{"id":"effa0822-779e-4875-bf4a-856a1a0db2b0","slug":"online-conferencing-less-co2-more-effective","title":"Online conferencing: Less CO2, more effective?","authors":["Pieter L. Kubben"],"abstract":"Background: Online conferencing has been proposed as a means to enhance accessibility to medical knowledge while reducing carbon emissions associated with travel. The advantages include cost savings, flexibility in scheduling, and the potential for continuing medical education (CME) points. However, the effectiveness of online conferencing compared to traditional face-to-face meetings remains uncertain. Methods: The article discusses the technical feasibility of online conferencing, including various software packages that support live video, user chat, and presentation sharing. It also highlights the asynchronous features currently offered by Surgical Neurology International, such as video availability and discussion opportunities. Results: The advantages of online conferencing include reduced travel costs, increased accessibility for a broader audience, and lower CO2 emissions. Conversely, challenges include the lack of informal networking opportunities and potential distractions during live sessions. The article raises questions about the effectiveness of synchronous versus asynchronous communication. Conclusion: The future of online conferencing in the medical field is uncertain, with both synchronous and asynchronous methods presenting unique advantages. Feedback from potential participants is sought to determine the desirability and feasibility of implementing online conferencing features. Keywords: online conferencing, CO2 emissions, medical education, synchronous communication, asynchronous communication, networking, flexibility","thumbnailUrl":null,"publishDate":"2012-10-13T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.4103/2152-7806.102322","categories":["Original Article"],"fullTextUrl":"http://sni.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/3455/SNI-3-115.pdf"}