Term characterizing both digital and analogue transmission systems; broadband communications is generally understood to indicate either a fast data-rate digital system or a wide bandwidth analogue system.
Published in Chapter:
E-Learning Applications through Space Observations
Ioannis Chochliouros (OTE S.A., General Directorate for Technology, Greece), Anastasia S. Spiliopoulou (OTE S.A., General Directorate for Regulatory Affairs, Greece), Tilemachos D. Doukoglou (Hellenic Telecommunications Organization S.A. (OTE), Greece), and Stergios P. Chochliouros (Independent Consultant, Greece)
Copyright: © 2009
|Pages: 9
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-60566-014-1.ch061
Abstract
In the context of the present work, we discuss several fundamental issues originating from the work already performed in the scope of the Discovery Space (DSpace) Research Project, founded by the European eTEN Work Program. The Project has been awarded as the “Project of the Month - November, 2006” and the “second best European research activity” in the scope of e-learning thematic activities (http://www. discoveryspace.net/). The prime purpose of the work was the development of a virtual science center, able to integrate robotic telescopes from all over the world into one “virtual observatory” through a proper Web-based interface, to provide an automated scheduling of the telescopes to end-users (i.e., students, teachers, and researchers) and access to a library of data and resources for lifelong learners. Potential users can benefit from professional-quality data from their local sites, using modern broadband (Internet-based) facilities (European Commission, 2002). Following the echo from the market request for more cost-effective and compelling applications to be delivered over the currently-launched broadband networks supporting the expansion of the global information society (The European Survey of National Priorities in Astronomy, 2004), the relevant service application aimed to take advantage of the convenience of the high-speed Internet access to involve its various users (originating from distinct thematic categories) in extended episodes of playful learning. The basic issue was the creation and presentation, to the market, of an entirely interoperable worldwide service, able to support options for further enhancement of e-learning facilities for teachers, students, researchers, and other practitioners. The approach has been considered the existing Internet-based facilities as the basis to “transform the today’s classroom to a research laboratory” and to develop further the European e-learning market (Chochliouros & Spiliopoulou, 2004; Danish Technological Institute, 2004).