'It's a bit like Star Trek': The effectiveness of video conferencing

This paper presents an evaluation of the effectiveness of video conferencin g as a teaching and learning medium within the area of early childhood stud ies. The methodology consists of questionnaires administered to the early y ears' tutors who taught on the course and to students in both Belfast and A rmagh (remote site). Findings indicate that students at the remote site have developed learning strategies and skills for dealing with the video-conference lecture. Tutors have had to adopt a formal style of teaching and this has had an effect on how lectures are presented. Furthermore, it is recognized by tutors and st udents that a tutor needs to be present at the remote site in order to faci litate discussion and deal with questions and problems.