An Evaluation of the Introduction of Discussions and Debates through a Video Conference System

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to analyze what elements should be considered for discussion and debate at lectures through a video conference system. In the research, we focused on the discussion and debate through a video conference system via ISDN. We used the questionnaires and analyzed it by factor analysis. As a result, we extracted four factors named "verbal communication," "pictures and sounds," "nonverbal communication," and "interests in the discussion through the video conference system," as for the discussion. As for the debate, we extracted five factors named "concentration on the other classroom," "many exchanges of opinions," "response analyzer, "atmospheres of the classes," and "setting of the seats." Concerned with the general evaluation of the discussion, we found that it is related with "nonverbal communication," and "interests in the discussion through the video conference system." Concerned with that of the debate, we found that it is related with "many exchanges of opinions," "concentration on the other classroom," and "response analyzer. "