Synchronous Distance Education: Using Web-Conferencing In An MBA Accounting Course

Abstract

Online distance education can take many forms, from a correspondence course with materials online to fully synchronous, live instruction. This paper describes a fully synchronous, live format using web-conferencing. Some useful features of web-conferencing and the way they are employed in this course are described. Instructor observations and perceived benefits are presented, along with some challenges.

Increasing Student Engagement Through Paired Technologies

“…Students often seek a sense of community and instructor presence component, such as video conferencing (Tunks, 2012). Video conferencing gives the instructor the opportunity create an environment where students can build relationships with the instructor and other students from anywhere in the world (Ellingson & Notbohm, 2012). Video conferencing allows students to be active in their education and learning by communicating and collaborating with others, rather than passive learning that often occurs in an online setting (Tunks, 2012).…”

“…Video conferencing allows students to be active in their education and learning by communicating and collaborating with others, rather than passive learning that often occurs in an online setting (Tunks, 2012). Additionally, video conferencing teaches the students a new technological tool that they can then use in future courses or throughout their careers (Ellingson & Notbohm, 2012;Rudd & Rudd, 2014). These conferencing is an impactful tool to implement in online learning.…”

Embedding virtual meeting technology in classrooms

“…Additional features include multiperson audio and video, screen sharing, chat, and breakout rooms, etc. Another leading LMS, Moodle, can also be enhanced to support videoconferencing by including plugins, such as VideoWhisper 10 , or open-source software suite, such as MIST/C 11 .…”

“…The majority of research focuses on textheavy, interactive tools (e.g., discussion board, chat room) or asynchronous, one-way videos (e.g., video recording, podcast) as the delivery media for distance education [6,7] as well as their role in promoting teamwork and collaboration [8,9]. Some research investigates the use and effectiveness of synchronous videoconferencing tools in distance education courses or elearning environments [5,10]; however, there is very little pedagogic evidence providing the practical details of using VMT in classroom instruction.…”

“…Some VMT applications are sophisticated and cross-platform compatible, allowing users to access using mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablet computers. Using VMT can not only bring convenience to students but also expose them to additional tools that they may use in their continued education and in their professional careers [10].…”