Abstract:

Nowadays, the introduction of videoconferencing has huge educational possibilities, since it allows in real time-constant interaction, with image and sound between different points. Furthermore, it enables teachers and students from different universities and/or research centers to participate in the communication process without any movement [1-2]. This fact increases the resources and the flow of knowledge that can be used in order to improve the education of the students in their master´s degrees.
The education based on distance learning is a relatively new educational field that focuses on delivering class to students who are not physically on site. However, by the use of technologies available for videoconferencing, educators can provide a more interactive distance learning experience by delivering real-time, bidirectional video, voice, and data communications to their distance students, rather than just the other distance learning techniques. Teaching through videoconferencing is a change in the methodology applied in traditional classroom teaching systems. This new technology requires different forms of interaction, different physical behavior, different ways of presenting information and different ways to judge the messages which can be transmitted in both directions. Another, important factor is the support services that go along with each subject by this distance class methodology. Teachers and students need a webplatform in which the distribution of materials, assignments, general information and feedback can occur. This permits a good interaction teacher-students and student-student outside the classroom.
In this context, we have participated in the development of several subjects in the Master of Advanced Biotechnology following the interactive videoconferencing methodology between Vigo and Coruña universities. This Advanced Master program is designed for students who want to update their technical and research skills in core areas such as molecular biology, protein technology, bioinformatics, and industrial biotechnology. The use of videoconferencing permits the collaboration among teachers, scientists and industry specialists from different locations, in order to give the students an insight into real demands of current biotechnology.
Finally, several surveys have been made to students and they revealed the positive attitude toward the use of videoconferencing learning activities but they also expressed several disadvantages that should be improved.

References:
[1] Denstadli, J.M., Gripsrud, M., Hjorthol, R., Julsrud, T.E. Videoconferencing and business air travel: Do new technologies produce new interaction patterns? (2013) Transportation Research Part C: Emerging Technologies, 29, pp. 1-13.
[2] Wise, D., Benavides, O., Destarac, M.A. Using Video Conferencing for International Teaching: A Case Study Linking the US to Central America (2013) TechTrends, 57 (1), pp. 26-30.

Keywords:

Biotechnology, master degree, teacher-student interaction, videoconferencing.