First glance at REALITY (REal time Access to Learning IT)

Web-based learning is in its infancy and has the potential to drive immense developments in learning technologies. With advances in videoconferencing software and the move towards a broadband Britain, a new opportunity has arisen for distributed learning to take place whilst retaining synchronous contact with a tutor. De Montfort University's REal time Access to Learning IT (REALITY) is remote, real-time, computer based training in computer applications. It uses a combination of desktop videoconferencing and application sharing to provide remote, distributed, learners with live tuition. The target audience for REALITY are people who, for whatever reason, cannot readily access traditional learning establishments but for whom distance learning is not an option either. The aim is to provide training facilities at a variety of times and locations which are local and familiar and which avoid the potentially negative connotations of traditional educational institutions. With funding from BT, the initial phases of the project are now complete and have been evaluated. The findings indicate that despite technical difficulties and the strain of working at a distance using unfamiliar technology, most of the participants responded favourably to their REALITY experiences.