We propose a new concept of a hierarchical network structure for remote education. This system combines broadband satellite networks and simple terrestrial communication networks effectively to meet the demands of point-to-multipoint communications. Remote education experiments have been conducted using the proposed satellite communication networks. The results of network characteristics and degree of satisfaction are discussed. Acceptable communication quality was achieved ensuring an interactive lecture environment.

Interactive multimedia communication systems for next-generation education using asymmetrical satellite and terrestrial networks

The communication revolution goes on--global high-speed networks: setting the pace for future multimedia applications.

Learning processes are becoming increasingly mediated by computers and the internet. E-learning, especially Web-based learning, is penetrating into various fields. An ordinary e-Learning system usually evaluates learners’ states from their inputs to the pre-programmed questions. The time-sequentially changing emotions of learners are important for the management of the learning environment, just like face to-face classes. The present paper describes an emotion diagnosis system that can judge the emotions of an e-Learning user based on his/her eye movement speed and fixation duration time. The criteria for classifying four pairs of semantically different emotions (eight emotions in total) were established through a time-sequential subjective evaluation of the emotions of the subject and a time-sequential analysis of the eye movements of the subject. The achieved coincidence ratios between the discriminated emotions based on the criteria of emotion diagnosis and the time-sequential subjective evaluation for “tired” and “concentrating” were 77% and 60%, respectively.

Hidetoshi Kimura

Papers

A study on structure and quality of multimedia network systems for education using satellite interactive communication

An Inspection of the Learners' Responses to Information Ambience at Distant Lectures from a Japanese University to a Malaysian University