Distance Education 411 | Distance Learning

Distance learning technology has come a long way in the last couple decades. One method that has transformed the landscape of distance education and training forever is satellite e-learning, which is all about the power to transmit an actual classroom session to distant locations. The remote classroom can be numerous locations such as a student's home via online computer learning or another (offsite) classroom filled with students.

Satellite e-learning provides synchronous online learning tools. Sometimes called BTV/IP (Business Television/Internet Protocol), satellite e-learning has pushed distributed media into the 21st century.

Satellite e-learning utilizes internet protocol (IP) for networking and distribution. IP makes it doable to employ high bandwidths for video streaming because it bypasses the wide area network.

Students who are engaged in higher education online and located at distant locations can communicate with the teacher in online interactive learning using audio teleconferencing or via a combination of audio and keypad technology.

With satellite e-learning, students can take part in class along with the teacher and the other students. The only actual difference is that some students are not actually sitting in the same place as the instructor. With satellite e-learning, teachers can incorporate all sorts of different online education resources into their teaching.

Transmission to faraway students is consistent and happens quicker than other forms of transmission. Satellite e-learning makes synchronous oral interaction doable which can really help students because they are able to inquire about subjects and obtain answers in moments.

Satellite e-learning uses internet protocol which bypasses wide area networks and the Internet. What this means in plain English, is that the troubles regularly associated with bandwidth (distorted images, slow transmission) are removed.

Very large-sized web-based distance education training modules and multi-media-rich transmissions can very easily be transmitted with satellite technology. There are almost no bounds to the number of distant locations that can collect satellite transmission, provided the remote locations use the needed equipment.

The technology and infrastructure required to sustain satellite e-learning is very costly. The infrastructure also requires a high degree of maintenance which increases the total costs. Logistically, satellite e-learning can be complex to set up. A designated classroom equipped with the equipment required to broadcast classroom instruction must be identified.

In addition to the equipment, an individual educated in the field of broadcasting must always be on hand to work the equipment and plan the broadcast. Teachers also require schooling in this means of instruction.

Satellite downlinks, which are the locations that collect the satellite broadcast, also must be equipped with the equipment needed to receive the broadcast. Because the transmission will journey across the local area network before it can be received by the remote site, it is at this stage that recipients sometimes experience trouble.

Another limitation of satellite e-learning is that it doesn't permit for flexibility in scheduling. Students do not have the choice of learning whenever it is convenient. They must take part in the satellite broadcast as it actually is happening.

This sort of instructional media is wonderful for role playing, guided and/or panel discussions, simulations, demonstrations, case studies, traditional lecture-style narration, brainstorming, practicing and drilling.

Online Interactive Learning

Distance Learning - Learning Via Satellite