Papers in PDF format

"Recent advances in the compression of audio and visual signals has lead to a proliferation in use of live AV
technologies on the Internet. Previously only accessible on mainframe frame computers using programs such as
MBONE, audio was unavailable to most personal computer users connecting to the Internet" (Watson, D. M.
1995). The arrival of Real Audio and ability to provide "jukebox" selections of audio on demand, across
computing platforms, has opened new doors of opportunity for distance education providers. The challenge for
educators in the Internet community is how to best utilise this new opportunity.
“The wait for a suitable and affordable delivery system may be over as the Internet and recent advances in
software (Real Audio - http://www.realaudio.com) now allow for the transfer of both graphic and audio
materials in "real time". The ability to "listen" to live or prerecorded broadcasts while simultaneously
reviewing graphic and or text materials is possible now. This new ability replaces the need to down load large
files in order to listen to comments, medical related sounds (breath, heart, etc), speeches or lectures related to
specific topics” (Watson, D. M. 1996).
The ramifications for advances in the transfer of information over the Internet is still being researched by many
organisations. For health service education providers the Internet provides a rich resource of materials and
views for use in teaching and research. The addition of real time audio adds new dimensions to opportunities
available through networked systems and the Internet. For tertiary institutions teaching in health service
related areas the addition of a functional audio delivery system via the Internet provides opportunities for
students to listen to lectures or instructions within a suitable and flexible time frame. It provides a new
medium for delivery of educational materials at a distance and allows for student review of previous
discussions as needed.
Health service organisations inservice training programs that utilise audio presentations in combination with
printed and graphic materials allow organisations to optimise the use of training and professional staff. The use
of "pre-recorded" lectures and tutorials for access at a later date by shift workers, persons away on holidays
during original sessions, those wanting to review the topics discussed, or by new employees adds to the value of
an audio supplemented inservice program. Having "on hand" audio resources to describe a concept or function
can be convenient and potentially life saving. In some cases, written instructions may not be understood where
a verbal description or instruction may be more easily followed. Anyone who has tried to program a "machine"
from a poorly written instruction book would confirm this point. If the machine in question happens to be a
ventilator or other critical care device the ability to have instructions in an audio format may save a life.
In an age where more and more people are using electronic means to access information about problems
related to their health needs, the ability to offer audio discussions to support printed and graphic materials is of
key importance. Audio presentations can easily be tailored to meet language requirements presented by a
multicultural, multilingual population or work force.
Bridging Language, Culture and Distance
UNE distance education students live all around the world. Working in International schools or other
organisations in Malaysia, Thailand, South Pacific Islands and remote places in outback Australia, students are
often seeking information about issues relevant to diverse multicultural societies. The Web provides students
with a wide variety of resources and information related to interactive collaborative learning in text, pictures,
graphics and sound. On the Web, students can find many examples of long distance learning designed to share
knowledge, expand global understanding, facilitate cooperative problem solving by educators who use
electronic field trips. The Global Schoolhouse International Project is one example, providing a model for
'active' learning and emphasising the need for students to develop research skills to cope with the vast amount
of information.
Teacher education students are challenged to use a variety of technological tools to answer the question, "Why
use technological applications to promote language and literacy skills?" in a unit designed specifically for
students who study at a distance. Students were provided with the usual printed materials which included
selected readings from sources such as: The Australian Dept. of Employment, Education and Training,
International Journals, International Conference Proceedings, Professional Associations, UNE University
Information Technology resources and Internet resources. The UNE information included the UNE WWW
location, instructions for remote access to the UNE networked resources via a modem and Help Desk