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UNIT 15 TELECONFERENCING ,

15.0 Introduction
15.1 Objectives
15.2 Teleconferencing and Open Distance Education
15.3 SynchronousCommunication Technologies
15.3.1 Audio Conferencing Technologies
15.3.2 Video Conferencing Technologies
15.3.3 Computer Conferencing Technologies
15.4 Teleconferencing for Teaching-Learning
15.4.1 Designing Instruction for Teleconferencing
15.4.2 Conducting Teleconferencing Sessons
15.5 Summary
15.6 Unit End Activities
15.7 References and Suggested Reading
15.8 Clues to Check Your Progress

15.0 INTRODUCTION
Various technologies used in distance learning, as discussed in the earlier units are the
broadcast & non-broadcast audio/ video media. These technologies generally lack a
two-way communication channel between the teacher and the student. Successful
distance education systems ensure active learning that involves interactivity between
teacher and students and among students themselves. The quality of educational process
depends upon sustained, two-way communication. Teleconferencing has great potential
for providing this essential two-way communication.The potential of teleconferencing
(TC) lies in creating greater opportunity for dialogue, which facilitates more effective
learning than studying in isolation.
In this unit, we shall study various types of telecanferencing technologies that are
available and their advantages, disadvantages and applications in distance learning /
teaching. It is necessary to understand the limitations and potential of this technology
to evaluate its use in distance education. Teleconferencing is a function which can be
hosted on a variety of technologies i.e. telephone, saaellite, Internet and can be applied
to wide range of situations like live video lecturing to a large audience, from point to
point, individual desktop, PC Chats. The success of the teleconferencing may well
depend on factors other than the technology. These factors range from institutional
issues, to cost, to student and tutor attitude to technolbgy. It is also highly dependent on
the teaching methods adopted. In view of its use teleconferencing may become the
most used technology in distance education in near future.

15.1 OBJECTIVES
After studying this unit, you should be able to:
explain the role of teleconferencing in distance; learning;
describe various types of teleconferencing;
explain the advantages and limitation of audio, video and computer conferencing;
understand and describe how to make best use of teleconference technology in
distance education.
47
Audio and Video Media
15.2 TELECONFERENCING AND OPEN DISTANCE
EDUCATION
Students who study at a distance are separated both from their tutor and their peers.
Social interactions, sharing of ideas. joy of learning and discovering together, sharing
successes and failures and general social support are all to a certain extent, missing
form distance learning environment. Students may therefore feel isolated, lose motivation.
experience frustration and a host of unwelcome emotions.
The task of distance educator is therefore to obviate these problems as much as
possible by using appropriate technologies, maintain a stimulating environment and
create opportunities for students to communicate with teachers and with each other
on a regular basis. This is where the teleconferencing technologies comes handy and
offer opportunity to provide interactivity needed to offset some of the demotivating
aspects of studying alone. Therefore, let us study about teleconferencing and understand
how to make use of this technology in distance teaching1 learning.
A two way comn~unicationusing electronic equipment between students who are
located at separate locations and teacher in a studio can be called "teleconference".
Such communication is facilitated by a combination of electronic equipment and
communication channels. The communication channels can be simple telephone
networks to satellite links. Interaction between teacher and student is achieved by
different type of technologies. These technologies are divided as synchronous and
asynchronous depending on the nature of communication either live or recorded.
Synchronous communication are real time conversations between all participants in
the conference. For instance. a radio broadcast received simultaneously by all the
listeners, teleconference telecast from IGNOU headquarters to students at study centers
via satellite. etc. are examples of this type of communication. In asynchronous
communication messages delivered are not accessed at the same time but at different
times by different receivers. For instance. email and voice mail. In this mode each
recipient will read the messages at hislher convenience. Success of using
teleconferencing technologies in distance teaching depends on technologies available
with the institution and trained man power for developing the courseware suitable for
the medium used.
Conferencing helps in the following manners:
0 provides equitable access to resources to learners especially to those in rural and
remote places .
0 facilitates rapid access to information.
0 makes learning interactive, participatory and dialogue based.
facilitates collaborative learning through exchange of information , sharing of
resources, team work .
a provides a virtual learning environmeilt when access to real experiences is not
feasible.

