First interactive distance learning system

Citation

(1999), "First interactive distance learning system", Journal of European Industrial Training, Vol. 23 No. 7. https://doi.org/10.1108/jeit.1999.00323gad.001

First interactive distance learning system

First interactive distance learning system

Keywords: Distance learning, Internet

The first online training delivery system, which maintains the interaction of a live classroom environment but at a distance, has been launched for use in remote learning situations.

NetTutor has been designed and developed by Ascot Systems, a leader in IT-based training delivery systems. It uses Web-enabled technology to allow remote students at multiple locations to log on to a course and receive live tutorials.

Built-in audio communication, coupled with application sharing, enables the instructor to interact simultaneously with an entire class or provide specific help to individual students via the Internet or an intranet. Students log on to a central server, where they are connected to the tutor by a voice/data link. The tutor can offer individual advice to students and monitor progress by accessing their screens or setting interim tests.

"NetTutor has been designed to address the training needs of organizations with employees in numerous locations, avoiding the phenomenal costs of actually removing staff from the office to send them on courses", said Dr Nick Lutte, director at Ascot Systems. "The product also addresses the need for training on demand, where companies frequently have to get personnel from several locations up to speed on new applications, quickly and efficiently."

Each NetTutor student has an individual password and can download course material from a Web site or corporate intranet. Students register on an administration site which contains a database of students, courses and instructors. They are then routed to the relevant pre-arranged instructor.

The core NetTutor product includes an administration server and instructor and student software. The administration server contains tools for accessing and using instructor records, log-in and security permissions as well as class creation and scheduling. The instructor pack includes course and slide presentation tools, student response forms, student test key pads, interactive application sharing and whiteboard.

The system runs on Windows 95/NT and students can hook up to classes via a modem link, ISDN or WAN. Instructors and students require a minimum of 16Mb RAM, 50Mb hard disk space, an analogue or ISDN modem and a full duplex audio card.

For pricing and product details, please contact Ascot Systems, Woods Way, Worthing, Sussex BN12 4QY. Tel: 01903 503041, or e-mail sales@ascot-systems.co.uk