Abstract

A system and method for distributed learning that includes a distributed learning server coupled to presenter and audience computer systems via a network such as the Internet. The distributed learning server includes control, classroom environment, and streaming data modules. The control module controls interactions between the presenter and audience computer systems, controls the operation of the classroom environment and streaming data modules, and authenticates the users of the presenter computer systems. The control module also allows the presenter to set up a presentation and pre-select streaming data sources that will be used in the presentation. The classroom environment module provides a classroom metaphor having a podium and rows of seats to the presenter and audience computer systems. The streaming data module allows multiple streaming data feeds, such as digital video, to be sent from one computer system coupled to the distributed learning server to the other computer systems. The presenter and audience computer systems are preferably industry-standard computer systems executing JAVA-compatible web browsers connected to the distributed learning server. The presenter computer system displays a content selection region for selecting among data feeds, a first streaming media region for showing a first selected data feed, and a second streaming media region for showing a second selected data feed. The audience member computer system displays a presentation/feedback region for viewing presentation text and providing feedback to the presenter and first and second streaming media regions for viewing the data feeds selected by the presenter.