Bandwidth efficient virtual classroom

M.Ing.Virtual classrooms and online-learning are growing in popularity, but there are still some factors limiting the potential. Limited bandwidth for audio and video, the resultant transmission quality and limited feedback during virtual classroom sessions are some of the problems that need to be addressed. This thesis presents information on the design and implementation of various components of a virtual classroom system for researching methods of student feedback with a focus on bandwidth conservation. A facial feature technique is implemented and used within the system to determine the viability of using facial feature extraction to provide and prioritise feedback from students to teacher while conserving bandwidth. This allows a teacher to estimate the comprehension level of the class and individual students based on student images. A server determines which student terminal transmits its images to the teacher using data obtained from the facial feature extraction process. Feedback is improved as teachers adapt to class circumstances using experience gained in traditional classrooms. Feedback is also less reliant on intentional student participation. New page-turner, page suggestion and class activity components are presented as possible methods for improving student feedback. In particular, the effect of virtual classroom system parameters on feedback delays and bandwidth usage is investigated. In general, delays are increased as bandwidth requirements decrease. The system shows promise for future use in research on facial feature extraction, student feedback and bandwidth conservation in virtual classrooms