Teaching and Learning via Videoconference: The Benefits of Cooperative Learning

Abstract

For the past two years, the Center for Distance Learning of SUNY Empire State College has been offering courses to NYNEX employees using the company's videoconferencing equipment. Students were located at four sites and two-hour seminars were held every other week throughout the term. This article discusses my incorporating problem-based learning and cooperative learning into the teaching of Business Mathematics and Introduction to Issues in Telecommunications for the Center for Distance Learning using this equipment. Students at each site were placed in teams of four and these groups engaged in cooperative learning activities at their sites in addition to participating over the network. Benefits of this approach have included: more variety of participation; increased insight in contributions made over the network because of time given to articulating ideas less formally at each site; and an atmosphere of sharing and teamwork.