Training and professional development is one of the best uses for video conferencing.  One of our clients is a major medical college.  They use mobile video conferencing with “floating ports.”    A “floating port” means each end point can be anywhere with anyone.  Here’s how a “floating port” works in this particular training application.  The teaching doctor needs to meet with interns at various hospitals around the state.  It would be too difficult and time constraining if he had to drive to each regional hospital to meet with medical students.   The teaching doctor sends an email with a link to a virtual videoconferencing room.   The student clicks on the link to download the videoconferencing app with the “floating port.”  The student simply types his or her name and then a room number.  They then click on participate and they are in a video conference with the teaching doctor.   The student only needs a PC, MAC or notebook with a web cam and broadband internet access.   The teaching doctor only needs two “floating ports.”  Both are available to whoever has a computer and broadband internet access and the credentials to enter the virtual room.   The student doesn’t need to subscribe to any service, buy a license or purchase any software.   The teaching doctor can meet on-on-one with any student at any hospital with the second “floating port.”   This connection is secured and encrypted with HIPPA compliance.

Keep in mind you can collaborate during a training application.   If you use PowerPoint or any other computer input it’s a simple one click operation and you are sharing whatever is on your computer.  Product training or any kind of distance learning works great with a simple videoconferencing app and “floating ports.”   Also, you can have a dozen or more “floating ports” to teach a whole class and be totally interactive in real time.  The best part is the participants can change instantly.   Many virtual rooms have what is called “lecture mode” this formats your training just like any other classroom.  Participants can raise their hand with one click.  Instructors can answer questions discreetly or publicly through build in chat feature. You can also record an entire session for those who missed the training.

The bottom line is this – If you are considering the training application you need to make sure participants can collaborate and not be required to have any equipment other than a computer and web cam.  With the appropriate virtual service or hardware your training is more effective than if you are physically in the room.

Download a free video conferencing app at: www.tryscopia.com and call us to see how a mobile app with a “floating port” might work in your training application, Call 330-677-5566 — We will send you credentials to our virtual room and you will see training on steroids at light speed.