Videoconferencing - new opportunities for TTI distance learning and part-time education

The experiences which have led to this paper are mainly the use of video conferencing system Tandberg Edge 95 at Transport and Telecommunication Institute (TTI) with is placed in Latvia in two cities - Riga and Daugavpils. The aim of this paper is to share authors experience how to put video conferencing into a learning framework. This requires discussing the problem from a number of perspectives: the learning framework; the technology; the role of technology within that framework; how to make best use of the technology. The paper also discusses TTI experience of learning management system Moodle usage in a combination with Tandberg conferencing system. New communication technologies are blurring the distinction between traditional and distant teaching. It has potential uses in both situations. The main pedagogical issue is to understand where the new technology will have real impact on learning effectiveness. The paper authors share their view to the issue resolution.