Open and Distance Learning for Sustainable Development

evaluation program at higher institutions, to supplement classroom activities, regular office hours,
and seminars. They also plan to use it in evaluation projects to conduct follow-up interviews and
observations at remote sites. It may also be used for consulting as well. This interactive medium
enables tutors to maintain their campus schedule of duties and appointments and avoid time lost
to travel. Again, facilitators at one location can easily reach out to virtually all students across the
nation in a single transmission (Tham, 2005).
Internet videoconferencing also has other much less tangible benefits. Electronic communication
is more personal and much more effective when you can hear the nuances of tone and see nonverbal
“language” such as gestures and the expressions – cues you normally depend on in face to
face interactions (Daly-Jones et al., 1998; Anon, 2008b). Videoconferencing also enhances
collegial communication, particularly in preparation for professional association meetings and
during multi-site research projects. Illustrations, maps, book covers, and physical settings can be
shared instantaneously. The implications for international cooperation are considerable.
Bringing the world into the classroom through the use of this technology is becoming increasingly
popular. The concept of videoconferencing in West Africa is relatively new, with
videoconferencing centers in only three out of over fifteen countries in the region. Thus, the
region is obviously far behind in the acquisition of advance technologies.
Conclusion
Beyond the numerous benefits of videoconferencing discussed above; one can further justify its
essence in NOUN for open and distance learning under cost-benefit analysis. As earlier stated,
videoconferencing seeks to optimise the concept of audio and video tools that hitherto existed as
mutually exclusive media into a single entity that is much more enriched for service delivery and
cost effectiveness.
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