ICTP Promotes E-Learning

ICTP's Science Dissemination Unit (SDU) is once again offering an academic webcasting equipment grant to institutes seeking an "off-the-shelf" solution for on-line learning. The aim is to help non-profit institutions from UN member countries implement the automated production of digital scientific content for e-learning and distance education.

The grant provides the USB components--two high-definition webcams and an omni-directional microphone--needed to implement the openEyA automated recording system. The software is downloadable for free. Users can operate the system on any low-cost netbooks or portable computers running the Linux Ubuntu operating system.

The 2011 openEyA grant will be awarded to up to four different eligible organizations based in a developing country that want to contribute more efficiently to capacity building and scientific development. Applications must be received by Tuesday 17 May 2011.

For more details, see the grant webpage.

OpenEyA is an innovative automated audio/video/slide recording system, developed by SDU to archive and share scientific lectures and talks carried out using digital presentations (PPT, PDF, animations, etc) and especially traditional chalkboards found in classrooms. For more information, visit the openEyA website.