ACT in Poland

This ongoing, expanding collaboration between ACT/School of Information at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and the Department of Educational Technology at the University of Torun (Poland) dates as far back as Summer 1998. It started with a visit by Prof. Wojciech Lewandowski and his meeting with Vlad Wielbut at ACT, during which the idea of establishing a channel for rich communication and learning between Ann Arbor and Torun was born.

Since then both sides engaged in a series of experiments aimed at finding the best technical parameters of such a channel, i.e. sufficient bandwidth, interoperability, appropriate tools, etc. Recently, the level of engagement moved from tests and trials into delivery of "full-size" guest lectures in real time, with active participation of remote students. (For multimedia clips of some of these lectures please see the links at the bottom of this page.)

One of the long-term goals of this collaboration is to identify and promote technological solutions to the problem of helping diasporas contribute - apart from sending money and consumer goods - to the development of their countries of origin, without facing the often painful decision of re-emigration. The increasing ubiquity of the Internet, coupled with significant advances in network capacity, high-speed access, and collaboration software, open new opportunities for transfer of knowledge and expertise from highly developed to less developed societies, with the help of well educated members of various diasporas.

ACT in Poland (II): Experimental Lectures