The first concern is that the hardware must be able to support the software and grant access to many users. Secondly, the software must accommodate the needs of instructors and students by providing ease of access and flexibility of use. The content of the course work must be matched with the technology. The virtual conference format can easily meet the needs of a graduate level seminar course where the focus is on discussing and analyzing current research and trends. However, an undergraduate course in teaching mathematics, using manipulatives, may not be as well suited to this approach.
Time is also a concern when using a virtual conference seminar method of course delivery.
It takes time to train faculty and students to use the virtual seminar format. Course materials are all assembled for access before the course begins. Time and effort are required to ensure that students have access to these materials as they progress through the course. There are also issues involving the amount of time an instructor is available to the students taking this course. To provide timely feedback, instructors must be actively involved with the virtual seminar several times a day.