Broadband networks for distance education and training: Some results and practical solutions from a human factors investigation

摘要

Distance education and training is one of the most promising application fields of broadband networks. The present contribution is focused on one of the main opportunities provided by broadband communication networks for distance education: advanced and interactive virtual classroom situations. In particular a virtual classroom field experiment, which employs broadband cellular radio telecommunication technologies is described. The investigation was realised, in cooperation, by Fondazione Ugo Bordoni (FUB) and RAI (Italian Public TV), using the tools made available by the human factors discipline, Some results of the investigation are presented concerning learners' performance and usability of the multimedia tele-education system including factors such as: ease of use; usefulness; telepresence efficiency; users' satisfaction. Furthermore, operational results and practical solutions coming out of the experiment are shown as well. They include the basic features of multimedia systems used in virtual classroom and the correct procedures for training teachers and learners in the equipment use. [References: 18]