Distributed Learning Scenarios supported by ATM – Experiences in Télépoly –

Research in distributed learning, tele-teaching, and computer-based education evolved over the last five years. Initial approaches of using stand-alone workstations with tutorial programs have been refined to networked solutions, where a lecturer is integrated into a distributed scenario and workstations are applied to handle communication purposes only. Exploiting the rich area of available multimedia technology results in the usage of high-speed networks, e.g., Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), for distributed learning scenarios to take real advantage of high-quality audio and video transmissions. This technology offers an acceptable and sufficient solution for virtual classrooms and remote teaching.