On the influence of network quality upon international distance learning

Abstract

Introducing TV conference systems into classes of distance learning in English education together with foreign countries, we have two classes of cyber seminars at Waseda University, i.e., the class of "Cross-Cultural Distance Learning" (CCDL), and that of "World Englishes and Miscommunications" (WEM)[1][2]. To realize the stable and comfortable learning environment, the influence of the quality of service (QoS) of the Internet on the classes is investigated. First, we measure the QoS such as the round-trip delay time (RTT), and the throughput (TP) of the communication lines between Waseda University and the interchange foreign universities. Next, the quality of experiment (QoE) as the subjective evaluation by the student questionnaires is measured. Finally, the relationship between the QoS and the QoE is analyzed, and we clarify the conditions to keep the service level agreement for the class management.