Live, audio-visual communication systems for distance learning: experience, heuristics, and ISDN

Abstract

This paper collates some of the experience of managers, tutors and learners who have used live, audio-visual communication systems for distance learning. Eight design heuristics are abstracted from this experience and used to reason about how digital communications could make LIVENET more effective. The heuristics are: (i) encourage other (non-training) uses for the communications network; (ii) encourage the participation of otherwise unavailable experts; (iii) exploit visual images, both to communicate information and to support information communicated presented verbally; (iv) avoid technology-induced, inequable opportunity for learning; (v) encourage analogies with face-toface learning modes, rather than conventional television and home video; (vi) help users to find out about other participants and what they are able to see and hear; (vii) actively encourage interaction; and (viii) reassure tutors that the apparent intrusiveness of the technology is just an initial impression.