Globalization Of Education Delivery Systems

Real time capabilities for delivery of long-distance educational courses have never looked better than what is available today. The growth of the Internet I (and now the Internet II) capabilities is enhancing the delivering of courses (and yes even degrees) long-distance around the globe. Costs of delivery are certainly reasonable and with the advent of high-speed modems, systems are becoming better and the quality is improving. We at the University of South Florida are beginning to use simulcasts of television courses on HTFS low power microwave systems while at the same time delivering the course live on the Internet with worldwide capabilities. This summer of 2001 all FEEDS (Florida Engineering Education Delivery System) in the Industrial & Management Systems Engineering Department will be simulcast. Test cases have already been done and they were successful. Satellite delivery systems are available, however the cost of such delivery is quite high compared to other systems. If someone wants to pay the cost of satellite use then this system can be used. Florida Engineering Education Delivery System (FEEDS) The following description of the FEEDS system was compiled recently when the Auditor Generals’ office performed an audit of the FEEDS function at the University of South Florida, College of Engineering. The Director and Associate Director of FEEDS as well as the Deans furnished much of the detail for the report. The Auditor’s description bests describe the FEEDS operation. “The Florida Engineering Education Delivery System (FEEDS) is a state-wide system which provides access to graduate-level and limited undergraduate engineering courses at industrial sites and cooperating university centers throughout Florida. FEEDS is designed to improve the availability of continuing education to engineers working in Florida, increasing their skills and thereby strengthening the State’s economic base. A student taking a course through FEEDS must meet the same requirements as a student on campus, and will earn the same credit and academic credentials. Academic programs delivered through FEEDS originate in colleges of engineering at the University of South Florida, University of Florida, Florida State University, Florida A&M University, Florida Atlantic University, University of Central Florida, and Florida International University.”