Pros and cons of video conferencing
Technology can both be a boon or a bane to people,
depending on how they make use of a particular technology. Allowing
technology to make life and work easier should be the goal of every
technology freak. However, there are technologies that have two faces,
meaning they can be helpful and can sometimes present disadvantages to
its users.
Like all other technologies, the advent of the
internet
has been met with reluctance by some people who are not yet familiar
with such technology. However, after some time, the very people who
were hesitant to make use of the internet are now profiting from the
many advantages of the internet.
The internet has made it possible for people to
communicate with each other at a faster rate and at a more efficient
method. Sending messages through emails is definitely a big improvement
compared to the snail mail system used early on. It may have
disadvantages though like emails that are not read by the recipients
because they have been blocked as spasm or because the email address of
the receiver is already full and can no longer accept new messages.
These disadvantages and flaws can be remedied also
by
technology like anti spam techniques and the use of emails with more
message capacity. People can also check their emails more often to
avoid messages bouncing back to the senders.
One of the newest technologies to hit internet
users is
video conferencing. This is a method by which people can communicate
with each other in real time or as if they are actually facing each
other. Through video conferencing, people can make their feelings and
ideas heard and felt through video and audio signals that are sent
through the internet.
People or companies that wish to conduct video
conferencing have to be equipped with computers. Video cameras,
speakers and microphones and fast internet connection. They also have
to subscribe to a service provider or they can buy software which may
be expensive for small companies and for individuals,
While video conferencing can be a boon to families
that
are separated by miles or to companies with international clients and
branches, it also has disadvantages that are often experienced by new
technology users.
Setting up a video conferencing system can be an
additional expense for most companies but it can be easily recouped
especially in terms of savings on travel and representation expenses.
It can also be complicated for new users but companies can always hire
consultants to train their people or to guide them during the initial
stages of the video conferencing.
Video conferencing can also present other problems
like
equipment glitches. To avoid this, it is better to practice a day or
two before the actual video conference schedule. This way, the
technical people can still make some adjustments on video cameras that
are unfocused or hazy, or to microphones that send out hissing sounds.
When already set up with the microphone and the
video
camera, the person who has to go on air or video for the video
conferencing should refrain from doing unnecessary things like drinking
or fidgeting. Also avid talking to other people as this can be an
irritant to the other participants.
While video conferencing cannot fully substitute
for
personal communication, it is the best alternative that people can turn
to considering its cost effectiveness and efficiency. Through web
conferencing, people can attend more meetings at the least expense and
the least danger brought about by traveling.
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