Interactive TV-based Learning, Models and Standards

1. Interactive TV-based Learning, Models and Standards Radoslav Pavlov, Desislava Paneva Institute of Mathematics and Informatics Bulgarian Academy of Sciences radko@cc.bas.bg, dessi@cc.bas.bg

2. Some insights into learning in the home T-learning. Role of iTV within an eLearning strategy Digital television Interactive digital television (iTV) Basic models for eLearning by means of iTV technology Standardization and regulatory issues References Presentation overview

3. Some insights into learning in the home • Learning at home allows the students to learn when they want and at their own pace. • Learner can study a wide range of subjects through distance learning at any level. • Learning at home can be ideal if the students are interested in isn't available near where they live, or they prefers the flexibility and freedom of learning in their own time. • The students learn by reading course material, working on course activities, writing assignments and perhaps working with other students. • Learning can be supported by a tutor and the student services. • Learning from home makes use of a variety of media to help with teaching, studying and communication between students and tutors.

4. T-learning. Role of iTV within an eLearning strategy • The term “t-learning” has been adopted as shorthand to mean TV-based interactive learning. T-learning is about having interactive access to video-rich learning materials primarily within the home, through a TV or a device more like a TV than a personal computer. • t-learning is a subset of eLearning • Learning on-demand • Learner equipment – set top box device (with a network interface, a decoder/synchronization hardware, a buffer, a specialized software – platform, middleware and program software) and display devices

5. T-learning. Role of iTV within an eLearning strategy • Main questions: • How to turn a passive viewer into an active learner? • How to bridge the gap between “edutainment” and “engaged learning”? • How can learning support systems (human and electronic) that help to enable engaged learning be integrated within a TV-based learning environment? • What types of interactivity are needed to enhance the learning experience through interactive digital TV?

6. Digital television Digital TV and STB (with memory storage), remote control, terrestrial, satellite or cable delivery, back channel, remote control or infrared keyboard (optimal) • High quality television picture and CD sound • Program enhancement (forms): picture only, picture with prompt for additional information, picture with overlaid information, information with inserted picture, information only • Data downloading • Multicasting • Near video-on-demand (VoD) • Electronic program guides • Internet and electronic mail, etc.

7. Interactive digital television (iTV) • iTV is a two-way interactive service provided through television, enabling audiences’ greater choice, control, and customisation over their viewing experience. • iTV services: • Flexible navigation • Video-on-demand • Enhanced television • Interactive program guides • Email and Internet • 3D works & Multimedia program/channel descriptions • Search functionalities • Personalization and interaction, etc.

8. Basic models for eLearning by means of iTV technology • ACTIONS model (Tony Bates) • Access • Cost • Teaching and learning • Interaction and “user-friendliness” • Organizational issues • Novelty • Speed • Channel strategy model (e-Envoy paper)

9. Standardization and regulatory issues • DVB-MHP (Digital Video Broadcasting - Multimedia Home Platform) • TV-Anytime Forum • Advanced Television Enhancement Forum (ATVEF) • Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) • European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) • OpenCable initiative (OCAP) • Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) • Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG)

10. References • PJB Associates (2003), t-learning Study final report, Available online: http://www.pjb.co.uk/t-learning/contents.htm • Atwere D., P. Bates (2003). interactive TV – a learning platform with potential, Learning and Skills Development Agency, Available online: http://www.lsda.org.uk/pubs/dbaseout/download.asp?code=1443 • Lytras M., C. Lougos, P. Chozos, A. Pouloudi (2002), Interactive Television and e-Learning Convergence: Examining thePotential of t-Learning, European Conference on e-Learning 2002 (ECEL 2002), 4-5 November 2002. Brunel University, Uxbridge, UK. • Berry M., R. Kelso, R. Lamshed (2000). Digital TV and data-casting: Opportunities for education and training. TAFE frontiers, 44 p. • Dalmas, R., J. Molina, M. Navarro-Grau, A. Sugiyama (2001). From Vertical toConcentric. Kellogg TechVenture 2001 Athology, October, 2001 • Online ITV dictionary, http://www.itvdictionary.com/ • Nolan S. (2001). Disparate visions: interactive TV as a learning technology, FUEL • Office of the e-Envoy (9 October 2001): www.govtalk.gov.uk/documents/channels.pdf • Online ITV dictionary, http://www.itvdictionary.com/ • Interactive TV Standards, http://www.pjb.co.uk/t-learning/interactive_tv_standards.htm • DVB-MHP - http://www.mhp.org • TV-Anytime Forum, http://www.tv-anytime.org • Advanced Television Enhancement Forum (ATVEF) http://www.atvef.com • Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) http://www.atsc.org

11. References • European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) - http://www.etsi.org • OpenCable initiative (OCAP) - http://www.opencable.com • Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE), http://www.scte.org • Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG), http://www.chiariglione.org/mpeg/ • Maxted P. (1999), Understanding Barriers to Learning - a guide to research • Coombs P H, Prosser R C, and Ahmed M (1973) New paths to learning for rural children and youth. New York: UNICEF International Council for Educational Development. • Attitudes to Learning '98 Toby Greany (Ed.) MORI State of the Nation Report This MORI survey of adults and young people's attitudes to learning http://www.campaign-for-learning.org.uk/resources/pubdbasedetail.asp?id=44&h=Attitudes+to+Learning+%2798 • Barker, P. (1994). Designing Interactive Learning, in T. de Jong & L. Sarti (Eds), Design and Production of Multimedia and Simulation-based Learning Material. Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic Publishers. • Spector, M.J. (1995). Integrating and Humanizing the Process of Automating Instructional Design, in R.D. Tennyson & A.E. Barron (Eds), Automating Instructional design: Computer Based Development and Delivery Tools. Berlin: Springer-Verlag.