Most students will take at least one online course during their education, and this figure is expected to increase in the coming years. In 2021, the global online education market was valued at $30.6 billion, but it is predicted to reach $198.9 billion by 2030. As the online education market continues to expand, video conferencing in education has become more important than ever before.
However, online learners and educators face new challenges as remote education becomes the norm. Today, we’ll explain how your academic institution can overcome these challenges and stay at the forefront of education with advanced video conferencing technologies.
What Is Video Conferencing in Education?
Video conferencing in education allows students and teachers to communicate with one another from any location. With video conferencing, educators can support their efforts at implementing flipped, blended, and online learning methodologies. For instance, video conferencing tools can be used in the following ways:
- Asynchronous learning allows teachers to record lectures and lessons for students to watch at their convenience.
- Synchronous learning will enable teachers to use live video conferencing technology to facilitate remote and hybrid learning models.
Educators can use either videoconferencing approach, or utilize a blend of both as best suits various situations and lesson plans. Either way, as more learners engage in remote and hybrid classrooms, video conferencing in education is essential to the modern classroom.
The Rise of Remote Education
In 2020, the online education industry expanded like never before, with many universities launching brand-new educational programs to meet students’ changing needs. Students from all walks of life use online learning to further their education. Surveys show that from 2011 to 2021, the number of learners taking online classes increased to 220 million.
However, remote and hybrid learning models are not without faults. Even experienced educators may find it challenging to provide an engaging learning experience with digital learning models, and students may struggle to understand complex concepts and effectively absorb critical information when this occurs.
However, with the right audiovisual technology, video conferencing in education can mitigate these challenges by increasing student engagement and allowing teachers to implement new teaching methodologies.
The Benefits of Video Conferencing in Education
Students need an engaging learning environment to get the most out of their educational experience, while teachers need access to tools that simplify and streamline their efforts. Video conferencing in education provides these benefits to anyone that participates in online learning.
Encourages Collaboration
The greatest benefit of video conferencing in education is that it enables students to collaborate on group projects with ease. Advanced video conferencing technology creates an opportunity for students to connect with one another, just as they would during in-person classes.
Video conferencing technologies may also be used to facilitate communication between educators regarding lesson plans and other teaching materials. Educators can easily connect with one another for meetings, webinars, or interviews with experts in a particular field of study.
Creates Flipped Classrooms
Flipped classrooms allow students to participate in their education in ways that challenge traditional teaching methods. Video conferencing in education can facilitate this process by allowing students to watch and record lesson plans at their own pace and absorb information in a manner that meets their needs.
Furthermore, students will get more out of their time in class because they can absorb information in an effective way, so that educators can focus on creating ways for students to apply their knowledge.
Allows Remote and Hybrid Learning
A digital classroom allows educators and students to connect easily with industry leaders around the world. Meanwhile, students can access learning materials at any time or place. Video conferencing technology in education ensures that students can reap the benefits of human interaction, even if they’re learning in a digital environment.
Essential AV Technologies for Video Conferencing in Education
Video conferencing in education is only possible with advanced audiovisual technology. If it’s time to upgrade your AV setup, consider integrating these technologies with the help of AV specialists.
Interactive Whiteboards
As remote and hybrid learning models grow in popularity, educators need access to AV technology that engages students whether they’re learning from home or the classroom. Consequently, interactive whiteboards have become a mainstay in the modern classroom.
Interactive whiteboards allow remote students to engage with learning materials and share documents just as if they were physically present in the classroom. When selecting an interactive whiteboard for the classroom, ensure that the interactive whiteboard can integrate with an interactive teaching software suite.
Smart Projectors
If your classroom has limited space, smart projectors are another viable option for video conferencing in education. Unlike an interactive whiteboard, smart projectors allow educators to display content on any surface of their choosing.
Smart projectors elevate the learning experience by allowing educators to share learning materials with videos, infographics, and other visual mediums, which increases student engagement. Smart projectors allow educators to host video conferencing sessions quickly with a hassle-free setup.
PTZ Cameras
Pan-tilt-zoom cameras, also known as PTZ cameras, are essential for effective video conferencing in education. Educators can utilize this technology to record or live stream lectures. The primary benefit of PTZ cameras is their ability to follow the speaker around the room, which frees educators from the need to stay in one spot for the duration of the lecture.
Furthermore, cloud-based PTZ cameras allow educators to record and stream lectures at the same time, then send the content to streaming services without using an external converter.
Beamtracking Microphones
Beamtracking microphones are the latest technological innovation to greatly improve the educational experience for online learners. Beamtracking microphones are effective because they track the speaker’s movement and location as they move throughout the room. This technology provides educators with the freedom to move as they speak, enhancing student engagement and ensuring every piece of information is clearly audible.
Upgrade Your Video Conferencing Setup with Applied Global
If your organization wants to leverage video conferencing in education, Applied Global Technologies (AGT) offers the professional guidance and implementation support you need. Our team has the tools and expertise to help your institution make the most of classrooms and digital learning environments.
To learn more about our AV solutions, contact us today. We’ll be happy to discuss your specific needs and recommend the right solution for your goals and budget.
