Distance and asynchronous learning are important topics in both industry and academia. Many educators and technologists developing distance learning programs are unfamiliar with previous research and experimental results in pedagogy, technology, and operations related to distributed collaboration and distance learning. Distance learning began over a hundred years ago with correspondence courses. The introduction of television and video conferencing technology created new opportunities for delivering education. More recently, the development of desktop collaboration tools (e.g., CuSeeMe, the H.32x standards, Webx, the Mbone tools, and NetMeeting) and Internet webcasting technology (e.g., Quicktime Streaming, Real Networks G2, and Microsoft Windows Media) provide more alternatives for educational delivery. Many universities and companies are using these technologies to deliver remote instruction, but questions remain about educational effectiveness and costs.

This tutorial presented a broad introduction and survey of many topics in distance learning ranging from pedagogy to technology including studio classroom design, collaboration tools, and operational issues. The tutorial was divided into the following sessions:

Introduction and Background [pdf]

The first session discussed the history of higher education beginning in ancient Greece around the fourth century BCE and continuing through the development of the modern university in the eleventh century ACE to the situation today. The basic form of higher education today is discussed and various technologies that have impacted the current educational environment including the development of distance learning programs over 100 years ago.

Education and Pedagogy Issues [pdf]

The second session covered past results from deploying distance and asynchronous learning technologies. Learn why "sage on the stage" is a discredited approach from a pedagogical perspective and why "tutored video tape" has proven successful in many experiments. In addition, the session covered successful synchronous distance learning strategies that use televsion and video conferencing technologies.

Equipment, Facilities, and Transmission [pdf]

The third session covered classroom design and cost. The basic equipment needed to produce video conferences and webcasts is described and solutions to common problems are discussed. The development of a well-designed studio classroom with cameras, microphones, multimedia presentation equipment (e.g., projectors, document cameras, VCR's, etc.) is difficult and can be very costly. Different classroom designs are described and compared.

Collaboration Technologies [pdf]

The fourth session covered the basic technology for distance learning. Different technologies are described and compared including support for audio/video interaction, whiteboard and multimedia presentations, and other collaboration tools (e.g., chat rooms, media spaces, etc.). Specific examples covered include H.32x standards, the Internet Mbone tools, and streaming media technologies. Tools for producing live collaborations and for producing rich multimedia material for on-demand replay are discussed including emerging multimedia standards (e.g., SMIL) and lecture browser technologies.

Finally, operational issues of producing distance and asynchronous learning classes are discussed including program guides, equipment and labor costs, and operational procedures. The Berkeley Internet Broadcasting System developed to webcast class lectures for live viewing and on-demand replay is used as an example.

Future Vision and Research [pdf]

The last session covered some thoughts about the difficulty of predicting the future and problems that must be addressed in distibuted just-in-time learning.