1. Ray Hingst University of Southern Queensland Australia
ADAPTING VIDEOCONFERENCING AS A MEDIUM CONDUCIVE TO THE PROMOTION OF LEARNING AND TEACHING
Ray Hingst
University of Southern Queensland
Australia

2. Introduction Presentation based on:
four years experience with teaching and learning via the videoconference (VC) medium (Vocational/Technical Education);
three years training educators in teaching using VC (Vocational/Technical Educators and Professional Trainers);
two years connecting with FENU students and academic staff (University level).

3. use in conjunction with a range of strategies/media;
1. Videoconferencing - only one answer to the question "...how to promote learning and teaching at a distance?"
use in conjunction with a range of strategies/media;
communication and interaction are the strengths of VC;
shift focus from the presenter to the `rewarding elements' of learning and teaching
social interaction
with other learners
with educator/s
learner engagement
with VC
with course content

4. 2. Lifelong learning - another experience, another medium
a chance to revisit learning from a positive perspective, (perhaps for the first time);
re-enter learning with `new-age' technology;
VC - a means to an end, or the next step in the lifelong journey of learning?

5. VC directly engages participants with the learning process;
3. Student control of the learning process - enabling empowered learners
VC directly engages participants with the learning process;
control of VC technology = control of one aspect of the learning process;
value adding to interest in learning;
enabling the `socialisation' of the distance learning experience.

6. 4. Participant Orientation – the key to success
demystify the obvious elements of technology
work from the familiar to the unfamiliar;
Provide principles for conduct of a VC
verbal and non-verbal communication to guide interaction
use of ‘mute’ button
framing images
DO IT! or lose it
i.e., interest, interaction, involvement and continued participation.

7. 5. Conclusion - Videoconferencing - another tool in the educator’s kit
VC - not a completely new way to do business, just another way;
the learners and educator's strengths = VC strengths
establish and sustain interaction
promote ‘hands on’ learner engagement with medium
enhanced participant control over the process of learning.