Next Generation Technologies For Distance Learning: "Same Time, Anytime, Anywhere"

A variety of socio-economic and technological factors are converging to create an increased demand for distance education. This increasing demand is in turn fueling a change in the ways and methods of knowledge dispersion. Now, more than any other time in history, educational institutions are turning to non traditional and more technological methodologies to reach a wider audience. In this direction, we believe that videoconferencing over the Internet combined with streaming web access to educational courses is the ideal combination to meet the escalating demands for access to educational programs ``same time, any time and any where''. In this paper we discuss the transformation from a traditional to a distance education model that is occurring here at the College of Engineering in Virginia Tech. We will specifically explain how synchronous systems like videoconferencing over the Internet (especially video over IP) are being put to use in an attempt to minimize costs while extending the range and reach of educators.