GENESIS creates the world of distance learning
European researchers are aiming to educate the world with the help of GENESIS (the GEneric NEtwork for Satellite Interactive Systems) that should be available next year fast as a form of electronic learning, easily accessible and designed to suit everyone's pocket. The two-year project is managed by Dr Chris Bowerman, of the School of Computing, Engineering and Technology (CET), University of Sunderland, England. "We are using affordable satellite technology to meet the specific learning needs of businesses and individuals," explained Dr Bowerman. "For the first year, we will be running a pilot project, then GENESIS will become available commercially." GENESIS has received a grant of 500,000 euro from the European Union's Fourth Framework Programme for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration. The Europe-wide project includes partners in Italy, Greece, France, Germany and Spain. "We are delivering distance education and training models based on the needs of the individuals and the technology available to them," said Dr Bowerman. "Options include: - Lessons via video conferencing to anywhere in the world; - Studying by mail, e-mail and video; - Courses for workers delivered via the high-speed satellite link. "GENESIS delivers the right information in the right form to the right people. As well as being available to electronically advanced countries, it will also offer training and education to areas of the world with poor communication facilities. "Our aim is to deliver fast, widely-accessible information to large groups at low costs," said Dr Bowerman.