Virtual seminars - A viable substitute for traditional approaches?

In this paper, the implications of replacing traditional modes of small gro up teaching with IT-facilitated 'virtual seminars' are evaluated, using the case study of an undergraduate final year module. An interpretivist resear ch framework is used to consider the pedagogic and technological implicatio ns. In this paper two distinct 'voices' are presented. The first belongs to the virtual seminars tutor as the 'direct' participant observer reflecting on the teaching and learning outcomes for staff and students. The second b elongs to the 'indirect' observer, presenting his evaluation at various sta ges of the process. We conclude that virtual seminars cannot completely sub stitute for other forms of small group teaching, but they do facilitate and promote certain skills and processes that are a valuable learning experien ce for students.