Title: A preliminary comparison of synchronous venues for distance learning: traditional videoconferencing vs. web-based conferencing

Authors: Norman A. Garrett

Addresses: School of Business, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, Illinois 61920, USA

Abstract: Synchronous venues are often preferred in distance learning settings as they most closely approximate the face-to-face experience. This paper examines two synchronous venues: videoconferencing and web-based conferencing. Both are compared, instructionally and administratively, to face-to-face venues, as well as to each other. A brief case is reviewed with respect to the use of both venues in a single environment and salient experiences with each. While the videoconferencing technology is more mature and tested, in many ways it is less adequate at approximating the instructional approaches typically common to face-to-face venues than the newer and emerging technology of web-based conferencing.

Keywords: distance learning; synchronous venues; asynchronous; web-based conferencing; videoconferencing; elluminate; student engagement; distance education; web conferencing; face-to-face venues; internet conferencing.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMLO.2011.041576

International Journal of Mobile Learning and Organisation, 2011 Vol.5 No.2, pp.159 - 174

Published online: 18 Feb 2015 *

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