Getting Started with Videoconferencing
Contact JVCS : +44(0)131 650 4933
Videoconferencing is a cost-effective means of facilitating teaching and learning.
However, with numerous acronyms, Standards and a plethora of products all claiming to offer
unique benefits, it can be difficult to know where to start.
Since the early 1990s, the JANET Videoconferencing Service (JVCS), managed by JANET(UK), has been providing unbiased advice and technical support to UK universities and colleges to help them navigate through this sometimes confusing area of technology. Thanks to a centrally funded initiative, these resources and National Videoconferencing Services are now also available free of charge to schools and by license to educational content providers through the JANET Videoconferencing Services Project (VCSP).
How to Get Started
Eligible organisations who have existing videoconferencing equipment need to first Register with the JVCS Booking Service. See the Booking Service section for more information.
Organisations who interested in using videoconferencing, will find a number of useful resources avaiable through this website and the Video Technology Advisory Service (VTAS). VTAS resources include a wide range of information from Factsheets & User Guides to unbiased Product Evaluations.
Queries around anything to do with videoconferencing may be emailed to VTAS if further assistance is required. This service is free to members of the JANET community but queries from other organisations may be answered at JANET(UK)'s discretion.
Videoconferencing Safety
Videoconferencing is a very powerful way to collaborate, with considerable potential benefits for education. However, like any communication technology, videoconferencing may be misused. The JANET(UK) factsheet on Videoconferencing Safety provides some guidelines on how to set up and use videoconferencing safely.