Multipurpose Independent-Study Environment for Information Technology Based Education and Training

We have investigated the multipurpose independent-study environment to equip all the students with a higher education of the information technology and to reduce the computer anxiety. As a trial case we considered students who are interested in the international communication through network and who want to study computer science, multimedia technology and foreign languages. The multipurpose environment, featuring a variety of computer system, opened June 2000 in Hiroshima university. Support staffs are always ready to help the students. The environment consists of four kinds of independent-study rooms, terminal rooms, VOD (Videoon-Demand) corner, and separated booths. After the environment opened, almost all computers are filled by university students. It encourages the students to obtain the practical knowledge of the information technology.