Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) describes the routing of voice conversations over the internet instead of using a conventional phone line. JANET Talk is a new free service that has been developed as an alternative to the popular Skype service which is known to have a number of issues that can have a detrimental effect on campus networks. More information on the JANET Talk service.
As well as voice calls, more sophisticated systems can integrate applications to allow data and application sharing. Using VoIP technology has the potential to make savings especially in new build and multi campus situations and, as it evolves, to radically change the way telecommunications are organised within institutions - contact support@rsc-sw-scotland.ac.uk for more information.
Video Conferencing over Internet Protocol (VCoIP) can be used to allow two or more locations to interact via two-way video and audio transmissions simultaneously. This can be as simple as a conversation between two people in private offices (point-to-point) or involve several sites (multi-point) with more than one person in large rooms at different sites. As well as the audio and visual transmission, video conferencing software can often be used to share documents, computer-displayed information, and whiteboards.
While some of the benefits of using video conferencing are clear in terms of supporting meetings between locations, using it to support learning and teaching requires some imagination. Using Video Conferencing opens up the possibilities for collaborative learning experiences between learners in other institutions and indeed in other countries. It can also offer very effective support to learners in remote locations, can provide access to subject specialists that might not otherwise be available and has the potential to broaden the whole learning experience.
Video conferencing facilities are available at the RSC, see the Video Conferencing webpage for further information.
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