The role evolving Internet technology might play in education was noted in the School of Dentistry's 2003 annual report, New Beginnings. In a simulation, two U-M dental students were depicted "attending class" in Ann Arbor as they were presented with information by a faculty member from the University of Iowa.
With the advances in Internet speeds that have occurred since then, the School has found a way to make that idea of four years ago become reality.
Recently, Dr. Paul Krebsbach used the School's new Internet protocol (IP) video conferencing unit to participate in the thesis defense of one of his graduate students living in Switzerland. The student conducted her research in Krebsbach's lab in Ann Arbor but completed her coursework in Lausanne.
Instead of traveling to Switzerland, Krebsbach used IP video conferencing technology (H.323) that allows users to exchange audio, video, and data communications across networks such as the Internet.
"Doing this saved a lot of time and expense since he didn't have to travel," said Sharon Grayden, faculty development coordinator in the Department of Dental Informatics.
What Makes This Different
How then, you might ask, does this technology differ from video conferencing which has been in use for decades?
There are some notable differences, Grayden said.
IP video conferencing eliminates costs to either senders or receivers. Think of an e-mail you send to a friend in another part of the world. You or your friend do not pay to send or receive that long-distance message.
Or, think of instant messaging (IM) where individuals can "chat" as long as they want while online and not incur any costs. "My parents, who are both in their mid eighties, frequently IM with their friends, as do my friends who have college-age kids. They use instant messaging technology instead of the telephone to stay connected. And it doesn't cost them a thing," Grayden said.
The IP video conferencing technology is different and better compared to the desktop and Web-cam technology that many now use.
Web cam technology, she explained, offers limited image quality and is primarily designed to allow one individual, sitting in front of his or her computer, to share information with one or more individuals who are sitting in front of their computer monitors.
The IP video conferencing is different and better.
"This technology we are now starting to use delivers high-quality images and sound, and is better for groups, seminars, or classes in small-, medium-, or large-size lecture halls," she said. "It's an extremely efficient and cost effective way of doing business in an academic setting."
What makes the communications possible is a portable device, about the size of an office desk phone, that sits atop a 32-inch monitor on a cart which can be easily transported.
Other Dental School Applications
The School has used the technology and device in interesting ways in recent months.
Dr. Lynn Johnson, dental informatics director, was the first to use the system to bring an expert guest lecturer from the University of Pittsburgh to graduate students. In another, Dr. Marilyn Lantz, associate dean for academic affairs, made a presentation to colleagues in Minnesota and the U.S. Health Services in Washington, D.C.
Multiple locations are also involved.
Dr. Amid Ismail, director of the Detroit Oral Cancer Project, used the system to test potential collaboration with a group that allows AEGD residents to take dental courses and participate in case and project discussions with individuals at ten other sites across the country.
This is just a start, Grayden said, because future applications are unlimited.
"As Internet technology continues to evolve, along with advances in hardware and software, I think we could see other potential uses in our dental, dental hygiene, and graduate programs; in research; by those in study clubs or continuing dental education," she said. "The capabilities and uses are infinite in terms of tapping into the wealth of knowledge we have here and accessing the expertise of others, anywhere in the world."