Industry Training and Education at a Distance: The IBM Approach

Abstract

Distance learning via satellite offers industry an opportunity to provide high-quality, cost-effective education to employees and customers. IBM's U.S. Satellite Education Network broadcasts 12 concurrent courses to 47 locations, comprising 238 individual classrooms across the continent. Our satellite network uses interactive digital multimedia technology and was designed for interactivity, making it easy for students to ask questions and for instructors to exploit the use of multimedia. We have found that all successful satellite courses incorporate critical factors in the development process. These include visuals that convey concepts effectively with varied, frequent interactions that hold the student's attention and reinforce key learning points. Training of instructors and administrators is another focus of a successful satellite instructional system. We are constantly learning from our satellite efforts and have both short-term and long-term enhancements under way, taking us closer to our vision of the future for distance learning.