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Tertiary & Higher Education on Streaming Video Before YouTube

Updated: Jan 20

Lecturer (Part-Time)


Modules include Media Streaming Technology, Audio Visual Production, Adobe Photoshop/Premiere, Macromedia Dreamweaver/Flash, HTML, Web Graphics, Web Design, etc.


Early media streaming technology paved the way for modern platforms like YouTube and Netflix. Alongside Windows Media Player and RealNetworks, other key technologies and platforms contributed significantly to the evolution of media streaming:


  1. QuickTime by Apple (1991): Apple introduced QuickTime as a multimedia framework supporting video playback and, later, live streaming. By the late 1990s, QuickTime became a pioneer in enabling web-based video streaming for events like live concerts.

  2. Adobe Flash (1996): Originally developed by Macromedia, Adobe Flash became a dominant technology for streaming video and animation on the web. It powered early platforms like Hulu and YouTube before HTML5 became standard.

  3. RealNetworks RealPlayer (1995): One of the first tools to stream both audio and video, RealPlayer popularized the concept of buffering, enabling users to watch media online without fully downloading it.

  4. Shoutcast (1998): Developed by Nullsoft (the creators of Winamp), Shoutcast focused on streaming audio but laid the groundwork for live broadcasting and playlist-based media streaming.

  5. Akamai Technologies (1999): Akamai developed content delivery network (CDN) solutions to improve streaming speed and reliability, providing the infrastructure for many early video streaming services.

  6. Windows Media Services (1999): Microsoft expanded on Windows Media Player by introducing Windows Media Services, a server-side solution for streaming media across networks.

  7. MPEG Standardization (1990s): The development of MPEG-1, MPEG-2, and later MPEG-4 provided the compression technologies needed for efficient streaming. MPEG-4 became a foundational codec for platforms like YouTube.

Streaming Media Application before YouTube and Netflix
Streaming Media Application before YouTube and Netflix

These technologies collectively enabled smoother and more accessible online media experiences, driving innovations that ultimately led to the dominance of streaming platforms. Let me know if you’d like deeper insights into any of these!

Before YouTube revolutionized video streaming, there were several notable milestones in the development of streaming video technologies:


  1. Early Beginnings (1990s):

    • In the mid-1990s, companies like RealNetworks (https://realnetworks.com/) and Microsoft (https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/microsoft-365/microsoft-stream) developed streaming technologies like RealPlayer and Windows Media Player, allowing users to stream video over the internet for the first time. These early tools were designed for limited bandwidth, so video quality was often low, but they laid the groundwork for future developments in video streaming.


  2. 2. Launch of Video Hosting Platforms (Late 1990s):

    • The first video sharing platform, ShareYourWorld, was launched in 1997, but it was Broadcast.com (founded by Mark Cuban in 1995) that gained significant attention by offering live-streamed events. In 1999, Broadcast.com was acquired by Yahoo! for $5.7 billion, marking a pivotal moment in the history of streaming.

  3. The Rise of Real-Time Streaming and Media Servers:

    • Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, companies like Akamai began providing infrastructure for more efficient video streaming over the web. Akamai’s technology helped content providers deliver videos at higher quality with more reliable delivery.

  4. Early Popular Platforms:

    • Before YouTube, Google Video and Revver (founded in 2005) emerged as popular video-sharing platforms, though YouTube overshadowed them after its 2005 launch.

  5. Viral Videos and the Birth of Online Video Culture:

    • Platforms like MySpace and Facebook allowed users to upload videos, but it wasn’t until YouTube arrived in 2005 that streaming video truly became mainstream, offering both user-generated content and a platform for professional creators.


In summary, streaming video evolved through key stages, with pioneering companies and technologies leading the way for the viral growth of platforms like YouTube.




Classroom clips from a student in the year 2004 at IVE.


This kickstarting of participating as an educator in higher education highlights a transformative period of personal and professional growth, illustrating how challenges can inspire passion and purpose. Here’s a deeper dive into its implications:


1. Facing Challenges and Cultivating Enthusiasm


When multimedia software rapidly evolved, staying updated became both a challenge and an opportunity. This continuous learning process laid the groundwork for a lasting enthusiasm for exploring cutting-edge technology. The fast-paced changes required adaptability and curiosity, fostering a mindset focused on growth and innovation.


2. The Joy of Teaching as a Learning Avenue


The experience of teaching short multimedia courses revealed teaching as a two-way street: educators not only impart knowledge but also reinforce their understanding through interaction with students. Teaching becomes a dynamic form of learning by explaining concepts and solving real-time problems.


Part-time lecturing transformed into a critical, rewarding part of life, offering financial or professional benefits and a sense of fulfilment. Preparing lectures, engaging with students, and staying informed on emerging trends enriched the educator’s expertise while fostering a passion for sharing knowledge.


3. Discovery of a Life Path


This period served as a “discovery phase,” during which the individual recognized teaching as more than a job—it became a meaningful way to learn, grow, and make a difference. It underscores the profound impact of turning challenges into personal and professional development opportunities.


Notes & Lecturing PPT about Real Time Protocol in the year 2004



Becoming a lecturer in higher education is a fulfilling journey that requires a combination of academic qualifications, teaching skills, and practical experience. Here’s an overview of the process and what can be learned along the way:


Mastering Subject Knowledge

Lecturers are often experts in their fields. During your journey, you likely deepened your understanding of the subject matter, learned how to conduct research, and stayed updated on emerging trends to bring value to your teaching.


Developing Pedagogical Skills

  • Plan Lessons: Structuring classes to balance theoretical concepts with practical examples.

  • Engage Students: Using interactive teaching methods, like discussions, group activities, and multimedia tools, to maintain interest and foster participation.

  • Adapt: Catering to diverse learning needs and styles, particularly in part-time or adult education settings.


Gaining Confidence and Communication Skills

Lecturing requires public speaking and the ability to explain complex concepts clearly. Over time, you likely became comfortable addressing diverse audiences and managing classroom dynamics effectively.


Handling Challenges

Teaching part-time or specialized short courses often means managing:

  • Limited Time: Delivering comprehensive content within tight schedules.

  • Technological Changes: Continuously updating skills to teach using the latest tools or software.

  • Student Questions: Responding thoughtfully to unexpected queries or debates.


Discovering Teaching as a Reciprocal Process

Teaching is not just about imparting knowledge; it’s a learning experience. Engaging with students likely helped you gain new perspectives, refine your ideas, and even discover gaps in your knowledge to address.


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