As technology grows, newer and newer appliances are available.  It seems there’s no stopping!  The latest communications innovation is the Computer Telephony Integration (CTI).  It could be divided into Video Conferencing (VC) and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

What is VC?

Teleconferencing in which video images are transmitted among the various geographically separated participants in a meeting. Originally done using analog video and satellite links, today video conferencing uses compressed digital images transmitted over wide area networks or the Internet. (Miscrosoft Press, 2002)

Simply, it is a communication occurring between two or more remote locations that includes video and audio contact over the Internet or a private network.

What is VoIP?

Voice over IP - that is, voice delivered using the Internet Protocol is a term used in IP telephony for a set of facilities for managing the delivery of voice information using the Internet Protocol (IP). In general, this means sending voice information in digital form in discrete packets rather than in the traditional circuit-committed protocols of the public switched telephone network (PSTN).

(BIS Limited)

Impacts of Video Conferencing

Social:

VC changes the ways of human communication.  In the past, written letters and telephone calls are the main communication channels.  However, nowadays, human can enjoy sitting in front of the webcam and communicate with others by VC.  This face-to-face convenient communication can stronger the relationship of family and friends and also encourage business relationship.  In US, a survey finding 66% respondents noted VC has increased the frequency of meetings with remote groups. (Harris Interactive Survey).

Join now!

VC is widely used in Education especially in e-learning/distance learning.  Hong Kong students can collaborate with UK students or students from all over the world easily.  It increases the need for courses on using the basic VC hardware and software and on presentation skills.  To encourage the use of video conferencing on Europe’s education, and training communities, the EU-funded SAVIE project (Support Action to Facilitate the Use of VC in Education), offers oriented orientation and training sessions for beginners and advanced VC users.

Economic:

VC has a dramatic effect on the way people do business and the ...

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