TOPILOT: an application of new technology for distance learning

Abstract

Provides a brief introduction to TOPILOT, a telematics project sponsored by the European Community and developed as a response to the needs of children and young people from the families of “occupational travellers”, the fairground, circus and bargee communities within Europe. Produces multimedia learning materials to be used by young learners as they travel with the business and is also developing an innovative telecommunication system which will use mobile telephone technology to allow tutors to monitor progress, and manage learning at a distance, by interacting directly with the disk‐based multimedia materials. Describes the technological approach and discusses another interesting feature of the project: the direct involvement of practising tutors from four European countries in design and testing activity. Highlights in particular the use of the Internet within the design process and suggests that there are important limitations reflected in the experience of TOPILOT.

Citation

Marks, K. (1997), "TOPILOT: an application of new technology for distance learning", Education + Training, Vol. 39 No. 7, pp. 263-270. https://doi.org/10.1108/00400919710185654