An assessment of students' perceptions of online conferencing : the case of full-time learners

One of the technological tools used by instructors nowadays is the web-based online conference. This paper aims at providing to both academics and practitioners an insight into the perceptions of those participating in online asynchronous conferences. A survey was conducted with thirty-five full-time undergraduate students in 2003 following an online module on the 'vcamps' platform. Results from the study described in this paper highlight the need for ensuring that participants have access to a personal computer and internet, that technical support and training be provided to participants, and for the lecturer to participate actively in the forums. Students found online conferencing as an interesting pedagogical tool involving them in an active learning environment and which enabled them to express freely and openly