Computer-implemented method and apparatus for remote educational instruction

A method of remote educational instruction over a network, comprising the steps of:

• broadcasting a live video image and voice of an instructor at a host site to at least one remote site via a satellite radio link;
• signaling said instructor that at least one student at one remote site has requested to speak to said instructor by pressing a call button on a response keypad terminal located near said student which is in digital communication with said host site via a dial-in telephone link;
• identifying to said instructor said signaling student by displaying a line of text on a monitor screen located at said host site;
• indicating to said instructor a total number of students signaling for attention by displaying a line of text on said monitor screen;
• enabling said instructor to select one of said students that are signaling by displaying a list of available communication connection commands on said monitor screen and by accepting a command choice input;
• and
• establishing a telephone connection from said host site to said remote site to telephonically link a selected signaling student to said instructor through said response keypad terminal which includes a microphone for telephonic communication with said instructor and to allow digital communication of a series of keypad entry response.

An interactive network for live presentations to audiences, comprising:

• broadcasting means for televising an instructor at a host site to at least one remote site;
• remote sensing means for signaling said instructor that at least one student at one remote site has initiated a call button on a response keypad terminal located near said student to request a telephonic connection and conversation;
• computer display means for presenting a video image on a screen to said instructor that represents said signaling student and for indicating to said instructor a total number of students then signaling by a number presented on said screen;
• control means for enabling said instructor to select one of said students that are signaling by displaying a list of available communication connection commands on said monitor screen and for accepting a command choice input;
• and
• communication manager means for establishing a telephone connection from said host site to said remote site wherein said selected signaling student may be telephonically connected to said instructor in response to a command input at a touch screen display which represents said instructor's choice of said signaling student.