Distance learning with digital video

The use of emerging multimedia technologies in education will cause a major shift in the educational services paradigm that promises major advantages over present analog distance learning systems. However, the difficulties encountered with the simultaneous introduction of new services and new technologies often impede the accomplishment of set goals. A more prudent and feasible first step might well be to use the new technologies while following existing paradigms. Such a step will then facilitate the transition to new services that capitalize on the new technologies. Abiding by this principle, researchers at Stanford are developing a prototype on-line distance learning system based on recent advances in digital video compression, video servers, and multimedia networking to deliver live and stored video lectures and seminars to students at their desktops. For the sake of concreteness, we are designing this system with the Stanford University Instructional Television Network in mind, as a first step beyond existing video-based instructional services. The prototype system and extensions, however, are general enough to apply to other environments and application domains