Distance Learning using the World Wide Web,
E-mail, and Compressed Video Technology

Pamela J. W. Gore

DeKalb College, Georgia

What is ?

Technology-supported Geology and Astronomy courses at DeKalb College since 1994

• Web-based course notes projected in class

• Students access course materials electronically

• Web-based research assignments

• Students prepare web pages on geologic topics

• Distance learning in a GSAMS room

• Funded in part by a grant from the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, Connecting Teachers and Technology Course Development Program

What is GSAMS?

• Georgia Statewide Academic and Medical System

• Two way interactive system

• Compressed video over telephone lines

• People in up to 8 locations can see and speak with each other

• Largest and most comprehensive distance learning and healthcare network in the world

• More than 350 sites

• Includes K-12 public schools, colleges, universities, technical institutes, hospitals, prisons, Georgia Public Television, and ZooAtlanta

"No other state has invested as much in distance learning and telemedicine as has Georgia." -- Governor Zell Miller

Basic setup in GSAMS room

• Networked multimedia computer with Netscape
• ELMO visual presenter
• Scan converter
• Preview monitor
• Printer
• FAX/copier
• Cordless microphone

Equipment at front of room

• Monitor on left shows video being received from remote site

• Monitor on right shows video transmitted to remote site

• Auxiliary camera above left monitor.

The codec compresses and decompresses the video

Equipment at back of the room

• Main camera above monitors
• Monitors show video being received and transmitted
• Ceiling mounted microphones

Facilitator at each site

Touch Pad to control audio and video transmission

Class Routine

• Classes held simultaneously on two campuses using GSAMS
• Instructor alternates between sites
• Lab held with instructor on-site
• Interactive course outline demonstrated at first class
• Second class held in computer lab
  • E-mail instruction
  • Netscape instruction
• Subsequent classes routinely use Netscape
• Assignments and directions given by e-mail and web page

Outside of class

• Students print out course notes before class
• Helpful for:
  • Non-native speakers of English
  • Disabled students
  • At-risk students
  • Those who are absent
• Students access external web sites to do assignments
• Students research assigned topics using search engines
• Students prepare multimedia term papers in HTML
• Students and faculty communicate with e-mail

Student producing seismogram using interactive program at U. C. Berkeley web site

Virtual field trips

Field photos digitized using a slide scanner

Stone Mountain, GA

Natural Bridge, AL

Nova Scotia

Lake Eliza, S. Australia

Visit Georgia Geoscience On-line

http://www.gpc.edu/~pgore/gore.htm