire an expert to install or
configure a videoconferencing solution.
3. Greater
functionality
Room-based conferencing solutions afford users greater
functionality compared to software-based solutions. For example, some solutions
come with basic video editing features and even support virtualized deployment.
What’s more, they can also be used for on-demand viewing and live streaming.
4. Integration with
in-house systems
Most hardware video conferencing systems support integration
with in-house systems. For example, some support integration with Microsoft or
Cisco workplace solutions.
5. Camera control
Hardware systems come with camera control features such as
zooming, panning, or changing the focus of a camera. The increasing popularity
of virtual reality is expected to lead to similar changes in the video
conferencing sector.
Cons
1. Quality: On the
quality front, video conferencing programs are generally inferior compared to
hardware systems. For instance, some web conferencing solutions suffer from
freezing of video images, meaning they may not be suitable for conducting
important meetings
2. Camera control: Most
video conferencing programs lack camera control features. As such, you would
need to align your webcam before initiating communication with another person.
3. Limited capability:
Compared to hardware systems, web conferencing programs have limited
capability. For example, they do not support life-sized video images.
4. Video Conferencing Hardware: Hardware
video conferencing systems refer to video conferencing solutions that are
installed in a dedicated room. As such, they are usually called room-based
videoconferencing solutions.
5. Expensive: Acquiring
and installing room-based video conferencing gear is typically expensive. As
such, small and medium businesses may be unable to afford these solutions.
Moreover, you may also need to hire in-house experts to maintain your hardware
video conferencing system.
6. Dual room usage: Room-based
video conferencing may inconvenience other employees, especially in a business
that is unable to dedicate a room for this purpose.
Conclusion: Video
conferencing has become essential for businesses communication. However, whilst
software-based solutions are generally cheap and easy to set up, they have a
limited capability, lack of camera control, and poor image and sound quality.
On the other hand, room-based videoconferencing systems offer greater
functionality, camera control, and integration with other systems. However,
they are generally expensive and can cause dual room usage conflicts.
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