Relationship between Interaction and Acceptance in Satellite Video-Conferencing

Abstract

The study focuses on the relationships between viewer interaction and their acceptance of programs delivered via satellite. The objectives were to i) describe the effectiveness of programs, ii) describe relations between the extent of audience interaction and levels of acceptance of programs, and iii) identify implications for practitioners, policy makers, and program developers. A cross-sectional survey was used to examine the responses of 240 Cornell Cooperative Extension field educators to satellite videoconferencing. Major findings were: viewer (educator) interaction among peers and interaction with the center were significantly correlated with the three levels (cognitive, affective, and behavioral) of acceptance of both administrative and in-service programs. Major implications include a) the need to emphasize interaction among viewers on site and interaction with presenters at the center, b) creation of a proper environment congenial to interaction, and c) the need to place greater emphasis on the role of instructional strategies to promote interaction in satellite distance education programming.