An introduction to three types of interactive media - computer conferencing, audiographics and video conferencing - which explains how each type can be used in the open learning environment. It describes attributes and limitations, analyzing appropriate applications through case studies.

Robin Mason

Introduction to telecommunications technology; pedagogical rationale of interaction in learning; significance of synchronous and asynchronous media; implications of using text, audio and video in education; cost effectiveness versus cost savings; training requirements for teachers and tutors; organizational implications of introduction communications technologies; presentation and analysis of computer conferencing, audio graphics and video conferencing; outline of hardware and software required for each; description of advantages and disadvantages; assessment of most appropriate applications; six case studies from undergraduate, training, vocational and professional updating fields; selection and annotation of most significant literature on each of the three media.