A critical review of videoconferencing software to support school consultation. Issue 1 (2nd January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fischer, Aaron J.; Schultz, Brandon K.; Collier-Meek, Melissa A.; Zoder-Martell, Kimberly A.; Erchul, William P.
• Is Part Of: International journal of school & educational psychology. Volume 6:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 12
• Page End: 22
• Publication Date: 2018-01-02
• Subjects: consultation -- computer applications -- academic performance -- behavior problems -- problem solving; Educational psychology -- Periodicals; Educational psychology; Periodicals; 370.15
• DOI: 10.1080/21683603.2016.1240129
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2168-3611

Abstract

Abstract : With recent advances in technology, several viable options now exist for school consultants to communicate with teachers via synchronous online videoconferencing (VC) without the need for specialized equipment. Unfortunately, few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of school consultation through VC, so practitioners are provided little guidance when determining if VC is suited to these specific needs. In this article, we identify the VC software packages most commonly used in the growing telehealth literature and discuss how features common to these programs might support effective school teleconsultation. We focus our attention on six specific capabilities: (a) onscreen document sharing; (b) group VC; (c) instant messaging; (d) recording capabilities; (e) integrated cloud storage; and (f) ethical compliance in regard to client confidentiality. Potential applications of these features are discussed, as well as practical and ethical considerations for trainers and school practitioners.