Learning
Technology Research
Caught in the Spotlight - User Reactions to Videoconference
Steve Wheeler
Paper presented at the IFIP Communications in a Networked Society Conference
Hameenlinna, Finland
June 13-20, 1999
Abstract
This paper reviews a study conducted to establish the psychological basis for
user responses to digital videoconferencing. The pilot study examined left and
right brain laterality and the demographic factors of age and gender as
predictors of user responses. Behavioural and affective responses were measured
in a small sample group of distance learners (N=60). Affective measure A
concerned user perception of equipment functionality and usefulness, and
behavioural measure B examined anxiety level and self-consciousness.
Significant differences were observed between age groups with older participant
groups expressing greater satisfaction with functionality and less anxiety
overall. A lesser effect was observed between left and right brain lateralities
with right dominant participants reporting higher levels of satisfaction and
lower anxiety with the technology. Zero lateral participants fared best of all
on both measures. No significant gender differences were observed.
An offprint of the associated journal article (published in Educational Media
International, 2000) can be obtained on request from the author