Interacting at a distance: Staff and student perceptions of teaching and learning via video conferencing

Abstract

Video conferencing is a new form of communications technology which allows students and lecturers to interact at a distance. Its use is currently being expanded within the university sector, particularly Distance Education Centres, and in Technical and Further Education Colleges. Using nine Colleges of TAFE in South Australia as case studies, this paper explores the nature of video conferencing, its major uses, and evolving, unique characteristics of teaching/learning methodologies for video conferencing. Staff and student perceptions of the appropriateness of video conferencing as an interactive medium are also presented.