The Essential Elements of Interactive Multimedia Distance Learning Systems

In recent years, we have seen the introduction and use of many distance learning systems. Some of these systems are characterized as Interactive which means the dominant mode of instruction is live or synchronous using networked multimedia technology such as audio, video and shared workspaces. In this paper, we present the common features and essential elements that should be implemented in such systems. Throughout this paper, we will use as a model and case study the IRI-h system (for Interactive Remote Instruction-heterogeneous) that we have developed and implemented in Java and have used to support distance learning at Old Dominion University.