A Learner Oriented Infrastructure for Videoconferencing Based Distance Education Courses

Abstract

Over the last few years distance education has assumed increasing importance and is returning from its languishment over the last few decades. This has primarily been due to the availability of facilitating technology like video-conferencing, the internet etc. However, there haven’t been many studies examining the utilization of the latest technologies to create an effective distance learning ‘classroom’. This paper studies two such emerging technologies - the Interactive Video Network (IVN) technology and the Internet. This paper discusses how the IVN and Internet can be used to enhance student learning in a distance education environment. It creates an infrastructure for integrating these two technologies into mainstream courses that are currently taught in universities. The paper discusses one such experiment and reviews the experience gained.