SYNCHRONOUS COMMUNICATION
TECHNOLOGIES
Synchronous communication in education ineans that teacher and the students interact
with each other in "real time" as in teleconferencing. It is a live situation where
recorded instructions are not played but live interactions are there. The ongoing
conversation is made possible electronically. For example two-way videoconferencing
allows students to interact with instructor. Less complex technologies, such as telephone
conversations are also synchronous, Synchronous technologies can be classified as
shown in the following figure (Figure 1).
48
 Synchronous communicationtechnologies Teleconferencing

I ~ubio video cornbuter

Conferencing Conferencing Conferencing
Technologies Technologies Technologies
Fig. 1

15.3.1 Audio Conferencing Technologies

Let us now study about Audio conferencing technologies These technologies can be
further classified depending on medium used as audio, audio graphic and phone-in
radio as shown in the figure 2.

Audio conferencingtechnologies

r --1
Audio conferencing Audio graphic conferencing
---

Phone-in radio
Fig. 2
r

Audio conferencing
,- Simple conversation on telephone by more than two persons may be treated as 'Audio
Conferencing'. Nowadays many telephone networks and modem hand sets can offer
this facility. While conversationbetween two people is a point to point communication,
by using conferencing facility a telephone network can be used for multipoint
communication. Such conference facilities can be used in distance teaching easily as
they are simple to set up. They can be setup by dialing the number designated for
conference by each students. However as the number of students connected to the
system increases the quality of the sound may reduce. To overcome this situation a
special equipment known as 'Audio Bridge' is developed.
Audio Bridge is designed to co1,nect number of telephones so that people from different
places can converse simultaneously.This bridge electronically mixes the audio signals
from the connected telephone line from various locations. The circuitry in the bridge
balance the signals level and also isolatelreduce the telephone line noise to provide
quality audio. The conference can be set up using bridge either by students dialing the
number designated for conference or an operator at conference nodal location
connecting to the students required to participate in the audio conference.
In case of student calling into the conference bridge, a telephone number (allotted to
special bridge) can be published or sent along with the time schedule of the conference.
The telephone number can be toll free number (see glossary) to encourage participation.
In this type of conference each student has to dial in as per the schedule. In case of an
operator connecting, each and every participating student located at different location
will be dialed from the bridge equipment. The limitation in such a system could be
that a list of the numbers of the students is requ~ledand a student has to be present
v at the same location during conferencing. While standard telephone set can be used
for participating audio conference, better d ~ . , .:speaker phone can be used for
hand free conversation. It is also good idea to install amplifier in the hall where more
c students are assembled, at a given center. The center can have acoustically treated
hall for better audio quality.

Audio Graphic Conferencing

Audio conferencing can be improved by value addition by way of sending picture1
data along with voice communication. The picture1 data information can be sent in
advance for use at the time of audio conferencing or it can be sent over a telephone
49
 .\udio and Video Media line itself. This mode of conferencing is called audio graphic conferencing. Graphic
scanner, electronic white board/ electronic tablets with appropriate software can be
used to transmit graphics, sketches, etc. Audio Graphic conferencing is also some
times referred to as enhance audio or audio plus.
Audio Graphic conferencing is advantageous than mere audio conference as it also
transmits visual information. Even though simple static graphic are received by the
students, they are of great help in understanding the topic under discussion. These
visuals bring clarity in explanation of the subject. Sometimes we may be required to
use separate lines to transmit the voice and visuals for better interaction.
The advantages of audio conferencing and video conferencing can be used in this
conferencing mode with limited expenses. Some of the visual requirements can be
met through this graphic conference.

Phone in Radio
Phone-in radio is very popular nowadays. Every one in the vicinity of FRI broadcast
might have heard one or the other phone-in programs. In phone in radio, the
communicationis point to multipoint by radio broadcast to the learners and the interaction
is through a simple telephone line. Teachers at the studio of the broadcasting station
teach and answer the queries raised by learners, who dial into the studio telephone
numbers using ordinary telephone. To encourage students to interact freely, these
numbers can be toll free i.e. students need not pay for the calls made. Voice of the
students on telephone is also mixed and broadcast therefore everybody listening to the
programme is also benefited by the discussion. Phone in radio virtually creates a
classroom spread over large area covered by the radio broadcast. For example IGNOU
conducts interactive radio counseling program with the help of All India Radio national
network, which can be heard through out the country. Government of India is
encouraging universities to install FM radio stations for campus broadcasts. These
low power stations can boost Phone-in radio use in education sector. Equipment needed
by the student to participate in Radio Phone in program is only radio receiver and
Telephone. Fax machines may also be used to communicate during such programmes
to send text and sketches if required.
The advantages of phone in radio are obvious as the reach and availability of radio is
widespread and it is also easily affordable. Limitations of the phone-in radio are that
interaction is with teacher only as the students are linked to the teacher. Students can
only listen to the other students participating in the program, but cannot interact directly
with them. As this kind of program is synchronous in nature it needs scheduling so that
many can benefit from it.

