video confrencing
- This is a preview of the essay.
To view the full text you must login!
1. Introduction
The use of information technology is today an integrated part of higher education in Sweden, where electronic distribution of information to students is maturing as usage is increasing. However, a common deficiency found in the use of net-based learning environments is the lack of support for spontaneous interaction between students as well as between students and teachers. Functionality like real-time textual chat and videoconferencing enhance the possibilities for communication, creating environments that not only distribute static information but also allow a higher level of interaction. The potential of modern environments for net-based learning is large, but the question is if we take advantage of that potential by the way we use them today. There is a common belief that use of information technology will enhance and stimulate learning. That belief has little foundation, as we cannot say for sure that the impact from information technology on learning is positive. Some authors suggest that it is hard to see if the information society has improved learning at all. The truth would rather be that technology alone, no matter how futuristic or exciting, does not automatically improve the learning process (Dertouzos 1997, p. 177)...