The three channels of Tenveo communication

The three channels of Tenveo communication

    At Tenveo video conferencing lessons it's possible to create a virtual learning situation, which makes it possible for the remote participants to see and hear each other and present various materials to each other almost as if they were in a local face-to-face situation. With the help of sufficiently versatile technological equipment, it is possible to use three different media channels for the interaction and communication during video conferencing:

(1)Visual channel,

(2)Audio channel,

(3)Data channel,

    The decision which channel (or rather which combinations of channels) will be used depends on the aims and the contents of the learning situation. This can be called situation-based media selection.

    From the technological point of view, the major advantage of Tenveo video conferencing for distance education is the possibility for versatile interaction. This is supported by audiovisual versatility, which in some cases, e.g. in the use of computer graphics, is even better than in an ordinary classroom without modern facilities. Pupils generally learn the use of new technology quickly and they can be of great help for teachers at many technical points. After brief instruction, remote pupils can manage the use of videoconferencing technology by themselves.

    Considering the visual channel, it can be said that Tenveo video conferencing relies very much on the visual element in the interaction of the learning situation. Modern technology offers many possibilities for transferring and enhancing visual information in support of the communication between the remote participants. On the other hand, the interaction of the participants is restricted by the technological limitations, compared to a local face-to-face learning situation.

    For fluent, comprehensible communication at video conferences, the audio channel is the most crucial. If the participants do not hear each other well and therefore do not understand what is said, the communication becomes halting and may fail altogether. To enable clear audibility, the microphones that are commonly used in videoconferencing pick up the strongest sound and prevent other simultaneous noises to be heard: speaking at the same time at a video conference is impossible; all loud noises like coughing, knocking, laughing, etc. also take up the whole audio channel. This means that in discussion it is important to take turns clearly and listen to others carefully. To make everything go smoothly, a mediator or a chairperson (who can be the teacher or a pupil) is often necessary. Compared with a local face-to-face classroom situation, the interaction of video conferencing is slower and more inflexible. It must be pointed out that with the modern equipment, the technological problems of the audio channel have greatly diminished,Tenveo can provide microphones to make sure the video conferencing education be fluently.

    Modern technology also allows the use of the data channel in the interaction of distance learning. A data conference can take place independently of time (asynchronously) or in real time (synchronously). With the help of Tenveo video conferencing, the participants can study, discuss and process the same material interactively.