Comments and Questions: (If you've had experience with Compressed Video, please comment. If you haven't, do you have other questions?)

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DESIEN - (Issue 1-2 Addendum - Compressed Video Questions)

1a. How does Compressed Video work?

Compressed Video is one of a number of new electronic tools that can be used for learning at a distance. Compressed Video is a two-way video, two-way audio medium that reduces the bandwidth of the video image. Through a coding/decoding process, the signal is converted for transmission over telephone lines and fiber optic cables. This process provides a more cost-effective way of holding meetings and delivering training and educational programs than other types of two-way video/audio transmission.

The quality of the Compressed Video picture, the amount of video "lag" (characteristic of Compressed Video) and the cost of the connection, depends on the bandwidth that is used. A higher bandwidth results in better picture quality, less "lag" and a higher cost. The most commonly used bandwidth spectrum ranges from 112 Kbps at the low end to 336 Kbps at the high end.

The use of Compressed Video can provide significant reductions in travel expenses, time spent traveling and traveling risk for both instructors and participants. Compressed Video is also a flexible medium that can be expanded by adding additional components: print materials, cameras, monitors, document cameras, video/audio cassette recorders, audioconferencing, audiographics, presentation software and fax, as well as computers for using CD-ROM and for access to e-mail and the Internet.

Because Compressed Video is two-way video and two-way audio and can interface with a wide variety of other technologies, it is potentially a very interactive medium.

1b. Is Compressed Video the appropriate medium for me to use?

Compressed Video is the appropriate medium for you to use if: 1) remote access to your meeting, program or course is important; 2) two-way video and two-way audio are important for your purposes; 3) your institution has Compressed Video and its use fits into your budget and 4) the remote sites you wish to reach have Compressed Video units.

2. Will the format I use for teaching in the classroom work for the Compressed Video medium or do I need to adapt my course?

Teaching via Compressed Video is different from teaching in the traditional classroom. Effective Compressed Video instructors adapt their courses, with the assistance of instructional design teams, taking into consideration the potential and limitations of the medium and the remote nature of their students.

Critical steps in this process include: 1) becoming familiar with the equipment and allowing time for practice, 2) planning ahead and working closely with the design team, 3) dividing the class content into short fifteen or twenty minute modules, 4) incorporating short breaks every hour, 5) developing clear, concise graphics, 6) integrating activities that encourage student participation, 7) learning about the remote students, personalizing wherever possible and using a sense of humor, 8) working closely with the remote site coordinators, 9) providing adequate student support and 10) integrating feedback and evaluation.

When well designed, learning via Compressed Video can be as effective, if not more effective, than learning in the classroom. In addition, techniques learned in adapting formats for Compressed Video can be used by instructors to enhance classroom teaching.

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Next week Friday, November 3, 1995:

3) Are there techniques for helping learners at remote sites feel like they're part of the classroom?

4) How do I plan my course? 5) How do I design my course?

ENDNOTES:

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