This is especially relevant for ILS models where assessment activities may have been set before any contact with students. In such circumstances, the teleconferences may be the only opportunity for group discussion and modification of learning activities, assessments or assignments. Both COL and ILS students perceived the teleconference as providing some opportunity for enhancing input into course content and negotiating course processes. Encourage Active and Effective Listening Participants in the audio teleconference should encourage active listening. Thus, most class time is spent listening to others.
Meaningful discussion assumes a much higher level of active listening.
This level of listening requires disciplined effort and may not come easily to immature or gregarious learners. Explicit discussion of the class environment is especially crucial in technologically mediated environments. Teachers should remember that many students are unfamiliar with the audio teleconference medium and have only very rudimentary notions of appropriate audio teleconferencing behaviour. Through explicit and reflective discussion of the process, students can be guided to creation of a supportive learning culture.