The network courses of this university begun in 2001-2 now include several hundred lessons providing students with post-lecture review. Currently, many traditional courses also offer complementary network university for advancing learning. The university has been conducting research on the connection between course content and technology resulting in improved coordination between network course production and course broadcast technology such that it now is a popular point of interest among university visitors. Over the next few years, we will come up with a network university platform making use of multi-media teaching material to provide interactive digital content, elevating students’ learning outcomes as they pursue studies “any place and any time.”
In 2001, the university re-configured its video production studios into professional 3D virtual studios, wherein 3D images can be combined into video productions, or one can design 3D sets. These can integrate on-site individuals for creative expressions and lead to incorporation of all types of pictures. This can effectively reduce the cost for creation of sets, artistic design and props. In addition, these studios allow for analog and digital in-line editing, off-line editing and addition of diverse special effects to allow even more variety to the performance in the studio. Moreover, this system also allows for incorporation of the newest technology, such as wireless communication and information control technology, for multiple video production methods.
The distance education system currently makes use of the newest high-speed network video technology (Internet, dedicated line and ISDN) to provide learners with an environment which doesn’t require face-to-face meeting with a teacher but still allows for interactive learning. Using the newest telecommunication and information technology, this system provides the interactive mode distance education has long been missing, also allowing for the incorporation of multimedia materials in these courses.
From our foundational junior college resources, moving along the trend in university education, Ming Chuan is on the road to being a channel for lifelong education. Employing all the resources of our locations, we joined the 1997 higher education distance program as a course provider and recipient. In addition to building up inter-institutional exchange, this has also built up our practical experience in broadcasting and allowed us to offer more inter-campus courses, as well. Beyond regular classes, teachers and students appreciate using the system to connect people on the two campuses for discussions, shared special programs and activities. We also enjoy benefits from connecting with teachers and programs in the U.S., Japan, the U.K., mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, etc for distance learning activities.
A new teaching platform was developed in 2004, using the network to provide instant communication, combining the strengths of asynchronous and synchronous distance education. Synchronous classes can be offered through the Internet, greatly reducing the equipment and facilities requirements for distance education. The simultaneous taping of the course and the included editing function allows teachers to offer the same course asynchronously to students with time constraints. The interactive function allows the teacher to identify each student’s status, improving mutual communication and learning effectiveness.
Ming Chuan has been a leader for multimedia language labs in Taiwan. Since 1998, many functions have been added into the digital multimedia language labs on campus, the most exceptional being the VOD system. This not only provides for traditional study in the classroom but also for self-study according to individual’s learning pace. Besides improving language lab functions, it is low cost, and offers many other advantages, attracting many schools to visit Ming Chuan to learn more. Ming Chuan has become an example for other schools installing similar programs on their campuses.
Showing students how to use a computer step by step is an important key in teaching computer applications. We used to teach computer class by turning off the lights and using an overhand projector. Consequently, students felt tired easily, and were unable to see clearly from the back of the room. Since the broadcast system has been installed, students are now able to see directly and clearly each step their teacher is proceeding with on their own computer screens; therefore, students can concentrate more easily.
This system design allows for (i) placement testing, (ii) exam question creation, (iii) on-line practice, (iv) automatic delivery of collaborative tests, (v) follow up and management of test results, and (vi) analysis of degree of difficulty. The exam questions can be composed with sound, pictures, words, or any other media. Knowing students’ level, we will be able to provide students with different levels of exams and practice. The exam item types include single multiple choice, multiple answers in multiple choice, and fill-in-the-blank. Through features of this system, not only will students be able to see their improvement, but teachers will be able to understand their students’ learning status. Furthermore the administering unit will be able to easily and appropriately control the test questions.
Ming Chuan has had the e-classroom system in place since October 2000. Each e-classroom has an overhead projector, a personal computer, automatic and handwriting-sensitive monitor screens, and an integrated public address system. The operator is able to control the overhead projector and its screen through the computer and the master control desk. Moreover, teaching materials can be cast to the projector screen through the overhead from the computer. This not only enhances teaching quality but also save time in preparing equipment for class. In the future, we are not only going to improve the automatic management and control of the system, thus decreasing the human resource load, but also improve the management of the integrated devices.
Sound systems are installed in all regular classrooms to improve the sound quality. The advantages include equal distribution of sound, easy control, and better sound quality, thus enhancing students’ learning and saving the time of borrowing and transporting microphone and speakers for lectures.