Technological Feasibility for Distance Education and Promotion of Sustainable Development in Amazonia Takeshi Utsumi, Ph.D. Global University System Federal University of Amazonas - Brazil Global University System in South America / Amazon Region Alexandre Rivas, Ph.D. Washington, D.C. – 11/28/2001

To implement a program using cutting edge technology for human resource and research development, and intervention focusing on operational aspects of the sustainable development in Amazonia. General Objective

- Federal University of Amazonas - Federal University of Rondonia - Federal University of Par á - Federal Universty of Acre - Federal Uiversity of Roraima - Federal Uiversity of Amapa - Unamaz Partners - Amazonia TV Network Foundation - ISAE/FGV Participant Institutions in Amazonia:

 Creation of a physical network of high transmission capacity, linking all Amazonian universities and the rest of the the world.  Use of the physical network of high transmission capacity to connect university hospitals in a telemedicine program.  Creation of a supporting logistic infrastructure to manage the newly installed technologies (hard- and software). Specific Objectives

 Demonstrative Conference linking 5 countries from Manaus (middle of the Amazon forest) –  Conference exploring available technology for distance education and tele-medicine – 2000  Community Development program Community Development program  Approval by the Brazilian Congress of ~ US$ 2,800,000.  CampusNet AmazoniaCampusNet Amazonia What have we done?

 Demonstrative Conference linking 5 countries from Manaus (middle of the Amazon forest) –  Conference exploring available technology for distance education and tele-medicine – 2000  Community Development program Community Development program  Approval by the Brazilian Congress of ~ US$ 2,800,000.  CampusNet AmazoniaCampusNet Amazonia What have we done?

Regional Backbone Slide 5

Manaus – CRM Produ ç ão Itacoatiara - Distribui ç ão Manacapur ú - Distribui ç ão Parintins - Distribui ç ão Coari - Distribui ç ão Humait á - Distribui ç ão Benjamin Constant - Distribui ç ão São Gacriel da Cachoeira - Distribui ç ão L á brea - Distribui ç ão Eirunep é - Distribui ç ão Amazonas State Backbone

USPNet VSAT Network USP Council Oct 99

James Sheats, HP Labs Technology for Sustainability Initiative 11May 1999 LINCOS (Little Intelligent Communities) or “Unwiring the World” Hewlett-Packard, Microsoft, FTL Happold, Northsails, UTC, Becton-Dickenson, Wyle, V-Tel, Tachyon Foundation for Sustainable Development of Costa Rica Institute of Technology of Costa Rica MIT Media Lab University of Rochester

James Sheats, HP Labs Technology for Sustainability Initiative 11 May 1999 Digital Town Centers 8-10 Computers 2 Printers, 2 Scanners Cell phone base station (15 mile radius) Smart card reader Medical diagnostic bay Analytical equipment as appropriate External large screen (when available) VSAT satellite connection Purpose: to provide a multi-purpose information center for isolated regions, with high-speed (40 Mb/s) internet access and integrated local wireless communications, at affordable cost for developing nations Telemedicine Agricultural extension services Environmental monitoring Education Computer Lab Electronic Commerce Banking Digital Services

Manaus Community Network (Configuration 1)

ROR ROR COR ROR ROR ROR ROR ROR Topologia da Manaus Rede Interinstitucional Wireless

Three GLOSAS Projects Initiated at the international conference on the “Emerging Global Electronic Distance Learning (EGEDL/99),” August 9th - 13th, 1999, University of Tampere, Finland Global University System (GUS) with GUS/UNESCO/UNITWIN Networking Program Global Broadband Internet (GBI) Global Service Trust Fund (GSTF)

Objective of GUS Construction of global broadband Internet networks Development of teaching materials Global network of facilitators

Research findings Learning networks can be as effective or more effective than traditional classrooms, in terms of access and learning outcomes Collaborative learning designs are more effective for online learning than individuals working alone with materials posted online

Global Service Trust Fund (GSTF) Specific Objectives: Make available sufficient broad bandwidth at free or highly reduced cost to enable a significant number of developing countries to undertake major new initiatives in distance learning and telemedicine.

GSTF Finance and Organization A voluntary international e-rate for education and health Two separate contribution “ funds ” or “ sources ” would be established � an in-kind bandwidth transmission source � a financial assistance source The Coalition: a broad coalition of commercial and governmental sources

Global Service Trust Fund (GSTF) (Envisioned Organization, Functions, etc.)

Next Steps Think Big –Marco Antonio Dias Former Director of Higher Education, UNESCO V.P. for Administration of GUS Think Different –Apple Computer Company

Three Steps How to Proceed Fact-finding and assessment trip Mini-workshop Large-workshop

Step 1: Fact-finding and assessment trip To meet a champion, who will pursue our joint project diligently and tenaciously, To find out current Internet capability for a demonstration during the mini-workshop, and what e-learning from the US and other countries can be extended, To plan the organization of and fund raising for the mini-workshop, etc.

Step 2: Mini-workshop, say, three to six months after the trip With people from locality and from the US and/or other countries who will show what of their e- learning courses would be available through the currently available Internet capability, To form a coalition of higher, secondary and elementary schools, hospitals, libraries and local non-profit organizations and governmental agencies, To plan outline of the subsequent large workshop and fund raising for it, etc.

Step 3: Large-workshop, probably a half year later than the mini-workshop To brainstorm on the systems design, feasibility study and market survey of broadband Internet, To plan the content development with the use of the envisioned broadband Internet, To prepare submission of a comprehensive document to obtain the non-cultural aid grant of the Japanese government, etc.

GLOSAS Projects (GLObal Systems Analysis and Simulation Association in the U.S.A.) Takeshi Utsumi, Ph.D. Chairman, GLOSAS/USA Laureate of Lord Perry Award for Excellence in Distance Education V.P. for Technology and Coordination of Global University System (GUS)

Arigato (“Thank you” in Japanese) (not alligator)

Muito Obrigado