The learning computer: a low bandwidth tool for bridging the digital divide in distance education

This paper reports on the successful prototyping and evaluation of a low bandwidth, easy-to-use tool for distance learning. IMMEDIATE (Integrating MultiMEdia in a DIstAnce learning and TEaching environment), addresses the digital divide in education through a learning computer that provides a specialised e-learning environment for the PC, which is more-widely accessible and more usable to students than web-based Learning Management Systems (LMS) and works with or without an internet connection. Because the learning computer does not require the speed and multifarious functionality of today\´s desktop computer, it will potentially run on cheaper specialpurpose hardware, recycled older computers, or ubiquitous devices which plug into any computer, to support "anybody, anywhere, anytime" e-learning.