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Videoconferencing technology allows two or more people at different locations to see and hear each other at the same time. In addition, it is often possible to share computer applications such as Internet pages, library catalogs, or software. This rich communications technology offers new possibilities for schools, colleges, and libraries including formal instruction (courses, lessons, and tutoring), connections with guest speakers and experts, multi-school project collaboration, professional activities such as meetings and interviews, and community events .  Distance education and traditional classroom courses benefit tremendously from this affordable means of interactive communication.

Videoconferencing involves two methods:  using the Internet and the traditional using ISDN telephone lines.  H.320 and H.323 are standards approved by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) that define how audiovisual conferencing data is transmitted across networks. The H.323 is inexpensive to operate and the equipment is stable.  The H.320 is known as the traditional or ISDN videoconferencing.  H.323 is known as the Next Generation of videoconferencing.  The H.323 is an umbrella standard that specifies mandatory and optional requirements in videoconferencing.  H.323 is videoconferencing using the Internet (packet-switched networks) instead of digital phone lines.

A problem often encountered when using videoconferencing is the freezing of video during a conference.  Videoconferencing requires a large bandwidth for transmission and reception of information.  The higher the connection speeds the better the results.  When there is a lack of bandwidth,  then the video and/or audio freeze and you lose the connection. This happens when there are a lot of people surfing the Internet.  Competition for bandwidth has increased over the years due to the increased usage of technology in the school system.    

Interactive Whiteboards are used in the classrooms to display videoconferencing.  The presenter is displayed on the whiteboard as if on a screen.  The board can be used to run live video and deliver presentations.  It is a powerful tool for teaching, collaborating and presenting touch-sensitive, where the finger can act as a mouse or pen.

There are two basic categories of videoconferencing equipment:

PC-based
The advantage with PC-based products is that they can run data applications, such as sharing a spreadsheet. They can also be remotely controlled using SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) over an organization's network or the Internet. They are preferred when the location of equipment is fixed, as in a conference room.

Standalone: 
Self-contained.  Stand-alone products operate without a PC. Their advantage is that they are portable, but after each move the system has to be configured to work at a new location. However, advanced technology has made the process automatic, like plugging in a phone instrument.  It provides the highest possible quality, ideal solution for classrooms and conference rooms.  Extremely easy to use.