Learning networks to use wireless Internet

Its partner in the project is the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT), the focal organisation for communication and information technology in the Asia-Pacific.

The deputy director of the Office of Information Technology Administration for Education Development (UniNet), Panjai Tantatsanawong, said the plan was to provide real-time, interactive distance learning. UniNet is a Higher Education Commission organisation.

The study team will work with Walailak University in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, which will begin by broadcasting educational content to nearby schools.

"This is the first pilot test to adopt wireless technology as a channel for distance learning in the area," Panjai said, adding that trials will deliver online content to schools located within a 30-kilometres radius.

The team from APT will help to develop a Wi-Fi (wireless Internet) antenna and wireless link systems capable of extending the capacity of Wi-Fi technology, which is normally limited to providing Internet connections over no more than 100 to 400 metres. The project aims to develop wireless-Internet capacity to reach 20km to 30km.

"We hope to bring this new technology to improve the education system in the South and to solve the present lack of teachers in the area," he said.

The pilot project will take three months and trials will begin soon.

In addition, UniNet is working with Silpakorn University at its Nakhon Pathom campus to develop a project called Western Corridor, which aims to provide an educational network to students in Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi, Kanchanaburi and Phetchaburi provinces.

The network aims to transfer local wisdom and knowledge within western-province communities and people there will be able to use it to improve their education.

Jirapan Boonnoon

The Nation