1 Merits and Demerits of Audio Technologies

I Let us summarize the merits and demerits of audio conferencing :

Merits
Equipment required to setup audio conference is simple and less expensive.
Options for selecting Telephone or speaker phones and a telephone networks
are many.
Audio conference can be easily recorded by the students themselves for reference.
Students can participate in the conference from anywhere.
Demerits
Difficult to explain abstract concepts on audio conference due to lack of visual
information.
It is difficult to learn through audio information only.
 Scheduling is necessary and needs coordination between teacher availability Teleconferencing
and student convenience.
Since eye contact is not possible it is difficult to retain attention of students.

Integrating Audio Technologies

The following points may be kept in mind while using audio technologies for delivering
lecture / discussing topics in conference mode:
Since students can not see each other in audio conference, addressing each of
them by their names is desirable to give a personal touch..
It is better to encourage interaction and let everyone participate in the discussion.
Relevant text, pictures, sketches relevant to the topic under discussion can be
sent in advance.
The conference can be recorded and suitably edited for the benefit of other
students who missed the conference or want to review the contents.
It is important to take every care in selecting equipment for good quality audio
communications.
We also have to remember that in audio confdrence the voice/audio quality is of
primary importance, therefore the equipment, environment and content design are to
be carefully selected and planned.

15.3.2 Video Conferencing Technologies

Video conferencing, also called video teleconferencing is setup using both audio and
video equipments for transmission as well as reception from separate locations. This
set up allows student to see the teacher and histher presentation and interact with
himher. Unlike audio graphic conferencing, in video conferencing video cameras
are used for transmitting moving pictures. Video aonferencing is set up either between
point to point through a telephone network and equipments for compressing and
decompressi~gthe audio video signals or it cah be point to multi point by using
broadcasting equipments.
Video conferencing systems can be divided broadly into two types as shown in

conferencing
(Usually through satellite, cable) (Microwave, Desk top Video)

One-way video and two way audioconferencing:In this type of conference, as the
name indicates video is seen only one-way. Students (participants) at multiple sites
can see the teacher, but the teacher can not see them except those physically present
in the location (studio). Satellite transmission is used in India for one way video and
two way audio type of teleconferences. Such teleconferences are used when
instructions are to be provided at multiple locations across a wide geographical area.
Distance learning through this kind of conference needs a teaching end studio equipped
with video cameras, microphones and other mixing equipment. Final studio signals are
transmitted to satellite for broadcast or to a cable network system.
The receiving sites/ learning centers will have down linking equipment to receive the
satellite signals through a small dish or directly from cable and displayed in class
rooms/study centers by standard TV sets. Audio interaction with teacher is provided
51
Audio and Video Media by the use of :in audio bridge at the teaching end and telephone lines at remote
classroon~s.
Two-way audio video conferencing: In this type of conference audio and video
signals are exchanged between teaching studio and receiving center. Thc two way
conference can be point to point 01- between multiple locations. The receiving center
can receive pictures and audio from other centers. All centers are equipped to send
and receive video and audio viz. cameras, microphones and monitors.
Satellite based conferencing: Satellite transmission is best suited for point to multi
point communication. Normally a large size dish with satellite transmitting equipment
(up-link facility ) is installed for sending audio video signals to satellite at the teaching
centre. At the receiving centers relatively simple receiving equipment with small size
dish is installed.
Many educational institutions may not be in a position to set up up-link and down link
equipment on their own. However, these institutions may use facilities set up by the
government at certain locations. One example of an educational system that makes
use of satellite communication in India is training and development comn~unication
channel (TDCC) coordinated by ISRO and IGNOU. Such conferences are being
organized on Gyan Darshan, the educational television channel of India. The return
audio channel is usually through telephone network and it is also possible via sateilite
with additional equipment.
You may have notiied similarity with the phone - in radio service and satellite-based
conference as both or' them use broadcast media to send the educational program.
Even though the broadcast is at a scheduled time, students can tape the programme
and play it back at a convenient time.

