Personal responsibilities, commute difficulties, time and money plague these students. Videoconferencing solves these problems. We have technology that supports us in a much better fashion than we have ever had in the past. Videoconferencing in conjunction with a web site that provides wrap- around support for students is a wonderful idea. Problems such as ensuring the integrity of a test, are also being solved.
Many instructors give open book quizzes and use proctors during exams.
Training instructors in the use of the equipment has not been that daunting either. It takes about 15 minutes, according to Hartley. Stylistic issues, like teaching to a camera to a remote audience, are picked up readily by instructors who are already skilled communicators. If other media sources are added such as computers, auxiliary film sources or VCRs, a student from a television and film production class assists the instructors. Currently, the Chancellor's Office is producing a training module that will be ready in spring 1999.