A multimedia teleteaching system using an electronic whiteboard for two-way communication of motion videos and chalkboards

Abstract

We present a multimedia teleteaching system that integrates an electronic whiteboard with our multimedia conferencing system which supports a motion video and a shared chalkboard. The teleteaching system uses personal computers that contain a motion video CODEC, and transmits data through the ISDN basic interface (128 kbps). An electronic whiteboard is attached to the personal computer for direct input by the teacher and display of that input. With this system, a teacher can use the electronic whiteboard as a real chalkboard. He can directly write test and draw figures in the area of the shared chalkboard by using the pen provided for the electronic whiteboard with a digitizer in it. When the teacher draws something on the shared chalkboard, it is automatically transmitted to the students' site and displayed on their shared chalkboard using the functions of multimedia conferencing system. The teacher's gestures and the contents of the whiteboard are captured by a video camera and transmitted to the students' computer. Conversely, a motion video of the students is transmitted from their site to the teacher's site.