Cable Network Based Conference

Cable networks are set up to bring entertainment satellite channels to homes. This
type of cable connection can be used to transmit one-way video and one-way audio
transmission to the community at large or between specific locations/receive centers.
Cable network based conference will be effective in local area or small townships. In
one school 1 collage, the teacher would teach while in the others, the students can
access the televised program.
Cable companies will soon be able to use the technology of digital video to offer
hundreds of channels to each home and school. Although many of these channels will
be used for commercial entertaintnent purpose, it is expected that a couple of channels
will become available for education.
Two-way audio video conferencing (Microwave, desktop conferencing facilities)
For two-way audio video conferencing both teaching and learning ends should have
similar equipment to send and receive audio as well as video. Usually microwave TV
conferencing are point-to-point cc~mmunicationswhereas desk top conferencing can
be used for multi point communications.
Microwave Television Conferencing : While, Satellites are popular for enabling
video communications over long distances. microwave translnissions provide a cost-
effective method for videoconferencing within more localized areas. Microwave
systems are designed to transmit good quality video signals to areas that are not more
than 40 km apart. They provide in line of sight (without physical obstacles to block the
signals) point-to-point communications. Microwave stations operate at a lower power,
require comparatively relatively less expensive equipment. One problem of
microwave communication is the availability of limited number of channels in the
spectrum in any one area. Microwave communjcations are not popular for providing
education in India.
52
Digital (Desktop) Videoconferencing Teleconferencing

'I'his tech~ologyinvolves the capturing, manipulation and storage of video in digital

brmats. Desktop videoconferencing uses a computer along with a camera and
~nicrophoneat one site to transmit video and audio to a computer at another site or
?ires.The computers involved in digital videoconferencing, require a videoconferencing
board (codec board) with the ability to compress and decompress the digitized video.
This technique is less expensive than satellite or microwave systems. The
disadvantages are that visuals of rapid movements may be of lower quality and that
fast transmission lines as Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) are required.
Slower transmission lines can affect quality of transmission. They are also not very
suitable for large groups with many participants.

Advantage /Disadvantages of Video Technologies

Advantagesldisadvantages of the video conferencing are summarized as follows:

Advantages
Allow both audio and video communications. Hence it is suitable for teaching
that involves demonstrations. Video medium supports visuals related to lab
experiments and animations and thus explain abstract topics.
Encourage interactive learning.

Disadvantages
It is expensive and the infrastructure at each site may be unaffordable for many
institutions.
Requires teachers trained to teach through this technology, and requires a crew
with camera men and other technical experts. Effective programmes require
rehearsals with teachers and technical team .
The programmes are scheduled and learners need to be present at the time of
transmission.

Check Your Progress 1

Answer the following questions briefly:
1. Explain the need for interactivity in distance education.
...............................................................................................................

2. What is essential other than equipment and communication channel for

teleconferencing?

...............................................................................................................
3. How do you overcome lack of visual information in using audio conferencing?
Audio and Video Media 15.3.3 Computer Conferencing Technologies
In computer conferencing. computers are connected by local area network (LAN) or
internet. Access to computer conferencing is not limited by time and space, thus
offering greater access to student in learning from distance. Computer conferencing
allows learners to access information from the teacher and at the same time enables
them to interact among themselves. Unlike the audio and videoconferences, computer
conferences are mostly text based such as chat rooms and shared white boards.
Following are two types of computer conferencing:
Internet videoconferencing
Internet Chat (Text only)

Internet Videoconferencing

I
In order to set up an internet video conference we need to have digital video camera,
microphone. digitizing card for audio & video, speakers, network card and conference
software installed in the computers at both sides.
lnternet video conferencing usually results in a small image and quality of video
depends on the band width availability i.e. speed of the internet connection. In
most cases, a regular modem is far too slow to transmit effective video. With
improvements in technology, it is possible to get better pictures and sound across
internet that can be viewed full screen with better lip-sync i.e. synchronization between
lips and sound.

