Online institutions often deploy to video conferencing with bidirectional audio and video feeds as an effective medium of delivery. As with any technology, this method too has its pros and cons.

On the Plus Side…

• Allows real-time communication.
• Permits link up with skilled specialists in diverse locations.
• Allows access to students with special needs.
• Promotes remote access.
• Contains provisions for the use of different kinds of media equipment like Blackboards.

On the Minus Side…

• The start-up cost of the technology and infrastructure is high.
• Resolution and picture quality are sometimes poor because of the unique standards of compression adopted by different companies.
• It is hard for instructors to involve all students in diverse locations in lectures and discussions.
• Visual aids like handwritten notes may be difficult for students to read.
• Systems not properly configured give rise to an echo effect.
• Small transmission pipes contribute to ghost-like images of movement in real-time.