Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Technologies Available For Use In Distance Learning?

Posted by Cliff on from the what's-there-to-work-with dept.

DaScope asks: "I have been assigned a new project: setting up a distance learning facility where the teacher can simultaneously teach to different people across the country. Audio/video streaming, interactive whiteboards, photo albums and discussion boards are different options available to us. What other technologies are available for distance learning use? What are the cons/pros of the different technologies available, and are they available for Linux?"

2 of 131 comments (clear)

  1. Re:IRC/Instant Messaging by nickd · · Score: 4

    Its a case of using the right tools for the right job.
    Groove - excellent collaboration tool for students to work together and for workshops (but still in beta) http://www.groove.net

    Rotor - interactive video streaming, good for quizzes, questionairres and presenting. The next version will support flash media as the presentation material (instead of jpegs)http://www.realnet.net.au

    Oracle iLearning - course administration replacement - it allows the students to select which courses they take and at what pace, while still enforcing requisites etc. http://ilearning.oracle.com/

    All of these technologies (and others) have their place in online learning. Quite frankly, the places that JUST video tape a lecturer talking and then stream it to the web have got it completely wrong. It really doesnt add much to the learning experience and still has problems of people understanding the lecturer (either due to quality of audio/video, or of language barriers, or hearing impairments.) Lecturers should be there for guiding students in the right direction and perhaps fielding questions and making clarifications.

    my 2 cents

  2. video/audi creates problems. by AugstWest · · Score: 5

    I work for an elearning software company, and I can say from experience that if your distance learning initiatives are dependent on video/audio feeds, you're most likely going to run into problems.

    One of the main problems is end-user bandwidth. We have a completely web-based elearning product that requires nothing beyond a 4.0 browser and a 28.8 connection, and still end users run into problems...

    For elearning today, you're best off using something with forums, threaded messaage boards and text chat. This makes it easier for the teacher to control the situation, and easier for the students to ask questions without completely interrupting. These methods actually fit the model better, and you don't have to worry about as many issues with getting the information out to the student.