A Distance Learning System for Higher Education Based on Telecommunications and Multimedia - A Compound Organisational, Pedagogical, and Technical Approach1

This paper addresses the Semi-virtual Multidimensional Distance Learning System (SMDL), which is a technical, pedagogical, and organisational prototype-structure of a semi-virtual university. SDML includes both synchronous and asynchronous learning modes. During the initial stage of our project, we regularly transmitted a lecture from a specially equipped lecture room in one university to an equally equipped lecture room in another university using ATM technology. The project is evaluated with consideration to technical and pedagogical issues. A variety of technical problems could be addressed during the regular transmission of the lecture for the course of a semester. Empirical data suggested that the remote students were appreciating the new technologies, whereas the local students seemed to be somewhat sceptical. Moreover, the organisational problems in setting up a semi-virtual university seem to be vastly underestimated in comparison to the technical issues.