The potential of live teacher supported distance learning: A case-study of the use of audio conferencing at the University of Aberdeen

The experience of teaching a University of Aberdeen distance learning course to students in the Scottish Highlands and Islands using audio conferencing suggests that with these new technologies the benefits of distance learning can be preserved while the problems of traditional distance courses can be mitigated.

Abstract

ABSTRACT With the spread of interactive technologies such as audio or video conferencing, a new type of distance education—live teacher supported distance learning—is emerging. The experience of teaching a University of Aberdeen distance learning course to students in the Scottish Highlands and Islands using audio conferencing suggests that with these new technologies the benefits of distance learning can be preserved while the problems of traditional distance courses can be mitigated. The initial reservations of staff about the quality of distance students' learning have largely been overcome as experience of the use of audio conferencing has increased. Moreover, the results of a specially conducted survey of the University of Aberdeen's distance students suggest that, while they recognise that their experience is different from that of conventional students, there are no signs that they think it is inferior in quality.