Distance learning is defined by the United States Distance Learning Association as “The acquisition of knowledge and skills through mediated information and instruction, encompassing all technologies and other forms of learning at a distance.” Interactive Distance Learning provides a learning experience that requires action by the participant. Re-creating the classroom through two-way interaction is critical for the success of each student and the instructor. Distance learning can provide asynchronous or synchronous opportunities for training.

Live training is synchronous learning delivered by a subject matter expert from a single location to many locations. This includes the ability to receive and answer questions, distribute tests and receive responses. On-Demand training is the use of pre-recorded training requiring responses. Both types of training require interaction on the part of the participants and possible feedback for the instructor.

In today’s dynamic business environment, and constantly evolving technologies, companies must keep their employees informed, trained, and certified. Sending a subject matter expert to all locations to train employees in a classroom environment is costly, complex and time consum- ing. Sending employees to the corporate training center can be even more costly. Each of these methods reduce productivity and time spent on the job. Relevance of information and employee convenience are critical to the success of any training program.

Other benefits of using Live or On-Demand interactive training include:

•  creased reach to all employees.
•  Removes inconsistency in training and having different instructors—all participants have the same message delivered by the same trainer.
•  Reduces number of necessary training sessions.
•  Removes cost of travel and lodging, shipping and reproduction expenses.
•  Improves knowledge base by getting the right information to the right employee at the right time.
•  Provides reporting information and verification of completion and passing scores.
•  Provides interactive, interesting training that allows support from other classroom members along with exchange of information.
•  Reduces training time and time to market for new product information and new technology that requires training of sales team and technicians.
•  Provides real-time feedback to participants to help improve their scores and understanding of information.
•  Provides more personalized and instant response to participants.
•  Greater productivity and retention of employees.
•  Increased knowledge of sales staff = increased sales and satisfied customers.
•  Increased certifications and reduced turn around time for qualifications.

Hughes Solutions

According to Training Magazine. “training is routinely tied to business objectives, measured for return on investment and considered a competitive advantage to the business each company is in.” It goes without saying that top rated companies are “committed to learning and performance improvement.”

To help increase the return on the training investment challenge in today’s business environment, Hughes has developed a turnkey product line that leverages Internet Protocol (IP) networking technologies already in use today. These are used to deliver interactive distance learning from a training location to multiple sites. Using IP enables all data to be moved and manipulated by a large range of devices, simplifying communications between devices and sites.

Hughes recognizes that IT executives want to minimize the network disruption associated with the implementation of any IP-enabled initiative. This is why Hughes provides a solution that can be easily incorporated into an existing network scheme. Our Professional Services team works with each client to assure minimal impact to corporate networks during installation to improve the ease of use and effectiveness within each company.

Bandwidth restrictions on a Wide Area Network (WAN) or Local Area Network (LAN) can present a challenge when delivering rich media and live interactive training to a wide audience. In response to this challenge, Hughes has developed its equipment and software to provide delivery using both satellite or terrestrial network options. Using the Hughes solutions for providing interactive distance training to employees enables a quick turnaround and delivery of training materials and information. Corporate communications, as well as sales literature, large data and software upgrade files can be delivered and reach the targeted audience more quickly and with greater results. Training that is up-to-date enables a business to create and keep a competitive edge.

Hughes Products and Solutions

MEDIAGATE SERVER

The MediaGate Server provides the means to centrally manage all information going to the MediaGate Router locations within the network. Training and Learning programs, recording and other abilities can all be controlled from the MediaGate Server. Groups of routers can be managed so that delivery is made to only the routers that are intended to receive the training and learning programs. Restrictions and permissions are managed from the MediaGate Server. These options allow definitive control of content to individuals or groups within the network.

MEDIALOCK GATEWAY DEVICE

The MediaLock Gateway device provides the hardware to control and manage IPSec features of the network of MediaGate Routers.

MEDIAGATE ROUTER 3550

The MediaGate Router 3550 is a DVB receiver and IP compliant router that enables integration with satellite and terrestrial networks. The Router enables automated host login for programs delivering live interactive training courses. Participants login using individual keypads. Keypads are used during the program to enter recorded answers to questions. The MediaGate Router is a satellite receiver, DVB device that can record programs to be played back at a later time.

MEDIACLASSROOM SOFTWARE PACK

MediaClassroom is the Hughes distance learning classroom environment. MediaClassroom offers both Live and On-Demand options. Live is Interactive Distance Learning with instructor and classroom interaction, recorded test answers and participant login. On-Demand is classroom video training with recorded test answers and participant login. MediaClassroom features require the MediaGate Router 3550 with site controller option.

MEDIAWRITE SOFTWARE PACK

MediaWrite is a multicast content distribution and management product designed to maximize the use of broadband connections. File validation and confirmation communicates the accurate delivery of all information. Integration of MediaWrite allows organizations to improve network services and delivery without purchasing additional bandwidth.

MEDIALOCK SOFTWARE PACK

MediaLock provides IPSec security for unicast and multicast data and granular conditional access control for data broadcasting infrastructures using MediaGate Routers. Integration of security into the Hughes data broadcasting solutions reduces total cost in meeting business needs.

MEDIATRAINING SOFTWARE PACK

MediaTraining provides individualized, managed, direct access video training. User login provides secure video selection, easy identification of required and optional videos plus tracking of video completion.

MediaTraining Total Access: MediaTraining delivered directly to browser enabled PCs on your network.