Videoconferencing in Continuing Education: an Evaluation of its Application to Professional Development at the University of Ulster (1990‐95)

Abstract

Faced with the commitment of making education accessible to the whole community, the multi‐campus University of Ulster took up the challenge of teaching and learning by videoconferencing. Five years of experience has shown that students using this form of distance education can achieve results comparable to those taking ‘conventionally’ delivered courses. Professional development reached a pleasing level, and the students who completed one module found that the medium actually enhanced its content, proving to be a Value‐added’ experience. For the University as a whole, courses were made viable and efficiency gains were met.