Title: Feasibility of videoconference-based lectures over the internet

Authors: David Raymond, Kazuhide Kanenishi, Kenji Matsuura, Yoneo Yano

Addresses: Faculty of Engineering, The University of Tokushima, 2-1 Minamijyosanjima-cho, Tokushima 770-8506, Japan. ' Centre for Advanced Information Technology, The University of Tokushima, 2-1 Minamijyosanjima-cho, Tokushima 770-8506, Japan. ' Centre for Advanced Information Technology, The University of Tokushima, 2-1 Minamijyosanjima-cho, Tokushima 770-8506, Japan. ' Faculty of Engineering, The University of Tokushima, 2-1 Minamijyosanjima-cho, Tokushima 770-8506, Japan

Abstract: This study presents experiments of a videoconference-based lecture performed at the University of Tokushima. This research evaluates the feasibility of videoconference lectures for distance learning over the internet. It addresses improved organisation of videoconference based lectures under these conditions and stresses the influence of network perturbations on the quality of communication. This research identifies influences of the network perturbations (delay, jitter and packet losses) and the main communication channels from a learner|s point of view. The results suggest that the influences of network problems in the learning context and in the pure communications context are different.

Keywords: HCI; distance learning; network influences; synchronous collaborative learning environment; videoconferencing; human-computer interaction; learning technology; Japan; videoconference lectures; network perturbations; communication quality; learner perspective; internet; e-learning; online learning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLT.2006.008689

International Journal of Learning Technology, 2006 Vol.2 No.1, pp.5 - 27

Published online: 16 Jan 2006 *

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