There are few technologies that are more suited to the classroom than videoconferencing. That is why more and more colleges are turning to videoconferencing as a valuable classroom tool. They realize that videoconferencing is a great way to boost learning, and improve student interest in studies.

The biggest advantage of videoconferencing is that it allows better lesson preparation. Even the best of teachers can miss out on important points. Videoconferencing, on the other hand, allows teachers to record lectures in advance. They can revise, and modify, their lecture before it is actually delivered. This makes the lecture more focused, relevant, and interesting to the student.

The teachers also have one more big advantage. They can spice up the presentation with photographs, illustrations, power point slides, video and audio clips. This makes the lecture far more lively and interesting, and improves the attention span of students. The students don’t get bored hearing the same teacher drone on and on.

Videoconferencing also makes it possible to provide expert presentations, and use of background material in an interesting format. This can also be done in a traditional classroom. But then the teacher has to move from one mode of delivery to another. In a videoconference, the final telecast is seamless. The student is not aware of how the conference is being packaged in the studio. There are no distractions, and no fiddling with equipment.

Every videoconference session brings in an air of expectation, making the student look forward to the lecture. The student-led presentations are particularly exciting. The students love to see themselves on camera, and make great efforts to look and sound good. They don’t want to make a fool of themselves before an audience that is sitting several kilometres away in the same city or in another city.

At the same time, videoconferencing also requires teaching students camera etiquette. They need to learn how to handle a mike, how to ask questions and how to behave when an interactive session is going on.

The role of a moderator is equally important. Not every teacher is a good moderator. Often, a teacher needs the support of a moderator to conduct the videoconference smoothly. The moderator not only ensures that the conference proceeds smoothly but also livens up the proceedings with smart comments.

This is why videoconferencing is becoming so much enjoyable for the student. It is learning with a good dose of fun, and no tedium.

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