Abstract:

Video conferencing may be defined as real time, interactive communication between individuals, between groups, or between individuals and groups via visual and audio contact. Video conferencing offers new dimensions in learning support by facilitating interaction and dialogue between physically remote groups of learners and facilitators. It allows students and instructors to share learning experiences by seeing, hearing and interacting with each other.
Video conferencing is an important component of the blended learning model adopted by Ajman University of Science and Technology (AUST) for some of its classes. This particular model combines an equal balance of traditional face-to-face and video conferencing, complemented with the use of a learning management system (Moodle).
The aim of this study is to explore student perception of and performance in classes that use video conferencing in their blended learning delivery format. The study was conducted over a period of three years on the students of the College of Information Technology and College of Education at AUST. The three instruments used were students’ survey forms, instructors’ survey forms, and students’ grades.
Results have revealed that students of the College of Education were more satisfied with video conferencing than their counterpart at the College of Information Technology, some courses were more suitable for blended learning than others, and there is no significant difference between the grades of students taking classes via blended learning and those taking the same classes face-to-face. These results suggest that universities should be selective in choosing the right courses, to be taught by blended learning.

Keywords:

e-learning, Video Conferencing, Blended Teaching.