Results are at least as good as for standard courses. 6.2 Summary When looking at the pedagogical issues, the research is very contradictory, is the method suitable for all teaching methods, does it facilitate effective communications and learning. Do not confuse technology with pedagogy or students reactions to teaching methods as reactions to technology. Most importantly, do not underestimate the power of the Hawthorne effect when video conferencing is novel to students and staff. The successful projects appear to change their teaching methods as well as use video conferencing.
Tutors lecture less and encourage active student participation in course content and presentation.
They also encourage independent group work rather than all individual assessments. There is a need for evaluation with the same independent group learning without the video conferencing system. Thus improvements or failures in students attitudes and learning cannot simply be attributed to the technology. Also when students are asked to do presentations followed by discussions many are not good at this, talking too much etc. It illustrates a need for such a skill to be taught to students.