Multi-faceted evaluation of interactive remote instruction

Over the past five years, we have used our Interactive Remote Instruction (IRI) system to teach classes to various audiences. In this paper we evaluate IRI from three perspectives: technical performance, student perceptions, and instructional view. IRI scales well to multiple delivery sites and supports classes of 30 or more students, though some tools do not scale well. We compared perceptions of IRI students with students in similar TV-based classes and found that IRI students perceive a higher frequency of interaction with the instructor and other students. The instructor's view indicates that IRI can be utilised with minimal training (less than an hour). However, presentation techniques and classroom management may need to be modified in part because many students are uncomfortable being on camera. We identify shortcomings in the current version that are addressed in a revised version.