Visual Collaboration in Multiple-Mode Distance Learning Support
Steve Wheeler
University of Plymouth, UK
Invited Paper to be presented at the New World Learning Symposium, London,
November 2001
Increasingly, students requiring professional updates are studying primarily at
a distance and on a part time basis. They study at home, at work or in local
study centres, in order to maximise their time and capitalise on available
resources. In a response to these demands, the University of Plymouth has
commenced delivery of modular Masters degrees to serving teachers and college
lecturers using distance learning methods.
This paper reports on the experiences of delivering one module in dual mode
format to student clusters across the South West of England and the Channel
Islands. It focuses on the use of videoconferencing as a tool to consolidate
problem based online learning activities and to promote virtual group seminars
and discussions. The paper concludes with an examination of student
expectations and perceptions, and an evaluation of several modes of visual
collaboration between remote groups and their tutors.
A copy of the full paper can be obtained on request from the author