Stephen Downes

Six years ago in The Future of Online Learning I wrote that investments in videoconferencing technology were a waste of money. And, of course, the money spent on dedicated systems using expensive ISDN connections were just that. But with the advent of video over IP and with the emergence of really big screens (thanks to digital projectors), everything changes. That's why, this year, I predicted a "resurgence of videoconferencing." This article describes the sort of thing I mean: students watching a live knee replacement and asking questions of the doctor while the operation is being performed. It's not something I would ever watch, but I know great learning content when I see it. Now, we just need to get this level of interactivity working on the desktop.