It is hard to describe the uses of videoconferencing. Among other things, it can be used in education, training, business, telecommunication, surveillance, emergency response, security and telemedicine.

Its greatest advantage is that it allows people to communicate with each other, in real time, even though they may be based in several remote locations. It also allows information to be disseminated rapidly in a manner that people can understand and utilize.

Education is one area where videoconferencing is already making waves. More and more colleges are using it to liven up their courses and improve content delivery methods. The teachers find it especially useful in improving motivation levels and student participation. The same is the story of institutes involved in distance education. They find videoconferencing to be a great tool to connect with students living in different corners of the country.

It has also changed the way people do business. More and more companies are now turning to videoconferencing as an important way to present information to employees or clients located in far-flung locations. They are using it to gather information, share knowledge and to brainstorm. Most importantly, it is allowing their managers to use real time data, and make decisions quickly.

Videoconferencing has also led to considerable savings. Executives don’t have to travel to the corporate office to participate in meetings. They can interact with their bosses from the cities where they are posted.

Another important area where videoconferencing is being used is for disseminating company information. Several company heads now use videoconferencing to communicate with shareholders and the media.

In fact, there are several corporate houses that have set up their own videoconferencing systems, and hired trained staff to run them. The reason they have done this is because they realize the value of videoconferencing.

But one area where videoconferencing has brought smiles is medicine. Patients living in remote areas can use videoconferencing to communicate with medical specialists living in big cities or working in large corporate or government hospitals. Videoconferencing has also made it possible for people living in third world countries to interact with doctors working in the US or Europe.

Interestingly, even judiciary is turning to videoconferencing to hear cases. This is especially happening in countries like India where the cost and time involved in transporting prisoners from jail to the courts is very high. Videoconferencing not only makes hearing easier, but also helps in the quicker disposal of cases.

 

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