Web-Conferencing Systems (WCS): Individual, Group or Full-Class Teacher Education Format?

Abstract

Web-conferencing systems (WCS) are gaining momentum in the implementation of distance learning for young people, especially during and after the spread of COVID-19. In this regard, it seems urgent to identify technologies for distance learning education that correspond to modern teacher education to the fullest and are effective, user-friendly and convenient for all subjects of the educational process. This experiment revealed the most popular formats of communication for long-distance students in the implementation of future teachers’ professional training by means of video conferencing on the Zoom platform. The analysis of the implementation of various formats of interaction based on the questionnaire of research participants demonstrated a positive trend in the level of user expectations from educational interaction, technical preferences and students’ attitude to distance learning by means of web-conferencing. The implementation of distance learning using web-conferencing in group and full-class formats of interaction made it possible to increase social presence through the interactive cooperation of the students with each other and with the teacher in the educational and social context. These formats enhance social and cognitive interaction, thus developing key competencies in future teachers related to the ability to implement effective communication when working in a teaching team. It causes an increase in educational efficiency level and is critical, since it allows information to be obtained through interaction with each other and with the content presented on the screen. Thereby, educational distance communication with the help of web-conferencing should be considered as a new form of social and educational communication in the implementation of professional training rather than as a technical non-traditional tool for teacher education.