Publication

Giles, S. and Abramson, D. “The Video Wall Project - Video Technology at the Leading Edge in Education”, Learning Technologies '99, 20 - 23 October, 1999 Noosa, Queensland.

Abstract

Monash University has a history of using videoconferencing for the conduct of meetings of around 8 years and for the teleteaching of subjects of around four years. The teleteaching systems are based around ISDN videoconferencing equipment integrated into lecture theatres (150 - 180 seats) and classrooms (25 - 60 seats). This technology has been gaining acceptance across the Faculties of the University and has been the focus of planning for the future for Monash University into the new Millenium. A topic of much discussion in the past few years has been the mainly US-based research into the application of high-speed networks (Internet2, Next Generation Internet) in higher education and there have been a number of demonstration projects implemented.

The School of Computer Science and Software Engineering has recently completed the acquisition, testing and installation of a high quality (near broadcast standard), MPEG-2 CODEC-based, transmission system to raise the standard of the video image and audio quality used in conferencing systems. Implementing the first use in Australia of CODECS from FVC.COM, a company specialising in high quality video and audio distribution systems, the system links the two major campuses of the University (Caulfield and Clayton). The link operates over the University's A TM network using 22 Mbps of the 155 Mbps capacity and is similar in form to the trial systems at some of the U.S. NGI sites. It has been implemented with two major aims. The first is to investigate the impact of high performance, high availability videoconferencing on the staff of a multi-campus school, whilst the second aim is to support investigation into new uses of high-quality teleteaching systems in higher education. Some interim results and comments, as well as a discussion of Monash University's teleteaching systems and directions for the future will be presented.

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