Internet Chat
Internet Chat is a two-way, interactive exchanpe over the Internet in text mode. Tn
chat mode, two or more people at remote computers connect to the same chat "room"
and type messages. Typed messages can be seen by all participants on a shared
screen. Online chat allows students and teachers to communicate in "real-time." In
internet chat, student feels free to communicate in the absence of cameras/microphones
but helshe may have to concentrate hard to express in text mode. Shared white
boards can be used to communicate t/u-ouglz text a ~ dgraphics with appropriate
sqftware tools. Advanced software even allows users at remote sites to share
applications. The student and teacher will both be able to provide inputs and analyze
the results. The advantages of online collaboration through chat or shared whiteboards
are that the communications are synchronous and the feedback for the students is
immediate. Need for similar software at both sites can be a disadvantage. Number of
participants may be limited for simultaneous collaboration.

Advantages1 Disadvantages of Computer Technologies

Advantages and disadvantages of computer technologies are summarized as follows

Advantages
Computers allow students to learn at their own pace and review as often as they

With the use of multimedia, learning can be made interesting and interactive
In computer conferencing usage of text make student more attentive and make
them feel free without camera fear.
The Internet gives world wide access with minimum cost .Teaching is possible
internationally in true sense.
I Disadvantages
Teleconferencing

I Availability of regular power supply is one of the main problems in some areas
besides access to computer hardware and desired software.
Even though the speed of network connectivity is improving day by day, it is still
not fully sufficient to meet video conferencing dem~nds.Therefore communication
is still mainly by text.
Tackling computer viruses is not easy.

I 15.4
In spite of great developments in computer technology there could be some
uncertainty in connectivity or availability of the servers in some places.

TELECONFERENCING FOR
TEACHING-LEARNING

I In this section we shall discuss the use of TC for teaching and learning.

m 15.4.1 Designing Instruction for Teleconferencing

I As we have discussed various types of conferencing technologies, let us now discuss

the instructional designs specific to these technologies. In designing instruction for
teleconferencing, focus needs to be on how to present it in audio-visual way.
When designing material to be delivered through teleconferencing, one should
incorporate different activities involving students at the various sites to retain their
attention. Such as discussions, student presentations, sharing of experiences, etc.
Changing instruction methods periodically during the session will also sustain students'
interest. While teaching material viz. pictures, diagrams, maps, graphs. tables, and
charts may be conceptually similar to those used in conventional class room teaching,
but they should be designed so that they are formatted to suit the medium being used.
For example, graphicslcharts should be prepared with big font size and good colour
contrast to show up clearly on the receiving side monitors. information presented
should be adequately summarized for retention and recall.
In fact, the ability to show movement in video can be effectively used to demonstrate
experiments to show the processes and operation of the equipment and tools.
Animations, slow motions can help in analysis of the actions over a period of time.
Simulations and three dimensional models simplify understanding of complex three-
dimensional qualities of an object or structure. Historical topics may be supported
by the photos or film clips to add authenticity to the subject and to take students to

15.4.2 Conducting Teleconferencing Sessions

Once basic teaching me1 hods are finalized, the following three-step strategy may be
adopted.to ensure good rapport between students and teacher.

Preparation Before Conference

It generally takes more time to deliver instruction through technology than in a traditional
face-to-face setting. Therefore lessons are to be planned accordingly. Practicing with
equipments and a few target students if possible, enables smooth teleconference
sessions later. Ensure that students received necessary background materials to make
the best use of the conference. Discussion topics or questions may be defined clearly
in advance so that students can prepare for interaction. Possible study questions may
be created to help in focusing on discus3ions.
Audio and Video Meclia During the teleconferencing Session
Eye contact is very important in video conference. Facial expressions, tone of voice.
body movements are also important to enhance communication and attention of the
student. Raising questions, involving students, and praising student contributions are
also to be parts of the discussions. Presentation may be in short spells interspersed
with discussions. Instruction and interaction can be alternately used. Avoid reading
from the prepared text and maintain a moderate speaking pace. Concepts discussed
in the program may be reviewed and focused questions should be asked as all student5
may not feel free to express doubts in conference mode. Acthitie\ may be integrated
to reinforce the content V ~ L
quizzes,
. worksheets, role-playing, and experiments. Topics
or questions may be displayed on the screen as reinforcement. Student-to-student
interaction may be encouraged.

After the Session

Recordings of the presentation may be reviewed for improving presentation, style,
and delivery methods. Student feedback may be obtained on the strengths and
weaknesses of the instructional materials and the teaching strategies used. Since the
technology is the only link between teacher and student one should be open to latest
technologies and new ideas.

Check Your Progress 2

Answer the following questions briefly:
1 What is the major difference in computer conferencing and other conferencing
methods and what are its advantages?

...............................................................................................................
2. How can we keep distance student actively involved in teleconferencing'?

