elearnspace

The quality (authenticity?) of video conferencing has improved significantly over the last several years. I deliver video conference presentations to conferences or organizations fairly regularly. University of Manitoba, point of origin for most of my video conferencing, uses Tandberg. The experience is…ok. It’s tough presenting to a conference when you, as the presenter, lack visual cues. Sure, you can see the people seated around tables, you can see the layout of the room, but if it’s a larger group, you miss the important communication signals of eye contact, raised eyebrows…or people falling asleep. Video conferencing with smaller groups does allow for transition of greater detail (a smile, confused look), but it doesn’t allow for eye contact. Contact is with the camera. Tracking eye movement is important for feeling connected with others.
This video, via Workplace Learning Today, demonstrates 3D video conferencing with eye contact and person to person (rather than person to camera) communication. It’s rudimentary, but still seems to add a different dimension to video conferencing.