Distance Learning Technology and Applications Daniel Minoli, Artech House, 1996, 352 pages, ISBN 0-89006-739-2 REVIEWER: CHUNG-SHENG LI Interactive distance learning (IDL), in which educational programming is delivered interactively to remote sites, has had a very impressive growth rate both in the United States and throughout the world in the past several years. This, in part, stemmed from mature supporting technologies, such as broadband networks incorporating asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) techniques and various video server technologies that support video on demand. The main reason, however, is the genuine need to provide education and training to students in K-12 schools, universities, and corporations. As a result, education providers, education receivers, network service providers, application solution providers, government agencies which supervise the process of creating the national
information infrastructure (NII), and the Internet community all share strong interest in this new field. Distance Leaming TechnologV and Applications by Daniel Minoli is thus a very timely and exciting new entry into this area. As a matter of fact, this is the only book I have seen so far that is devoted to this particular area. This book is divided into two parts. The first part, which includes five chapters, addresses the demand side of the distance learning industry. Each of the industry segments, which includes elementary and high schools, corporations, and universities, are addressed individually because of their different mission requirements and network environments. For example, the capability to access museums and libraries is important for elementary and high schools, while access to databases and supercomputers might be important for universities. However, the emerging ATM networking and ATM-based solutions are shared across all three segments. Part I concludes with a chapter summarizing the current state-based distance learning initiatives. The second part, which consists of seven chapters, focuses on the NI1 and
distance learning technology. The first chapter in this part discusses the roles that federal and state governments can assume in creating the NI1 and promoting education by using distance learning technologies. Although there is a strong motivation for both state and federal governments to assume a much more active role in promoting distance learning, it is also desirable not to raise budget deficits and taxes. Therefore, there is an ongoing debate on the role that the government should play in distance learning in the future. Three subsequent chapters discuss t h e roles of telephone companies (including both local exchange carriers and interchange carriers), cable television companies, and the Internet community in the NI1 and distance learning initiatives. This part is concluded with three case studies from each industry segment - one from the elementary and high school area, one from the university area, and one from the corporate area. In each case study, details of the distribution model, the supporting network technology, the software packages that are used for distributing the education program, the curriculum, and responses from the students are discussed. These case studies will b e extremely valuable for readers who are interested in building their own distance learning systems. In summary, this book is very informative and is thus highly recommended as a good starting point for anyone who would like to begin acquiring knowledge in the area of distance learning.
Asynchronous Transfer Mode Networks: Performance /ssues Raif 0. Onvural, Artech House, 1995, 535 pages, 2nd edition, ISBN 089006-804-6
REVIEWER: CHUNG-SHENG LI DEM"0""DiSK
I Advanced, accurate coverage prediction models EI
Selectable transmitterireceiver properties
I Fast floor
plan development with Siteflanner'" I Simulates effects of interfering base stations I Predicts impact of building materials and other structures Works w i t h AutoCADm 12 or 13 P o i n t and C l i c k commands, user friendly graphics
educationalversion or for add' intorrn&on. call' Virginia Tech IntellectualProperties,Inc.
(540)231-3593 E-mail:
[email protected] See us on the web:
www ee vi eduimprgihome him1 Access Latest Virginia Tech Wireless Research Activities And Publications
SMT Plus and Siteplanner are pending registered trademarks of Virginia Tech Intellectual Properiies Inc
CIRCLE 9 ON READER SERVICE CARD
10
We have already reviewed a plethora of books describing various aspects of
asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) networks in this column over the past several months. There must exist strong justifications for reviewing yet another book in this area. This book, Asynchronous Transfer Mode hTetworks:Performance Issues by Raif 0. Onvural, is unique in terms of its completeness in addressing aspects above the ATM physical layer. It is definitely an excellent ATM textbook at an introductory level. It would also serve (Continued on page 12)
IEEE CommunicationsMagazine September 1996
