An analysis of conferencing as technology for distributed training: Perspectives on functionality, instrumentation, organizational interaction, and cost-effectiveness

Conferencing is the simulation of types of face-to-face group activity when the group members are not in the same place at the same time, through the mediation of telecommunications technology. Conferencing can involve audio-only, audiographic, computer-only, video, and combinations of these modalities. In this article a review is given of the educational motivations for conferencing as an instructional methodology for learners in distributed settings. Following this, the various types of conferencing are considered, relative to their application to distributed training. The second portion of the paper looks at conferencing from the perspective of five different groups of persons: trainee/learners, instructors, institutional organizers of training courses, decision makers for institutions involved with distributed training, and instructional designers and media specialists involved with conferencing design. The review ends with a summary of guidelines relative to the application of conferencing to distributed training for adults.