Teaching via Videoconference
Many instructors find that transitioning to teaching a course via videoconference is relatively simple.
Because a videoconference requires that the students and the instructor be present at the same time, a
videoconference class can be very similar to a "traditional" class where the students and instructors are
in the same room. You will be able to see and hear your students and they will be able to see and hear you.
Computers
Using a computer in a videoconference course is a great way to display information for you students. Many
instructors find that creating powerpoints for their lectures is the best way to go. If you teach a course
involving a computer skill, videoconferencing will be a good distance learning option for you. Your
students will be able to watch as you demonstrate a task on the computer.
Documents
You can show your students papers, small books, and other documents using the document reader.
Assignments
Exchanging assignments with your students can be tricky with a videoconference course, especially if your
class is on a tight schedule. Sending assignments through the mail often takes too long, and there may
not be a university employee available to act as a courier between the locations. To solve this problem,
many instructors have started using WebCT with their videoconference course. In this way, they still have
weekly meetings with their students (via videoconference) and they can also use the added functionality of
WebCT such as threaded discussion groups, online chats, and assignment submissions.
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