Experimental Use and Evaluation of an e-learning System Based on Mobile Videophone for Advancing Visiting Education (<Special Issue>Studies on Practical Use of e-Learning)

Abstract

In this paper, the authors reported on the e-learning system using mobile videophones to advance visiting education for students with impairments who could not attend school regularly because of those impairments. The system was based on a mobile videophone in a classroom and another phone in the student's home. The student communicated with the teacher and classmates using the phone. Thereby, the student participated in the class. In the experimental use, the system was implemented in a school and in a home of a student who had been received visiting education. The student was able to attend a science class and engage in discussion with teachers and classmates. Video tape data of the student's behavior in two class were analyzed and compared with two sessions in conventional visiting education. The ratio of positive to negative behavior in e-learning was higher than that in conventional visiting education. These results showed the system's educational effectiveness. On the other hand, system problems related with sounds and system operation, and good planning of presentation were pointed out as future problems.