MBA Distance learning System of Peking UniversitySystem of Peking U

Distance learning is carried out by transmitting courseware to one or multiple student out of the campus. Modern distance learning is to transmit courseware out of the campus using audio, video (live/tape) and realtime and non-realtime computer technologies. Peking University is one of the first pilot institutes qualified to carry out distance learning in China. From 1999 on, the distance learning of Peking University has been provided in more than 18 provinces in China. As an advanced distance learning project, MBA of Peking University would be constructed for international education communication project in 2002 based on a videoconferencing system which will interwork with the education system in USA, and to realize the international MBA distance learning. Multiple interactive videoconferences can be carried out simultaneously to improve the efficiency of education.

Huawei applied the ViewPointdistance learning system to help Peking University to complete this project based on its rich videoconferencing development and networking experiences. ViewPoint distance learning system is the solution for distance learning industry.

MBA of Peking University is related to multinational construction, and the network conditions are complicated. In foreign country, H.320 systems (i.e., ISDN resource) are widely applied for terminal access. In China, H.323 systems (i.e., IP network) are applied for terminal access because the campus broadband is widely constructed. The two systems can be interconnected seamlessly by the help of gateways. Each classroom adopts Huawei distance learning video equipment and the management system, so that the education can be more convenient. The whole system adopts a hierarchical structure. The school headquarter in China and the classroom adopts 512kbps DDN for connection, of which 384kbps is used for transporting video and audio, and 128kbps is for transporting T.120 data, so that the data conferencing function can be realized (including electronic whiteboard, file transfer application sharing, etc). The remote classroom in foreign country adopts ISDN for connection. The whole network architecture is shown as below:

The following functions can be realized via Huawei ViewPoint distance learning system platform:
The voice, video and data of local classroom can be transmitted to a remote classroom in real time, and the remote instruction information can be viewed; the teacher’s location will not be a limitation for instruction by using Huawei’s desktop transmission function to send the documents and slide shows to remote sites through the network, and the delay is relatively small compared with VGA.

The student in the remote classroom can ask a question by pressing TV remote controller and select applying floor. The teacher can learn about the questions of the students via the monitoring equipment in central classroom. The teacher can communicate with the local/remote students in real time, to complete the real-time question and answer. 

The voice effect of the conference is greatly improved with Huawei’s perfect echo cancellation mechanism and automatic noise suppression function, to ensure that the voice signals can be clearly transmitted to all classrooms when the teacher walks freely. Huawei AudioEnhancer proprietary technology can enable the voice to be rendered in a more abundant and realistic way, so that the user can easily communicate with the counterpart no matter how big the room is.

Each student can view the realtime image of the instruction on his/her own computer screen via a streaming player software. The remote instruction contents can be stored on streaming server as a videotape so that VOD service can be provided to students.

Any remote terminal equipment can control the whole distance learning function. That is, any learning room can be set as the teaching room at any time.

The teacher can realize the functions such as electronic whiteboard, BBS, software sharing, etc, by using the prepared electronic documents. The students can view the lecture prepared by the teacher, and perform the on-line discuss and realize the data sharing.

Distance learning project of Peking University is an important multinational communication item. MBA distance learning with USA is realized through Huawei ViewPointdistance learning equipment. After the system is in operation, the experts and teachers in China and USA have highly praised the system’s stability, easy operability and reliability.