The Future of Real Time Communications Technologies in E-Learning

Abstract

In the previous chapters three real time communications technologies (RTCs) have been discussed. Videoconferences have been used for real time communications in distance learning for many years. In recent years many institutions have used videoconferences in addition to the text-based communications tools in learning management systems: discussion forums and chat. Video chat is a new technology. It is computer based and inexpensive after the purchase of the computer as software is often free and the basic audio and video equipment is inexpensive. Video chat facilitates two-way video and audio communications and thus it is likely to displace videoconference from its place in the market. The Access Grid is also gaining use in education as a teaching tool due to the richness of the experience of multiple video streams, and additional tools that allow true collaboration. How these technologies are used in educational settings has a direct impact on the effectiveness and efficiency of the educational experience and theoretical guides to their use have been discussed earlier in this book. One of the early theoretical approaches was that put forward by Michael Moore.