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Contd. from pg. 4
Though the system appears very simple and cost effective with only one or two multimedia PCs, my experience tells me that you
need soundproof AC studio and many more video production equipments for desired quality. This should be clearly put to the
user agencies.
I also fail to understand that as a classroom end one has to have web based equipment while for teaching end video based equip
ment. The market is not yet ready in providing complete set of web based equipment. It gives clear signal that the system is yet
shaping up and there are many missing links. However, all this make the system very complicated and less user friendly.
Dr.(Ms.) Ila Joshi
2
Research Officer, EM RC
The programme was observed at New Delhi on October 17, 05. The audio and video quality of the programme was very good and it
looked like a satellite TV channel; 11 questions were asked from 6 receiving centres; the presentation style of the subject expert was
good. Besides some suggestions and recommendations for improving the method of transmission has been communicated to the user.
IGNOU's experiences with EDUSAT……..
Pradeep Kaul
Jt. Director, CEC
IGNOU started the usage of EDUSAT from Feb. 2005.
In the initial period it was used for developing the channel itself. Once the Satellite interactive terminals (SIT) were installed by
the vendor at EDUSAT sites, the integration of the peripheral equipment with SIT was taken up by the IGNOU staff. The strength
of the EDUSAT network backed by the existing network of Gyan Darshan television network was used for imparting integration training
to the staff at EDUSAT centers/nodes. Instead of sending the engineers from IGNOU headquarter to remote centers for undertaking the
integration task, the training was conducted through the network. and providing on site or in situ training for concerned staff.
This helped in minimizing the logistics and financial expenditure while accomplishing the task in record time. The application
software required for operations was distributed to all centers through the EDUSAT network. The techniques of remote diagnostics
were utilized in fault rectification on receiving a request from various centers. The concerned staff was provided training on preventive
maintenance techniques through a series of teleconferences.
Presently, the facility is being fully used for dissemination of curricula based programmes for ODL students, cover major events
such as VVIP visits to the university, special lectures, training of various functionaries including Regional Centre Staff through net
meetings and so on.
The facility is being daily from 11 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. for curriculum based tele counseling. This is being done as per a fixed point
chart and students are informed in advance through the Regional Services Division of IGNOU. As the downlinks are still being installed,
in order to reach out to wider section of students, the programmes are being simulcast on GD-2.
In addition, there has been intermittent usage for training purposes for periods up to a fortnight each from 4.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
This has substantially cut down the travel for many officials for conducting on site training. EDUSAT network is also being used for
point-to-point communication needs between any two centers.
To prepare for the forthcoming lectures on EDUSAT network by the Hon'ble President of India, the capabilities of the network are
being further expanded by installing new hardware & software at all sites. Once again, as it happened during initial phase, the network
is being utilized for it's own growth and maintenance by conducting the integration related mode through the network itself. And the
facility is also being used by the concerned technical staff for trouble shooting and maintenance as well as for administrative meets.
Ms. Usha Chandar
Research Officer, IGNOU
EDUSAT Update Volume : 04, November 2005
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