How the University of Bradford has used it to cut travel and improve recruitment

The University of Bradford is not unique in its ownership or use of video-conferencing equipment; in fact many UK universities have their own VC equipment or use such equipment at neighbouring institutions.  What is unique is the social, economic and most importantly environmental benefits that can be achieved through using such technology.

The University has been operating a video-conferencing system since 2001, with use steadily increasing up to 8-12 times a week.  The need for the system originated from the School of Health Studies who maintain close links with their primary stakeholder; the NHS, who stipulated that the school must be able to communicate electronically with students on their placements.  Product research was conducted to ascertain the University’s system requirements with Learning Support Services paying for the final system costing around £11,000.

Through use the most noticeable improvement is the reduction in the necessity for both staff and student travel within the UK, Europe, Asia and beyond.  This has attributed to substantial environmental benefits – both reduced emissions and zero congestion - as a result of avoided travel, especially long haul air travel.

Other benefits of use include more productive work time as less time is wasted on travel and better home/work life balance through reduced stress levels associated with high work related travel.

Internally at the University, through the introduction of VC equipment, computer technicians have begun testing the feasibility of expanding the delivery of lectures beyond the bounds of the traditional classroom.

Overall, there are positive social, environmental and economic benefits to be gained.  However, there are some small disadvantages that need to be considered.  Frequent users at Bradford have commented that using the equipment can be very impersonal; often opportunities to network are lost, and can create an isolated work environment.

 

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