The advent of the Internet has dramatically altered the way students learn and are taught. For years, teachers and their pupils relied on the traditional classroom experience for communicating with one another. As Internet usage has skyrocketed and the number of individuals equipped with home computers grown exponentially, E-Learning has quickly become one of the leading ways for students to further their studies. While those studies have primarily been facilitated through the use of digital content and literary materials, video conferencing is quickly gaining ground as one of the most popular tools available for reaching students in an entirely different way.
Video conferencing has existed in one form or another for several years, but only recently have webcams become widespread amongst Internet users. Whereas computer owners previously had to purchase cumbersome desktop cameras with grainy resolutions to perch next to their machines, many modern computers come with built-in audio and visual equipment. Furthermore, popular services such as Skype now allow Internet users to connect with another via video conferencing without paying a single penny.
This shift has seen the academic world begin to adopt the webcam as just another resource that can be used to connect students with their professors and classmates. For those who had already begun to pursue their studies online, this is a dramatic shift from the entirely textually-based interactions once relied upon for communicating with one another. Instead of solely hearing the perspectives, opinions, and advice of other individuals through the written word, video conferencing allows students to see things in an entirely new light.
In addition to the E-learning field, video conferencing is beginning to make waves in more traditional academic settings. Many high schools and universities are increasingly placing online forums, discussions groups, and resources at the fingertips of their students. In some instances, it is now possible to watch a lecture virtually, providing students who don't have the ability to attend classes with an experience never before available. Furthermore, many of these digital lectures are recorded in addition to being streamed, and later placed at the disposition of students who may have the desire to review materials discussed in class.
Beyond simple lecturing and discussion groups, the ability to video conference with one another is giving teachers a more solid idea of the students with whom they are working online. E-learning is unique in that a professor does not need to be in the same physical location as his student in order to teach material. While this is an advantage in most situations, it can also pose a unique set of challenges when it comes to explaining material that make be particularly difficult to understand. In the event that a student needs to discuss something hindering his or her studies, have an idea or concept explained in greater detail, or simply procure advice for his adviser, video conferencing opens the door.
As video conferencing becomes even more common place, it will be fascinating to see how the academic world will continue to shift and accept this exciting technology. Allowing teachers and their students to connect more effectively will no doubt have a dramatic effect on overall comprehension and learning. Furthermore, it's likely that students will feel more confident and secure in the material they've learned, thanks to the power of video conferencing capabilities.
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