The Deployment of Internet Technology For Distance Learning Application An Experience Learned In Sup

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The Deployment of Internet Technology For
Distance Learning Application An Experience
Learned In Supporting The Singapore-MIT Alliance
Programme Sew Hoo Lim (citlimsh_at_nus.edu.sg) Hoc
k Heng Soh (citsohhh_at_nus.edu.sg) Centre for
Instructional Technology National University of
Singapore
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Agenda

• Background Information
• Centre for Instructional Technology - CIT
• Singapore-MIT Alliance - SMA
• Features of Distance Learning Set-up
• Lessons Learned and Limitations
• Q A

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Centre for Instructional Technology

• Formed in January 1999
• Staff from Computer Centre and Centre for
  Development of Teaching and Learning
• Mission
• Committed to advancing the purposeful use of new
  media and digital technologies in educational
  programmes in NUS
• Assessing and evaluating the impact of digital
  technologies to see if it enhances teaching and
  learning

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Centre for Instructional Technology

• Key Functional Areas
• Integrated Virtual Learning Environment (IVLE)
  courseware management system and courseware
  development
• Conferencing and Streaming
• Webcast Services
• Multimedia Services

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Singapore-MIT Alliance (SMA)Distance Learning
Education - Background

• A very selective Master/Ph.D. joint program
• Involves National University of Singapore (NUS),
  Nanyang Technological University (NTU) MIT
• Launched in July 1999
• Students undergoes initial orientation in
  Singapore, then 1 month in MIT followed by
  continuation of program in Singapore
• Students earn singular degree with indigenous
  registered institution

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SMA- Background

• Programs Offered by SMA
• Advanced Materials (AM) - since July 1999
• High Performance Computing for Engineered Systems
  (HPCES) - since July 1999
• Innovation in Manufacturing Systems and
  Technology (IMST) - since July 2000
• Chemical Engineering - begin in July 2001
• Computer Science - begin in July 2001

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Features of Distance Learning Set-up

• Video Conferencing CODEC
• ISDN versus IP-based Conferencing
• H.320 and H.323 CODEC
• Picturetel Concord 4500 (ISDN) PT210
• Picturetel PT960 / PT970 - PC based
• Polycom Viewstation 512 - Appliance
• Tandberg 6000 MP - Appliance

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Features of Distance Learning Set-up

• Video Conference - Link-up Mode
• Primary - IP
• 1st backup - ISDN
• 2nd backup - IDD (voice)

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Features of Distance Learning Set-up

• Application Sharing
• Use of Microsoft Netmeeting
• Connect Through Internet Link
• Provide Interactivity
• Low Bandwidth Requirement
• Fairly Reliable

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Features of Distance Learning Set-up

• Dual Screen Operation Mode 1
• AV conferencing screen
• Data sharing screen

Projector 1
Projector 2
Application sharing via netmeeting via IP from
lecturer presentation console to far end
auditorium
Video via IP
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Features of Distance Learning Set-up

• Dual Screen Operation Mode 2
• AV conferencing screen
• Data sharing screen

Projector 1
Projector 2
Application sharing via netmeeting via IP from
lecturer presentation console to far end
auditorium
Lecturer document camera video via IP
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Features of Distance Learning Set-up

• Line of Sight and Sense of Presence
• Classroom to classroom environment
• Necessary during Q A session
• Automatic and fast switching of cameras (within 1
  to 2 seconds)
• Press-to-talk versus voice-activated
  microphone system

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Features of Distance Learning Set-up

• Automatic Tracking Camera
• Allow lecturer to move freely during lecture
• Automatic lecturer tracking camera to maintain
  continuous presence to far-end
• Infra-red versus color-coded tracking system

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Features of Distance Learning Set-up

• Plasma Screen - Tracking Camera

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Features of Distance Learning Set-up

• Press-To-Talk
• Microphones

Auditorium
Smart Classroom
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Features of Distance Learning Set-up

• Dual Projection System

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Features of Distance Learning Set-up

• Automatic archival of distance learning lectures
  onto video server for future reference and
  revision by students

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Features of Distance Learning Set-up

• Archival Process
• Video encoding done at where lectures are
  conducted
• Encoded lectures are transferred (ftp) to remote
  sites
• MIT NUS maintain its own video servers
• Video are encoded in RealVideo format at 300 kbps
  and 12 fps
• One hour of encoded video 100 Mbytes

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Distance Learning Configuration -- The SMA
Experience --
MIT Auditorium
Student access via web for revision
Online digitization onto video server
NUS Auditorium / SMART Classroom
Video Server
View video
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SMA Network Configuration
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SMA Distance Learning Lessons Learned

• Synchronous Teaching / Learning
• A challenge to maintain Line of Sight and Sense
  of Presence in large classroom
• Sustained audio quality a challenge (noise
  breakups)
• Reliability of broadband network international
  leased circuit
• Delay in camera tracking system poses problems
  for Q A sessions improvements using
  push-to-talk system
• Secondary communication channels for inter-team
  session monitoring to ensure rapid problem
  resolution

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SMA Distance Learning Lessons Learnt

• Pedagogical Issues
• Faculty needs to understand technical limitations
• Adaptation required
• Conducting an effective Q A session is
  challenging
• Backup connectivity activation disrupts flow of
  lessons

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SMA Distance Learning Lessons Learnt

• Support Issues
• Requires well understood inter-team operational
  protocols procedures
• Inter-technical team building essential
• Core technical staff available on mobile/beepers
• 2-men operation team ( one experienced technician
  1 student helper)

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Limitations

• High speed switched networks
• High-end platforms preferred
• WAN connectivity bottlenecks costs
• Sophisticated operations set-up
• Evolving technology
• Operational logistics

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Video Conferencing Linkup Costing
Premium service from Singaren via Internet2
estimated at S75 per 384 kbps per hour ISDN
from Singtel estimated at S300 per hour for
linkup to MIT ( USA ). Cost varies for other
countries.
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End of PresentationThank YouURL
Linkshttp//www.nus.edu.sg/http//www.cit.nus.
edu.sg/http//www.sma.nus.edu.sg/