Learning with Real-Time Rich Media Technologies

Real-time, rich media technologies provide new opportunities for higher education. Communication and collaboration with these technologies in learning programs at universities and colleges is increasing. Their use pose significant challenges to the design and process of teaching and learning as many teachers and students are unfamiliar with them in learning contexts. The past two decades have seen a very rapid expansion in the capability and usage of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in teaching and learning [1] and as capability grows usage is also expected to grow. To use them effectively, there is a need to understand how different ICTs can be applied to learning and teaching. Various technologies, such as videoconferencing, online collaboration, Access Grid, personal video communications are now available for use in higher education. In this article, the technologies are compared and recommendations of which ones to implement for teaching and learning are made.