Distance learning using video terminals - an empirical study

This paper reports on a further study of application of community-based information networks reported by Kodama (International Journal of Information Management 19 (1999) 495). With respect to the distance learning using real-time model functions that is characteristic of community-based information networks, in this report, the results of services provided in the actual distance learning fields held in Japan over the past 4 years are analyzed and evaluated from various aspects including technology, study effectiveness and human aspects. This report clarifies that community-based information networks are an effective tool for distance learning and also contains perspectives on and issues for the future.