Case Study #1

Expanding Distance Learning Program Using Innovative Video Systems

Summary

 Cedar Valley College has been using video via closed circuit for a number of years, however, now they are one of many institutions of higher learning that is paving the way for a truly world wide classroom. 

In 2003 Cedar Valley deployed a new video system that allowed media on-demand to be transmitted over the Internet to students located all over the world.  This new system offers a variety of selections, such as offering the ability to simultaneously stream and record lectures, and provides multiple channels from the classroom to the viewer.

Simple video carts are wheeled to and from the classroom where they are plugged in to simple wall jacks.  Students need only have Internet access to view these class sessions and demonstrations.  Furthermore, because the video compresses video into MPEG-4 format, students can access the information no matter what speed they connect at.

Application to LAUSD

While implementing this technology at a school site is more than likely a remote possibility, implementing this as a program through all of LAUSD may be more likely.  Because of the overpopulation of schools in LAUSD, The near future may be ripe with virtual academies where labs and lectures are held via cyber conference. 

This would serve two major purposes.  Primarily, it would shift some of the cost involved in education to the consumer (parents) as they would now be responsible for providing the computer and Internet connection.  Secondly, because students are now off campus instead of being on campus, congestion in schools could be significantly reduced and we could reduce campus sizes.

Application to the Student

The benefits for the students cannot be understated.  This allows students to access the course material from anywhere in the world.  While the initial class is presented synchronously, the video file and/or demonstration can certainly be stored and presented at a later date, or viewed asynchronously.  This allows the student wonderful flexibility in terms of where, when, and how they will go about completing their coursework. 

In Conclusion

While this technology is still relatively expensive, its future is bright in terms of bringing technology to the classroom and connecting the classroom to the world.  Students anywhere (everywhere) will be able to view presentation, lectures, and labs, at their leisure.  This will allow them wonderful flexibility and may increase student performance.  Learning how to the use the technology is extremely easy (just plug it in).  Support for the video records would be easily kept by the school technology coordinator.

If you would like to read more about this article, please visit the web site: Syllabus Website - Expanding Distance Learning

Josh Klarin