Kato, H., Yamazaki, K., Suzuki, H., Kuzuoka, H., Miki, H., and Yamazaki, A. Designing a video-mediated collaboration system based on a body metaphor. In Proceedings of Computer Supported Collaborative Learning conference (CSCL’97) (Toronto, CA, December 10-14 1997), pp. 142–149. [pdf]

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This paper reports some interesting considerations and findings on the arrangements of video in remote teaching. The authors argue that the arrangements of the view should respect the face-to-face metaphor in order to be effective. Particularly, the authors argue that such systems should:

(1) the learners should be able to see the instructor’s pointer; (2) the instructor should be able to see that the learners are orienting themselves towards the pointed object as well as the pointer, when they are observing the instructor’s pointing; (3) the instructor should be able to reassure the learners by words or actions that the instructor is aware of the learners’ orientation; (4) the learners should be able to see the face of the instructor, when they want to know how the instructor is evaluating their behavior or when they want to draw the instructor’s attention; and (5) the instructor should be able to notice the learners’ orientation toward the instructor himself/herself as well.

A qualitative analysis of the technology revealed that problems are still presents as this solution does not solve completely the limits of video-mediated communication. Secondly, the representations might still be corrupted by the medium and finally, too many resources might be difficult to handle by the users.