Application of multipoint desktop video conferencing system (MDVC) for enhancement of trainee-supervisor discourse in teacher education

Video conferencing technology has been in use for teaching, training and communication purposes over the past several years. Recent advances in digital streaming technology, increasing bandwidth and software engineering allow the use of video conferencing in the most efficient and cost effective ways. In the teacher training environment, the use of video conferencing has the potential to improve the discourse between the trainee and supervisor and thus increase the overall effectiveness of the training process. The paper describes a research project which utilizes multipoint desktop video conferencing at the National Institute of Education in Singapore to investigate the feasibility and pedagogic values of the technology in teacher training programs. Some preliminary findings are reported