E-Class - a multimedia and Web based distance learning system

In this paper, we present the development of a multimedia system for the real-time delivery of online courses. The system provides the instructor with a real-life environment to teach in a manner similar to a classroom. The instructor's video, audio, hand-writing, drawing and slide presentations are synchronized and streamed, and at the same time the students can view the lectures online in a simulated classroom environment. One of the main strengths of this system is that the instructor's lectures can be archived for future usage by the students. The students can interrupt the teacher and are also given the opportunity to ask questions.