Research on Videoconferencing
The following includes highlights from a white paper commissioned by Polycom entitled "Navigating the Sea of Research on Video Conferencing-Base Distance Education." For a comprehensive overview of research and videoconferencing the white paper can be downloaded.
What does the research tell us?
The general research findings from the Polycom document tell us the following:
For delivering instruction, videoconferencing likely is neither more nor less effective than its counterpart, the traditional classroom,
That two-way, interactive videoconferencing technology can be an extremely effective medium for delivering quality education to a broad, geographically dispersed student population.
Videoconferencing supports far greater interaction than is otherwise possible from many asynchronous technologies, and effective videoconferencing-based instruction must be designed to take advantage of this capability.
One cannot effectively deliver a straight lecture to 50 locations via videoconferencing. Rather, videoconferencing is ideal for truly interactive, point-to-point instructional sessions, or for several dispersed classes collaborating together.
It is better for shorter classes, and some types of content are more appropriate for videoconferencing than others.
Interaction is the key component of this use of the technology to support a more social learning, negotiating meaning through interaction with peers over distance, and forming a sense of community using the technology.
Educators should use the 15-minute rule, limiting presentations or talking heads to no more than 15 minutes and following these sessions immediately with activity involving the students.
Summary
Based on the general research findings 3 general statements can be made about videoconferencing which influences how it is used effectively.
- Videoconferencing is most effective in situations with interactivity.
- Videoconferencing is most effective in point-to-point, 1 location to one location situations, or with a small number of locations.
- Videoconferencing technology is neutral in delivering content.
By following the criteria outlined from the research, videoconferencing technology can be an effective communication tool to assist you in the classroom, school, or office.