The Free State Department of Health has taken a pioneering approach in the training of healthcare workers throughout the province with the planned installation of a satellite-based interactive training system. Supplied by Grintek Telecom, the project is worth more than R10 million. Implementation will commence in June 2001 and will be completed approximately November 2001.
Says Willie Hattingh of Grintek's Satellite and e-Commerce Division, who designed the system that was accepted by the Department of Health: "About two years ago, the Free State Department of Health recognised the need to provide medical training and information, such as AIDS, HIV and other medical related topics, to doctors, nurses, clinical staff and other healthcare workers, especially in the outlying areas.
"The department did an extensive study locally on cost-effective methods of reaching its employees, eventually settling for the One Touch Knowledge system, a satellite-based interactive training system, after visiting a number of existing installations at clients such as Standard bank SA, Telkom SA, BMW SA and Landrover installed by Grintek.
"The system consists of a broadcast studio, classrooms, the network over which the training sessions would be broadcast and the content of the training. The full production studio, which is situated at the Bloemfontein Psychiatric Complex, includes broadcast equipment such as video cameras, video sound and recording equipment; a presenter podium and presenter assistant station which are based on Microsoft Windows NT technology.
"The presenter interfaces on the podium used for interaction with students, is very user-friendly and effective. The presenter or the trainer has the total control over the remote sites and attending students in terms of questioning, tests and interactive two-way communication. The classrooms, which will eventually be situated at 40 sites throughout the Free State, include a site controller with full duplex audio capability, interactive response keypads for the students, satellite receiving equipment and PC for data streaming and general use.
"Up to 64 keypads can be connected to each site controller and each keypad provides the means of communication interactively by voice and text and to respond to questions and queries.
"Trainers can reach any number of students from the broadcast studio, providing training and information in a completely interactive environment. Students are able to respond by either using the keys or verbally using the built-in microphones on their keypads. The department also required broadband networking capabilities to allow for file transfers and Internet access via satellite. The system provides sufficient bandwidth for lecturing as well as data downloads via the satellite link, allowing for access to information posted on international Web sites as well as communication via e-mail."
Adds Hattingh, "This system, which has been successfully deployed internationally by such companies as General Motors and the Ford motor company as well as locally by companies in the financial and telecommunications sector, provides an extremely cost-effective method of interactive instructor-led training from a centralised location to any area, regardless of geographic location. This is particularly important for clinics situated in remote areas of the Free State where conventional communication infrastructure may be inadequate.
"Grintek Telecom has an excellent track record in the field of distance learning technology. The One Touch Knowledge system is particularly suited to local implementation through its ease of use, user-friendly design and reliability. This project is particularly valuable to us as it provides an excellent example of the value that such a system could have for other government departments and corporate institutions."
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