I would like to know the following as it relates to training via Video Conferencing:
1. What type of training (not meetings) is conducted?
2. What is the maximum and/or average time for a training session?
3. How do you keep the attendees engaged?
4. What activities/exercises have you used? How effective are they?
5. Do the participants like VC?
6. Do you think video conferencing is effective as it relates to training?

I would not want to conduct anything very technical or complicated via videoconference. That may be a personal preference, but I can't fathom how you could ensure a dynamic session via this medium. With offices in 4 states, I and my team have used it for minor project changes, updates, information sharing, etc. I usually limit the amount of time to 90 minutes.

I don't think video conferencing would be very effective.

I would consider virtual classroom software instead.

It has been my experience that something gets lost in the videoconference process. Sometimes it is due to the lag or delay that may be taking place on the Learner's end of things. In other cases it is because there is a sense of remoteness to the process.

Typically I will not run a conference session for more than an hour. If I am training something technical, or something that requires a huge degree of attention, I will find another method to deliver, such as on-line instead. I try to reserve my videoconference training to updates, or items that are more soft skill oriented.

I think that to a large extent it depends on what you mean by "Video Conferencing". If you mean a camera and a video display where a training session is being conducted, and another one at the learner's site and nothing more, then I agree with Amy_L.

But if you mean something more, have great provisions for interaction and ways to run the activities, then yes, it can be effective, especially if you heed Sue's comments about duration.

When I have seen it done effectively, it required 1) an instructor who was top-notch and sensitive to the medium, 2) great provisions for activities, 3) a tool designed for live online teaching (as Amy suggests) in addition to the videoconferencing, and 4) great technical support. In this case it was a live classroom event "shared" to remote users.