HughesNet Global Education (HNGE) is using a satellite-based interactive technology platform to run a range of education and training programmes. HNGE is a division of Hughes Communication India Ltd and entered the satellite-based distance learning space in 2002-03. < ?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
The company has entered into partnerships with several premier management institutions across the country. In these tie-ups, HNGE acts as a technology and process partner, while each educational institution designs its own courses, determines the entrance procedures and ultimately awards certificates to students who successfully complete the course. It has created the infrastructure to bring real life, interactive education over a satellite connection from the educational institute to a student located anywhere in India. At the heart of HNGE's system is a satellite-based technology platform that links studios in several cities with around 50 learning centres or classrooms across the country. Teachers from various educational institutions come to a studio and take a class just like they do back in their regular classrooms. The live video and audio content of each session is then carried over a satellite network to classrooms across India. Students can attend classes at HNGE's learning centres across the country. On their computer screen, students can see and hear the teacher. They can interact with classmates using a private messaging system. The company is also looking at establishing classrooms in the offices of large companies and offering specially developed distance education programmes for the employees of these companies.
