Videoconferencing in Distance Learning
Deal (2002) focused on distance learning and defined the term distance learning as the instructor and the student are separated by either time or distance. Deal (2002) explained that there are several benefits of distance learning including that it is affordable, effective and efficient while providing the student and teacher flexibility in time and location and offering interactive and multi-sensory experiences. According to Deal (2002) there are two basic modes associated with distance learning, synchronous and asynchronous. Videoconferencing is defined as synchronous mode as it may be a one-to-many or one-to-one environment where learning in real-time (p.25), continued with asynchronous mode as the learning takes place at a time selected by the learner and the learner progresses at his or her own pace independent of others (p.26). Deal (2002) also6 stated that the students who are shy and retiring in a traditional classroom overcame this in a distant environment. Unlike in a physical classroom where these students normally feel misplaced, they were found to become more confident when lessons were conducted by videoconference. This is because students have more control over their surroundings when education is delivered using this method.