6 Uses For Video Conferencing Software That You Hadn’t Even Thought Of

Featured article by Andre Smith, Internet Marketing and E-Commerce specialist

As you probably know by now, video conferencing has become to the best way of conducting meetings. No matter where you are, what you’re doing, or what device you’re using, you can be right back in the office and in the heart of the action. Plus, having the software means you can speak to anybody in the world with just the touch of a button. It really doesn’t get more connected than that.

However, there’s a multitude of things that you can use video conferencing for that you’ve probably not even considered. It’s a fantastic business tool, but people outside of the boardroom can use the technology to enhance their work, too.

1. Virtual field trips

Any teacher will tell you that they want to show their pupils just how vast, broad, and varied the world can be, but it’s difficult to do so when you’re confined to one room all day. Textbooks and videos can help, but they aren’t the same as really being in the heart of the action. If you can’t take your pupils on field trips, or the places you want to take them are too far away, video conferencing could be the solution. Mashable describes one classroom that was taken to see a live volcano from their very own classroom. No trip to the local museum can beat that.

2. Long distance learning

Speaking of education, another benefit of video conferencing is the ability to patch in a student to your class, no matter where they are in the world. Obviously most teachers would prefer their students to actually be in the classroom with them, but it’s not always possible. When students are ill, or living too remotely to access classes any other way, this can be the best option for them. They can watch the teacher, ask questions, and chat with fellow students, all from the comfort of their own home.

3. HR interviews

Video conferencing is great for meetings but have you thought about using it elsewhere in your company? The technology has proven invaluable in the hiring of new recruits, saving time, money and hassle. Your recruiters can save time and potentially see more interviewees in the same amount of time, and your potential new employees can attend their interview from home, saving them the time and cash it would take to travel out to you.

4. Telecommuting

Many employees these days would appreciate the opportunity to work from home, even if only for a couple of days a week. Having to juggle work, childcare, and possibly the care of elderly relatives, it’s sometimes not possible for someone to be in the office 40 hours a week. Video conferencing means that they can easily work from home while being in instant touch with the office, as if they were there in person. PC World lists many benefits to telecommuting, such as more productive employees, reduced office space needed, and reduced IT budgets, so why not give it a try yourself?

5. Doctor’s appointments

There are plenty of medical apps and programs currently cropping up that you let you message a doctor for medical advice on a variety of issues. However, they can’t quite replace a proper, face-to-face conversation with your own physician. Video conferencing can help those who live in rural areas, or patients who struggle to travel long distances, to visit their doctors and receive checkups on their health. This method of communication means the patient can have regular contact if they need to, and the doctor can possibly attend to more patients, as they aren’t traveling out to meet them. It can’t replace actual physical medical care, of course, but it can make contacting doctors a lot easier.

6. Presentations and guest talks

Attending a presentation from an expert can be difficult if the talk is being held in a far-flung destination from your location. Once you’ve factored in travel and accommodation costs, you can start wondering if it’s even worth attending. However, video conferencing means that you can attend without leaving your own desk. Some video conferencing software, like Blue Jeans Primetime, even lets attendees interact with the presenter in real time. Simply raise your virtual hand, and moderators can let you chip in, or even become a presenter yourself. Now there’s no excuse to miss a presentation and miss out on vital knowledge from experts worldwide.

These are just a few ideas about how video conferencing can be used, but you can probably think of an awful lot more yourself. How would you use it? Attend a grandchild’s birthday party from halfway around the world? Keep in touch with a loved one while they’re away on business? Try the technology out for yourself and see what you can do.

Andre Smith is an Internet, Marketing and E-Commerce specialist with several years of experience in the industry. He has watched as the world of online business has grown and adapted to new technologies, and he has made it his mission to help keep businesses informed and up to date.