Television
Goes Back To College
Video
Distribution Networks have been in existence for several years.
In very simple terms a Video Distribution Network is one or
more video channels which are used exclusively by one company
or organisation to communicate information. It works by combining
Cable TV and Desktop PC technology, enabling a variety of
media, including computer generated graphics, video, live
camera images and teletext to be integrated and then broadcast
using an intra-site, national or even international network.
This
technology, now proven in the commercial world, is being used
by such household names as British Aerospace, Ford Europe
and Rank Xerox to ensure that both customers and employees
are kept up to date with company and product information.
Now, those in higher education are looking at the opportunities
the installation of Video Distribution Networks in colleges
and universities presents to them.
The
Challenge
The changing
environment of higher education, with increasing student numbers,
can result in crowded and unproductive learning situations.
It is unlikely that this situation will improve, at least
in the short term, with the government's target being to achieve
a threefold increase in the number of students involved in
higher education in the UK by the end of the 1990s.
To overcome
this problem, universities are looking for ways in which students
can receive lectures and information, not only in an atmosphere
which is conducive to learning, but in places which do not
involve them travelling to and from remote sites on campus.
A Video Distribution Network is an ideal vehicle to achieve
both these aims.
The
Solution
The University
of Derby has pioneered the use of video in learning with their
highly innovative VESOL and VideoNet systems, led by Head
of Educational Methods and Media, Chris O'Hagan.
VESOL
(Video audioEditing System for Open Learning) allows lecturers
to video their lectures and presentations in real time, operating
a multi-camera system without technicians or other assistance.
It is permanently fitted in a lecture theatre, hall or seminar
room. Four cameras make up a typical system and these are
controlled from the lectern. The presenter switches between
close shot, long shot, overhead projector or main screen/
whiteboard as required. Videotape and computer inputs can
also be included. Programmes can be made before a live audience
(to save time and provide some interaction) or alone in the
empty room. Two tape formats, VHS and a professional standard,
provide for both an instant take-away copy and a master tape
which can be used to produce multiple copies or for further
editing, as required. VideoNet, a video distribution network,
is the latest development at the University; it offers several
services. One channel displays high quality graphics overlaid
with text providing the students with information such as
University News, provided by and working in conjunction with
student services, the student union and "Sphere", the University
newspaper.
Chris
O'Hagan: "Previously the main communication with students
was paper based. Now students can be communicated with using
up-to-date information presented in such a way that it grabs
their attention."
Riding
on these screens is a selectable text information service
(In-house Teletext) providing up to 250 screens carrying general
information relevant to the University, its students and visitors.
Pages are allocated to Schools and Departments which are responsible
for authoring and editing as required.
A second
channel has been allocated to provide foreign language services
from the Language Centre to the Library and Refectory, largely
taken from satellite broadcasts, and a third channel is to
be used primarily as a means of expanding the "opportunities
to view" for VESOL, videos or live presentations. Further
channels are planned for the future with the possibility of
a University of Derby TV station broadcasting, not just around
the campus but externally, via the local cable TV company.
Another popular option is a student-run station, perhaps using
advertising as a way of raising funds for the Union, charities,
etc.
The
Benefits
The design
of the network allows for it to be expanded to at least 35
full motion video channels, if required, and, with the advent
of digital broadcasting, this will increase manifoldly. There
are currently viewing points in the Reception, Atrium, Restaurant,
Lecture Theatre, Library and Language Centre, including a
large screen projector and public address system also in the
Atrium, which, as with all the other viewing locations, is
capable of being switched to show any channel.
A camera
can be modulated into the system from any terminal point,
and this has been used to great effect for the May Ball and
other events, taking the action on the main stage to monitors
around the Atrium, increasing the sense of occasion dramatically.
The plenary sessions at a conference in June 1996 were broadcast
to the reception area and cafeteria using VESOL and VideoNet
without having to set up equipment specially or pay for technician
support. Generally, the network provides constant information
about events, entertainment and student support services as
well as information to help their studies.
A common
misconception is that, because most students are computer
literate and have access to computers, this is the medium
that should be used. However, most students do not necessarily
have easy access to computers. By using the Interchange Video
Distribution Network, students can be communicated with at
any location having a standard TV, or a PC incidentally, connected
to the Network.
The
Future
Using
the Interchange design, the potential of the Network is enormous.
It can be used for local area videoconferencing, as an extension
to external videoconferencing systems, for live coverage of
meetings or lectures and of course the broadcast of terrestrial
or satellite TV for social purposes.
Future
expansion includes many more viewing points, extension of
the infrastructure to other sites, halls of residence and
even other institutions covering the whole of Derby and beyond
to give a sense of community and shared opportunity. The Students'
Union in particular is thrilled to have such a flexible means
of communication.
In Conclusion
The pressure
to generate increased revenues and to cope with more students
can only mount and universities must be constantly on the
alert for new ways to compete. Business Television can offer
an attractive solution, opening up fresh ideas to make learning
more effective, to deliver it to more students, and to bring
together the academic community. With BTV, this community
could be anywhere from the local environment to the other
side of the world, creating a "virtual campus" and removing
barriers to learning; and what is more, it is very cost-effective
- well within the budgets of most businesses, schools and
colleges.
 Copyright
2001 - 2008 Interchange Group Limited - All Rights Reserved
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