Experiences with TeleMentoring: Lab Teaching over ATM Networks

Using the Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) network infrastructure of the AURORA Gigabit Testbed§, we were able to carry out a trial of interactive distance learning. The trial used teleconferencing hardware which converts NTSC television and audio signals to and from ATM cells. This hardware connected the Bellcore VideoWindow(TM) with other apparatus to create a realistic two-way interaction. In our trial, the interaction was between teams of undergraduate computer science students and researchers at Bellcore, and was used to support work by these students on advanced laboratory projects for a course. Our hypothesis was that remote "mentoring" would provide a means with which student learning could be accelerated. Further, projects could be chosen which were meaningful to industrial research goals, so that student training is coupled with gaining relevant experience. This paper describes our initial TeleMentoring trial, which was done from January to May of 1994, and discusses the results. We conclude that the trial illustrated some flaws with TeleMentoring as implemented this semester, in particular the coordination between TeleMentoring and coursework. We discuss the observed strengths and limitations of TeleMentoring, and propose some further experiments.