Engaging Students at a Distance: Advantages and Pitfalls of Video-Conference use in Teaching

Technological tools in higher education are more of a necessity than an option. Tools which were once considered exotic and a novelty have become common practice in academic and professional worlds due to the broad normalization of the digital learning process, and advancements in global digital learning environments (e.g., technical infrastructure, Open Educational Resources, Learning Management Systems and digital conferencing tools). However, the ways in which these tools are used and adopted can drastically change the learning environment and ultimately, the success of both students and instructors. As the digital classroom evolves, it is challenging for educators to ensure that the learning process is still effective. Moreover, concerns about the digital divide are growing, with questions about the equity of learning. Students are not all on the same level in their technological use, and the availability of technological resources is not uniform across groups. The authors of this article discuss effective ways to engage varying student groups virtually, focusing specifically on video-conferencing in the digital classroom. Drawing upon international teaching experience at both Comenius University in Slovakia, and at SUNY Empire State College in the U.S., and on a specific case study, the pros and cons of digital tool usage in the classroom are examined. Additionally, “best practices” are suggested for video-conference use and adoption-at Comenius University and elsewhere.