1. Video Conferencing Phone Conferencing
2.2 – Working practices

2. Video Conferencing
A video conference is the electronic version of a meeting, usually held in a conference room. The essential equipment is:
Standard pc
Monitor
Speakers
Network Connection, broadband internet connection & router
Webcam
Microphone
Video conferencing software

3. Setting up a video conference
Need computer, headset/microphone, (speakers), video/web cam
Everyone logs onto internet
Run video conferencing software
Everyone can see and hear everyone else
Examine documents using software

4. Phone Conferencing
Phone Conferencing is a similar concept but only using phone line where several people can have a collective conversation using a landline or Internet phone

5. Setting up a Phone Conference
Everyone agrees a time
The conference is booked
At the agreed time everyone dials a common number
Enters a PIN to join conference
Everyone can hear but not see everyone else
Need a touchtone phone
Phones may be connected to a bridge

6. Video Conferencing Advantages
Save on travel costs as can stay in one location
Easier to plan and arrange a meeting
Save on time as do not need to travel to set meeting place
Disadvantages
Expensive to purchase and maintain equipment
Loss of social contact/ break down in communication as people are not physically in the room
Time delays in seeing/ hearing other people who take caprt in the meeting