New ways to Webcast

The

and broadcast and communications company,

, have begun a three-month trial to explore the functionality and potential of a new online communication package, GoodMood WIP.

GoodMood WIP is an online communications software suite, available in the UK only from Twofour, which combines webcasting, IP based video conferencing and WebTV in a single application.

In the trial it will be applied to teaching and learning, research, support, administrative functions and liaison with outside organisations including local schools as well as regional, national and international education bodies.

Sixth form Geography pupils at Hele’s School in Plymouth have already taken part in an interactive lecture about population delivered by the university’s Professor Brian Chalkley, from the Faculty of Science, over the internet via the GoodMood WIP software.

Their teacher Mrs Lindsay Ward, Head of Humanities at the school, said: “This pilot demonstrated how valuable it could be to receive such teaching via the internet from our local university."

As well as assessing the potential uses for the new software (possibilities include delivering lectures to mobile phones!), the university is carrying out a detailed cost analysis.

The results of the pilots are expected to be available in spring 2006.