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).