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Wales Welcomes the Age of the Virtual Exchange Student
Yorkshire based videoconferencing supplier, Direct Visual and JANET(UK), who manage and develop JANET, the UK’s education and research network,
have signed a contract that will break down geographical barriers for thousands of further and higher education students across Wales.
The two organisations have secured a deal to build a video communications network that will reinforce Welsh educators as leaders in the use of
videoconferencing for distance learning.
The contract, signed on the 31 January, 2008, will see an initial investment of £2.2 million in the Welsh Video Network, in the form of
videoconferencing suites, lecture theatres, network infrastructure, portable and software based videoconferencing systems.
Mike Phillips, Direct Visual chairman, says: “This is one of the most complex videoconferencing projects that the UK has ever seen, designed to
meet the geographical challenges facing education in Wales. With so many multi-site colleges, videoconferencing can cut down on travel time for
teachers, and bring groups of students at different locations face to face.”
The Welsh Video Network is one of the largest and most advanced internet based videoconferencing networks in Europe, with 160 studios scattered
across all HE organisations and FE colleges in Wales. The project, expected to be ongoing for the next three to five years, will refresh 44 of
the studios and pave the way for a time when the majority of educational establishments will adopt visual communications technology.
Tim Kidd from JANET(UK), says: “Direct Visual was chosen to partner JANET due to its proven experience and knowledge of the video communications
industry, and its ability to deliver robust and reliable technology. Working together, we will ensure that the Welsh Video Network sets the standards
for the rest of the UK to follow.”
Videoconferencing is being used in education for everything from research projects and virtual field trips, to bringing in guest lecturers and virtual
teaching.
Mike Phillips adds: “The visual element of videoconferencing can bring other cultures and communities into the classroom, and you don’t need to be a
technical wizard to use today’s software. Our ‘transparent technology’ lets teachers and students forget about the ‘tools’ they are using and get the
full benefit of being part of a networked learning community.”
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Contract
Wins
New Technology Enhances
Pupils' Learning Experience
Students Communicate
Across Globe
Videoconferencing - Just What
The Doctor Ordered
Archive
Partnership Promotes
Educational Excellence Through
Libraries
Direct Visual Honoured For
Outstanding Commitment To
Videoconferencing Market
Direct Visual Launches
Graduate Programme
Pioneering Health Debate
Reaches More Than One Million
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