Impact of Videoconferencing in Teaching an Introductory MIS Course

Abstract

This research investigates the impact created by the use of videoconferencing technology in a large MIS class where, traditionally, the lecture had been used. The teacher presented a lecture on DSS from his office and collaborated with a colleague on solving a spreadsheet problem. A questionnaire was administered to measure the perceptions of the students. Even though 85 percent of the students who participated in the classes were non-MIS majors, students in the section where videoconferencing was used perceived it to be more useful, challenging, attractive, and clear compared to the section where videoconferencing was not used. The students preferred the videoconferencing method irrespective of their GPA or computer ownership. These results show that desk-top videoconferencing technologies could be effectively used to train those who are not familiar with information technologies. Videoconferencing technologies might show the potential for collaborative work to those workers even though they may not be very familiar with computer hardware and software.