Computer and Communication Networks

Sanj

aya

Mis

hra,

PhD

The Context• Computers and their use in education

and distance education• Communication and use of satellite• Computer networks and Internet

How computers are being used?

• For teaching• For learning• For office use and administration• Computer assisted learning and

computer managed learning• Multimedia and CBT• Computer media in education

Computer media in distance education

• Information processing (I learn by using computer)

• Interaction (I learn by interacting with the computer)

• Communication (I learn from others)

Satellite communication

• Different from terrestrial communication• Geosyncrhonous (orbital period around

the earth is 24 hours)• Teleconference is possible today

Advantages of teleconference

• Reaching remote places• Quality of instruction• Immediacy of feedback• Cost-effective• Familiar instruction mode

Types of teleconference

• Audio-teleconference• Video-teleconference (one-way and two-

way)• Computer conferencing (VSAT based)

Problems of teleconferencing

• Poor integration of teleconference to teaching and learning

• Poor interaction and student attendance• Lack of information about teleconference• Poor quality of presentations (talking head type)• Poor instructional design and technical support• Poor organization and reception end• More is not good; more interaction kills

Computer networks

• Resource sharing• Promotes communication• Information management• Types of networks: LAN, WAN and MAN• Network of networks or Internet

Internet services

• Telnet• FTP• Email• Internet Chat• Mailing lists• Video conferencing• World Wide Web

World Wide Web

• Information delivery• Collaboration• Teaching and learning• Huge information resource• Search engines used to find information

Educational implications of WWW• E-Learning or online learning• Interactive distance learning• Increasing access • Multimedia delivery (rich learning

environment)• Automated system catering to the needs

of large numbers

How online learning?

• Self-Designed systems• Off-the-shelf systems• LMS: Blackboard, Moodle, Atutor

LMS facilities• Content delivery in structured manner• Discussion forum• Mailing lists• Blogs• Wikis• Assessment of different types• Whiteboards/ and video conference• Student tracking of their progress• Low dependence on programmers• Provision for multiple media formats, pdf, video and

audio

Summary• Today education is delivered in a networked

world; • Even in the F2F situation computer and

communication networks plays a vital role;• In distance education, the use of teleconference

and the WWW is increasing;• Online learning will revolutionize the L3

scenario;• Effective use of ICT will improve the quality of

traditional distance education.