Lessons Learned in Global Videoconference Training: Action Research at a Community-based Organization

The U.S. videoconferencing market is expected to reach $3.1 Billion dollars in 2008, a 121% increase from its 2003 level. As videoconferencing moves from the high priced ISDN-based services to the low-cost IP-based services it may make videoconferencing a competitive alternative for global training. In this research lessons learned in the first nine months of a three-year longitudinal study are discussed in four areas: trainthe-trainer model for countries with developing economies, infrastructure challenges in countries with developing economies, cultural barriers, and the role of community-based organizations. The results indicate that factors like Internet infrastructure, time zone differences, and cultural differences as inhibitors for global distance learning. In addition, preliminary findings show technology-use mediating activities including establishment, reinforcement, adjustment, and episodic change as enablers of video-based training. The study also assesses the key role community-based organizations play.