Objectives: To evaluate the educational efficacy, both direct and nurturing effects, of videoconferencing as a means of learning/teaching in a nursing student exchange programme.

Methods: This study was part of an evaluative research which examined a student exchange program between a school of nursing in Hong Kong and in Shanghai using videoconferencing. Two classes in two places, each consisted of the students from both home and host schools, were linked by videoconferencing. The experiences were explored using methods such as Videoconferencing Participant Questionnaire (VPQ), interview and journal. The data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics as well as content analysis.

Results: A total 84 students who participated in the programme completed the VPQ and journals. Of these, 26 students were invited for an individual interview.  The students believed that the use of videoconferencing in the programme made them explore the advanced educational technology, share and compare different teaching styles.  They had positive perception in all three aspects of using videoconferencing: presentation, teaching and educational value.  The students from the school in Shanghai had more positive perception in all three aspects than their counterparts from the school in Hong Kong (p < 0.05).  No difference was found in students’ perception in all three aspects between the students who participated in the programme in different places (p > 0.05).  Failure in connection, insufficient technical support, insufficient interaction and sense of distance were identified as the limitations.

Conclusion: The results suggest that the efficacy of using videoconferencing in the exchange program was acceptable.  They provide some evidences of its enhancing effect in nursing student exchange programs.  Besides, sharing of the experience of these students and teachers may help others plan and implement similar program in the future.  Learning and teaching should never be limited by physical space and distance.