Distance Learning | News
Indiana U Implements Software-Based Videoconferencing for Virtual Classrooms
Indiana University has implemented a
software-based video conferencing solution to enable interactions between
teachers and students in virtual classrooms using existing IT infrastructure.
The implementation is part of a major expansion of the university's distance
learning services, which offers more than 175 live courses to students around
the world. The technology also provides video conferencing capabilities to more
than 135,000 faculty, staff and students across the university's eight campuses,
according to James McGookey, manager of collaboration technologies at Indiana
University.
The university selected Pexip Infinity
Virtual Auditorium, a scalable, distributed video conferencing solution.
According to the company, Infinity Virtual Auditorium works with standard video
conferencing endpoints such as Microsoft Lync or WebRTC compatible Web browsers;
supports most video codecs and standards; and offers multiple viewing modes and
high definition resolution.
To use Infinity Virtual Auditorium "students simply open their Web browser or
use any SIP/H.323 video client software, enter the address of the Virtual
Auditorium and gain immediate access to the lecture," according to the company.
Once they are logged in to the virtual classroom, they can share presentations
or meet face-to-face in real time, and the software automatically toggles
between speakers. Faculty, staff and students can also use the virtual meeting
rooms for video, voice and data collaboration. Because Infinity Virtual
Auditorium is entirely software-based, Indiana U can use its existing endpoint
infrastructure and update the software as new versions become available.
About the Author
Leila Meyer is a technology writer based in British Columbia. She can be reached at [email protected].
