Videoconferencing Successful VC is new kind of group

Videoconferencing “Successful VC is new kind of group communication. It requires new skills and new ways of doing things …. ” z. Diamond & Roberts 1

1. What is it? z. A two-way synchronous communication medium that utilizes television technology and is distributed via satellite, cable or the internet z. E-mail, fax, and phone are often part of the package 2

2. Historical Background z. Evolution y. Television Stations y. Off-site (Hotels y. On-site rooms y. PC based (videophone-like) 3

3. Costs z 1981 (Sprint Case) y$2000/hr y $500, 000/room z 1991 y 1000 VC Rooms y$60/hr y$50 K/room z 1993 y$50/hr y$20 K/room z 1998 y. Transitions to PC based 4

4. Types of Systems z“If it looks like a TV, why doesn’t it look like TV? ” z. Freeze Frame z. Slow-Scan z. Voice Activated z. Receiver Activated z. Video-phone 5

5. System Setups z. Networks y. Multipoint-to-Multipoint y. Point-to-Point z. Viewing Options y. Voice-sensitive y. Multiple-monitors y. Split Screen 6

6. Why it’s not like TV z. Picture Quality z. Sound (Delays) z. Interaction z. Missing Cues 7

7. How is it used? z. Business y. Group to group y. Training (Apple 50%, $1. 5 million) y. Quarterly Forecasts y. Corporate-wide Announcement (GM Layoffs) y. Product Reviews (700 J. C. Penny Stores) z. Education y. Foreign Language Teachers 8

8. Impacts on Communication z. Micro z. Macro z. Comparative Effects 9

9. Impact on Organizations z. Democratization z. Information “float time” z. Pace z. Integration into the company z. Standardization z. Employee responsibilities 10

10. Social Implications z“Video Teleconferencing is a growing medium where in a sense, you become the visual aid. And just as you are not born with the ability to communicate brilliantly, so you are not born knowing how best to utilize VC. You must learn to make the medium work for you rather than the other way around” -- Milo Frank 11

11. Tips for the leader z Start on time z Repeat start & finish time z Review objectives, ground rules and who is present z Encourage participation z Help those who are new z Use visuals z Insure agenda integrity z Summarize key points z Summarize important decisions, assignments, & follow -up assignments 12

12. Tips for participants z Be concise z State name before speaking z Use participant’s names z Avoid side conversations z Spell out unusual terms, names, or numbers z Use verbal underlining z Avoid watching self on monitor z Direct questions to specific people or locations 13