Satellite provides education in remote areas

Citation

(2001), "Satellite provides education in remote areas", Education + Training, Vol. 43 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/et.2001.00443bab.024

Satellite provides education in remote areas

Satellite provides education in remote areas

Keywords: Education, Technology

The Trapeze project, supported by the European Space Agency, uses satellite technology to link the children of gypsies with teachers. The project involves using a portable receiver dish and computer to link children with teachers in a "virtual" classroom. Areas of particular interest include remote locations where connecting to the Internet is difficult, or where teachers have to travel between pupils' homes, wasting time and money. A small trial is to take place in Germany, Ireland and Spain. Britain and The Netherlands are looking at implementing the Trapeze project on a wider scale. Poland has also expressed interest. "With a new European directive advocating that every school should be connected to the Internet by the end of 2001, this technology is extremely relevant and timely," said Mr Mathy Vanbuel, a spokesman for the project.

Developments of the scheme could include teleworking, teletourism and telemedicine for remote and island communities. Further information is available from: Erica Rolfe, on +39 06 94 18 46 (e-mail eerica.rolfe@esa.int).