On June 23, IBA and Oracle CIS conducted a workshop entitled “E-University: Effective System for Online Distant Learning” in Minsk, Belarus.

The seminar was devoted to the Oracle 11g-based IBA proprietary software product e-University, and the current state of online distant education in Belarus.

Representatives of almost forty Belarusian higher educational institutions, companies and organizations from Belarus attended the workshop. The list of participants included the General Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Belarus, the Belarusian State Border Committee, the Minsk Central Customs, Giprosvjaz, Asstra, Beltransgaz, BTA Bank, and Belgazprombank.

Vitali Nikulenka, IBA Deputy Director of Software Development, and Alexander Pazin, Oracle CIS Regional Manager, welcomed the participants.

IBA and Oracle representatives delivered several presentations on the topic. IBA spoke on its experience in using e-University at enterprises and organizations, and on creation and usage of e-textbooks in education. In addition, IBA presented a report entitled “Why online distant learning”. Oracle made a report on the distinguishing features of the Oracle products including Oracle UCM and Oracle Beehive databases, and on the Oracle initiatives in the education sector.

Nikulenka comments: “As regards the trends in education development, the interest to the online distant learning is obviously growing everywhere. This form of education attracts new students with a possibility to study on-the-job, advance in skill, choose convenient time for studying and testing, and avoid transportation expenses. Quick development of IT enables to improve the information transfer process and to establish effective communication between students and teachers. I am confident that this form of education will be given preference in future as it provides a wonderful chance to obtain education with minimum expenses and time losses.”