Using the World Wide Web for remote sensing education and training

The World Wide Web is a potentially powerful learning tool which offers advantages over traditional computer based learning such as: The potential to design course materials which are both rich in multimedia content yet platform independent; Availability of courses, independent of time and place, providing access to learners in industry, universities and at home; Interactivity via Java, CGI and Javascript allows learners the opportunity to manipulate data, models and simulations, thus potentially enhancing learning and understanding; Up-to-date materials containing the latest developments, news and images; Communication via e-mail, bulletin boards and Internet Relay Chat (IRC), enabling contact between learners and between learners and tutors. A number of projects are currently under way in Europe to utilise the Web for training and education in topics in remote sensing. This paper presents an overview of one such initiative, the “National Learning Network for Remote Sensing”, funded by the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council, intended to exploit the potential offered by the Metropolitan Area Networks which connect the Scottish Universities, for the rapid delivery of large volumes of digital images, animations and video clips. Initially, three research assistants, one located with each of the three partners, will develop, deliver and evaluate WWW-based multimedia teaching materials for remote sensing courses at senior undergraduate and postgraduate levels. This will be used by a consortium of individual teaching staff in 9 other Scottish Universities. The authors are also individually involved in other related projects and are hoping to extend their work throughout Europe under the Socrates programme. A brief summary of these projects and resources for Web based courses is also given.