Video conferencing is a system that enables people in different parts of the world to have a meeting by watching and listening to each other using video screens. With videoconferencing you have an opportunity to communicate either with one person or with a group of people from separate locations simultaneously and what amazes most is that you may do it from the comfort of your desk. You'll feel as if being in real, physical conversation, as videoconferencing enables you not only to hear other participants but also watch their facial expressions on the monitor. Alongside videoconferencing gives you an access to scads of information and makes it possible to share audio and video data such as Internet pages, library catalogs, documents, or software with the participants.

Once you've decided to hold a meeting using computer networks, make sure you have all necessary audio-visual equipment and a means of transmitting information between sites. Videoconferencing is achieved through the use of video cameras, video screens, speakers and microphones. These tools are essential for delivering images and carrying over the network voices.

Still, it's not so easy as it may look at first sight. Conducting a videoconference requires using high technologies, which enable to transmit information via the Internet with the help of different networks; the most common among them are ISDN (integrated services digital network) and IP (Internet Protocol). Today technological progress in telecommunications makes the process of exchanging data more flexible, more compelling, more effective and less expensive.

As it has been mentioned above relies on the Internet you may connect with one application, i.e. a point-to-point conference, or with a group of people, a multipoint meeting. A point-to-point call works much like a video telephone and all that you have to do is to dial the phone number of your partner. A multipoint conference is a meeting that enables participants to communicate sitting in a virtual conference room as if being right next to each other. It requires additional equipment and additional logistics, but at the same time it provides the units with the same level of interactivity.

While holding a videoconference we mean two main purposes to achieve. The first aim is collaboration and business communication. Videoconferencing enhances or extendes organizational and cross-organizational meetings, interviews, foreign language and cultural exchanges. It allows us to save time and resources, what is especially important for busy people, as it substitutes real meetings and provides face-to-face interaction over one's computer. It enhances the sense of teamwork and gives a feeling of physical presence of your remote partner through eye contact and perception of facial expressions and body language.

Another goal of videoconferencing is education. It offers new possibilities for schools, colleges and universities, but the main beneficiaries are people who gain their degree through Distance Learning. New technology provides interactive, inquiry-based learning activities, offers face-to-face tutorials, that open a whole new world of learning and mean faster and better teaching. Videoconferencing enriches one's communication experience, disseminates information and knowledge, gives quick and easy access to libraries and laboratories, art and history museums, research and science centers.

It's proved today that with new videoconferencing programs students' communication and presentation skills are being improved , their connection with the outside world is increasing, their knowledge is getting deeper and their motivation higher.