Educational Telecommunications Networks(Second Main Session "International Educational Networks and Development in the Pacific Basin",AN INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM THE IMPACT OF HIGHER EDUCATION ON SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION IN ASIA & THE PACIFIC)

Abstract

This paper focuses on the networking that is in place, required and proposed for the University of the South Pacific (USP). The map of the countries should clearly give one reason, our university is in the region and not just of the region. There are three complexes, two campuses, nine extension centres, seven institutes and two teaching units spread over more than 32 million square kilometres of ocean. Thus because of the nature of the University and its physical spread, communication between staff, and between staff and students needs to be reliable, comprehensive and of a high standard. The students\u27 point of communication with teachers through the extension Centres, is via satellite tutorials, visiting tutorials, comments on assignments or circulars. A dilemma exists, however: is the proposed communications system to be used as a supplement to USP\u27s distance programme, or is it to become an integral part of the learning package? If the latter position is taken then the questions of equity, equality and access become major considerations. The link between tertiary institutions in the region is sparse. This is also true of connections with institutions outside the region. The Japanese government, in association with a university in Tokyo, has sent a team to USP to establish an experimental earth station for the ETS-V project. This is scheduled to be operational this month. USP recognises the development of other networks in the Pacific as being of critical importance. Notable amongst these are: PEACESAT, SIDEN, FFANET, MICRONET and the proposed COL initiatives. (I note on the programme that there are speakers from the Solomon Islands and Hawaii who will no doubt speak about their systems. Thus I only mention them in passing here.) One of the major features of the new USPNET must be connectivity to other networks, both in the region and world. The University considers this an integral part of its net, and has applied for connection to PEACESAT through the establishment of an earth station in Suva. There is also a PEACESAT terminal at its Alafua campus. The system will ensure that connectivity within and outside the region is achieved. An example of what can be achieved with cooperation and dedication is PIMRIS. The implications of the proposed system for the University, its distance education programme and its service to the region are discussed. The fundamental questions of: _ education and development for what? _ education and development for whom? _ education and development by whom? are considered. Due to the lack of communication, the education wheel is continuously being reinvented. This should not be the case once the USP\u27s system is in place. Until this happens, (and it can only happen with the support of developed nations if the telecommunications system is to reach the outer islands where it is needed most urgently), the \u27taming of distance and time\u27 will only be a dream. The conclusion is that USP considers that the need for its educational network is sufficiently large and unique to justify a venture of its own. It would like to be connected to other networks, but it requires 24 hours availability under autonomous management and full control. USP appreciates, however, that any communications system is only as good as the use to which it is put and to this end a lot of effort is being directed. There are many staff in \u27outposts\u27 who tend to feel isolated just like the students there so the paper closes with a poem that was written by one of them