15.5 SUMMARY
Students who study at a distance are separated from their teacher and their fellow
students. Distance education system must provide for interactivity between students
and teacher and among students themselves using appropriate interacti-ve
communication technologies. Synchronous interactive technologies are commonly
referred to as "teleconferencing" irrespective of the communication medium being
utili~ed.Each audio, video and computer conferencing have their advantages and
disadvantages' depending on their respective media formats. (See table-1 below).
Designing instructional material for teleconferencing is challenging as it requires careful
planning in many ways. Scheduling and appropriately allowing interactivity among
students participating in the conference distributed across networks is very important
for successful teleconferencing.
 Table 1 Teleconferencing
--
Technology Advantages Disadvantages
Audio conference Inexpensive No visual support

Phone- in-radio
Easy to set up
Easily accessible
Wide coverage
bera~~ with teacher
only; Scheduling required

Cable Network

Must be scheduled
Microwave Videoconference May be interactive Must be scheduled
Relatively inexpensive Limited coverage
1 Line-of-sight transmission

Instant -feedback Requires Web access

15.6 UNIT END ACTIVITIES

1. Visit your study center and participate in a teleconferencing programme meant
for the PGDET programme. Recount your experience as a report.
2. Listen to the Interactive Radio programme of IGNOU and interact with the
resource persons. Recount your experience as a report.

15.7 REFERENCES AND SUGGESTED READING

You may visit websites on topics discussed in this unit, like the following:

http://web.mit.edu/is/isnews/v18/n03/180309.html Retrieved on 15.6.07

http:llen.wikipedia.org/wikiNideoconferencing Retrieved on 19 .6.07

http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/V/videoconfe~ncing.html
Retrieved on 19 .6.07
http://picture~hone.com/productsAearntvpes of systems.htm Retrieved on

http://fcit.usf.edu/distance/chap9.htm Retrieved on 20 .6.07

Audio conferencing: Voice-only communications linking two or more sites. In most

cases, standard telephone lines and speakerphone~sare employed.
Audio graphic conferencing: Voice communications supplemented with the
transmission of still images. Pictures, graph3, or sketches can be transmitted during

can be used.
Bookmarks: A list of sites that can be saved by browser software. The hot list
enables user to access favorite sites without retyping the URL.
57
Audio and Video Media Bandwidth: The transmission capacity of a telecomnlunications system. The greater
the bandwidth, the greater the amount of digital information that can be transmittec'
per second.
Bridge: A device, often leased through a telephone company that links three or more
telephone lines together for audio teleconferencing.
Codec (Compression-Decompression):An electronic device that converts standard
television signals into compressed digital signals for transmission. The same device
can converl incoming compressed digital signals back into viewable television signals.
A codec allows motion images to be transmitted through special telephone lines.
Desktop videoconference: Multimedia microcomputers are used to display live
video images that are transmitted w.er LANs or digital data lines.
Internet: An Internet is a network. The term Internet usually refers to a collection of'
networks interconnected with routers.
ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) : A modem telephone system that
allows rapid digital transmission of sound, data, and images.
ISRO: Indian Space Research Organization
LAN (local-area network) : A computer network limited to a building or area of a
building.
Microwave: A high-frequency transmission that can be used for television signals or
computer data. Microwave transmissions are said to be line of sight, which means
that they cannot pass through tall buildings or mountains.
T1 line: A special type of telephone line that transmits digital information at a high
rate. These lines are much more expensive than regular telephone lines.
Teleconferencing: Electronic techniques that are used to allow three or more people
at two or more locations to communicate.
Toll free number: Toll free number is a telephone number: calls made to this number
are billed to the receiving party (Organisation). In other words, caller need not pay for
the calls made to this telephone number.

Check Your Progress-1

1. For breaking isolation, motivation
2. Resources - physical equipments, financial. attitude of teachers, etc.
3. Through audio graphics - fax, computers, etc., visuals can be sent

Check Your Progress-2

1. Major part of interaction in computer conferencing is by text mode and help
student express freely with out any fear of camera and microphone. Text based
interaction makes learners attentive.
2. Student interest in teleconference can be ensured by:
Defining discussion topics in advance and allowing students to prepare for
interaction
May assign discussion questions before teleconference
Encouraging students to answer some of the questions or express their
opinion, ideas and experiences etc.
Alternating between instruction and interaction frequently.
58 --