e-learning: technology & learning perspective

Ashish Duggal ashishd@gilat.com

If you are planning for a year, sow rice. If you are planning for a decade, plant trees. If you are planning for a lifetime, educate people.
Chinese proverb

Presentation outline
Motivation Introduction to VSATs E-learning Concept How VSAT technology can help Satellite as a connectivity option A step ahead of just broadcast Similar networks in operation Summary

Motivation
Education means more opportunities for the next generation Goal should be to raise and level the educational playing field for all Enable adequate education on a national basis Equally managed and controlled education for all Standardizing of high quality education Available anywhere Many regions cannot implement high quality (or even basic) education for all, as the result of underdeveloped infrastructure Facilities, Human resources, telecommunication,etc. Value of option to have an end-to-end solution (infrastructure, telecommunication, content and training) Same infrastructure can also be used for other e-gov initiatives
4

Extension to E- Governance
Ensure social benefits ICT for every citizen Urban/Semi Urban/Rural Increased exposure to new technologies and information Enhance governments services and administration Education Health services Security and police Local governing and influence in remote areas Citizen Centric & Business Centric environment Encourage economic development Access to education and information Develop more competitive environment Ability to communicate between individuals and communities

Introduction to VSAT networks

Point-to-point connection
VSAT to HUB connection via the satellite VSAT to VSAT connection via the center (the HUB) VSAT to VSAT direct connection (mesh)

Point-to-multipoint connection
HUB to all the VSATs Broadcast HUB to a specific group of VSATs Multicast

Different applications can be integrated on the same platform, namely

Data (Internet/Intranet/Video/Multimedia) Voice

Concept
Overview
Gilat-for-EducationTM is a generic offering for educational infrastructures powered by Gilats VSAT products,including the following components: Remote Site Classroom: PCs/Server, LAN, satellite broadband connectivity to the Ministry of Education and the Internet Optional solar panel & portable classroom (container) , where infrastructure is underdeveloped Hub and network control center: VSAT network Hub, network management system, Application servers Remote classrooms can be operated from the studios at the hub Educational portal: Support applications (email, browsing, interactive distance learning, etc.)

Satellite

Class

Hub

Ministry of Education

Internet

Typical VSAT based e-learning network

Village Kiosk

Hub Base band

Learning Centre 2

Mobile
Studio
Learning Centre 1

Mobile Learning
E-learning Servers Studio Or Teaching End

Centre internet

Concept - Cont.
Remote Classroom -Exterior

VSAT Antenna

Solar Panels

Concept - Cont.
Remote Classroom -Interior

10

Concept - Cont.
Hub and Network Control System

Hub Antenna

Network Management System

Hub and application servers

11

Concept - Cont. Educational Portal

Central Hub Facility Modular design, enables implementing any combination of the capabilities below:

Broadband always on Internet Access Email for every student

Electronic library Interactive Distance learning Electronic forms - Ministry of Education management / administrative applications Additional educational applications, per specific request.
12

How VSATs can help

VSAT technology can enable fast and easy deployment of networks in any location Independence from terrestrial infrastructure Quick connectivity for thinly populated, remote areas High MTBF and Reliability Since no physical media is involved (unlike terrestrial network) and the number of components are limited (unlike wireless network which involves base stations, repeater etc) the reliability is high A modular end-to-end solution to address the needs in the education sector Complete Technical solution An interactive approach to education process as opposed to a simple broadcast Modular choose the packages you need The infrastructure can be used to train teachers as well as students

13

Similar Networks in Operation

14

Enciclomedia
Mexico Secretariat of Public Education
Requirements: Propel primary schools into the Digital Education Age 15,500 schools Goals Provide accessibility regardless of location or social status Centralized monitoring Applications: Attendance monitoring Internet Access - two-way satellite Internet service Distance learning, Internet access for schools

15

E-Government, Distance Learning

GESAC- Brazilian Government Program
Requirements: Provision of Internet access to millions of Brazilian citizens 3,200 sites nationwide 3,098 Schools 48 internet Kiosks 57 government offices Applications: Internet Access - two-way satellite Internet service E-Government - Citizens can send government forms via the Internet, among other services Distance learning, Internet access for schools

16

Rural Community Centers Compartel-2, Columbia

Project overview General Government objectives:
Enable Internet access/telephony for remote communities Provide adequate tools for educating people and expose them to technology Expand the reach of telecom infrastructure

Target population
Small communities with over 3,500 population No telephony or Internet services.

Total of 500 sites

17

India Case Studies

CIC Community Information Centres
National Informatics Centre chose Gilat to provide CICs in North East in 2002 More States like J&k have been added in the CIC programme The Hub currently caters to more than 1000 VSATs Internet access was the primary application With access to Govt. portals through NIC

ERNET Education and Research Network

Goal of the network Providing Information & Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure Training of the teachers to use ICT for imparting education Providing different learning resources which include related educational tools, course curriculum and other learning material Internet connectivity of 128 Kbps through VSAT. Close to 60% of the sites are in schools (Vidya Vahini, Navodya Vidhyalas) Approximately 40% of the sites are in colleges, universities

18

Summary
Satellite presents excellent solution for : Thinly populated Areas No coverage/ reach Issues Quick deployment time Converged solutions one box does it all Time tested and proven technology

19

20