International Journal of Information Management 21 (2001) 227–243 Distance learning using video terminals}an empirical study M. Kodama Community Laboratory, 6-2-21 Schin Machi Hoya Shi, Tokyo 2020023, Japan Abstract This paper reports on a further study of application of community-based information networks reported by Kodama (International Journal of Information Management 19 (1999) 495). With respect to the distance learning using real-time model functions that is characteristic of community-based information networks, in this report, the results of services provided in the actual distance learning fields held in Japan over the past 4 years are analyzed and evaluated from various aspects including technology, study effectiveness and human aspects. This report clarifies that community-based information networks are an effective tool for distance learning and also contains perspectives on and issues for the future. # 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. Keywords: Distance learning; Videoconference; IT; Multimedia 1. Introduction Video terminals 1 (Rosen, 1996; Trowt-Bayard & Wilcox, 1997) have long been hailed as an ideal transmission and technology development domain for use in a wide range of fields, from business to the family/individual, not merely for trustworthy visual information transmission. It is also expected that the technology will be used as a means of personal expression and in education, medical and welfare fields, as well as fusion with the arts. Networks using video terminals (in this document, these are called community-based information, hereinafter referred to as Community-Net) are spreading widely across Japan and Europe. This technology is used in various forms, not only in the distance learning field but also in medical, welfare and business fields. Its value has been increasing as an effective communication strategy tool within companies, between companies and between companies and customers (Kodama, 1999, 2000). Additionally, in the field of e-commerce, this is expected to grow rapidly in the future; the advent of new business models based on human-to-human e-commerce sales and support through interactive video communications is expected (Collaborate.com, 2000). I believe E-mail address: m-kodama@mbe.sphere.ne.jp (M. Kodama). 1 Video terminals are based on videoconferencing systems and/or video phones standardized by the ITU-T. 0268-4012/01/$ - see front matter # 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. PII:S0268-4012(01)00012-3