STEPS: Supporting traditional education procedures - A TCP/IP multimedia networks-based model
This paper describes an integrated model for the realization of an Open and Distance Learning (ODL) environment supporting traditional learning procedures, through collaborative learning and active participation of the involved group of students. Internet technologies are used as a vehicle for distribution of interactive multimedia at the user's desktop. We also present off-the-shelf solutions for the architecture and implementation of an Educational Network necessary to support the ODL environment. An Educational Entity (specially shaped part of a legal educational authority) is also prescribed as the central point for the Educational Network, being the content provider and the learning procedure evaluator. It is mainly intended to be used in a higher education setting, aspiring to be an efficient solution for the common educational needs of a group of students and teachers or researchers.
collaborative learning internet technologies multimedia networking distance learning environment