Previous research has shown that it is possible to use the Internet's Multicast Backbone (MBone) and associated audio/video software for the purpose of Distance Learning. As more education is performed online, the need arises to be able to view the content at the user's convenience. Through experimental testing, this thesis investigates the usefulness and feasibility of applying networked recording and storage of digitized audio and video, all via the MBone for distance learning. Large, distributed organizations such as the Naval Service can economically benefit from use of the MBone and its associated tools. To date, Navy and Marine Corps projects using video teleconferencing have not exploited the vast possibilities provided by the Internet and the MBone. This thesis takes distance learning one step farther and combines MBone audio/video with the new recording tool called the Multicast Backbone Video Conference Recorder (MBone VCR). This enables distance learning as a viable replacement to on-site training. It is technically feasible and economically supportable to record the digital media that results from an MBone session used for a distance learning program. That stored information can then be used repeatedly and easily updated to support changing curricula and information. Problems and network accessible solutions are demonstrated in this case study on use of the MBone VCR as a usable remote educational tool.
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