The Rise of the Video-Enabled Virtual Classroom
Author: Jim Lundy
Date: April 12, 2013
Topics: Learning, Collaboration
Research Note Number: 2013-10
Issues: What are the technologies and architectures that will drive the future of learning?
What are the best practices to drive successful learning outcomes?
Summary: Enterprises are recognizing that remote learning can be done more effectively and re-evaluating the use of virtual classrooms.
While web-based meetings have become an accepted standard over the last 10 years, virtual classrooms are still under-utilized,
partly due to continued issues with their quality of service. Now, however, thanks to advances in cloud technology, tablet end-
points and video codecs, virtual classrooms can deliver real-time expertise with very high quality. This is driving renewed interest in the virtual classroom and an expansion of its capabilities. This research note overviews the key reasons why virtual classrooms are poised for growth.
Today, the market has two branches: stand-alone virtual classroom tools, often marketed as part of a web-conferencing
suite, and video conferencing systems that are customized to deliver a virtual teaching experience.