摘要：The aim of the STEEL (Systems, enabling TEchnologies and mEthods for distance Learning) project is to develop a complete e-learning system based on an innovative integrated satellite-terrestrial network, addressed to higher education, and integrating different media and different communication technologies. In this paper an overview of the whole project is provided. In order to do so, we will describe the educational and methodological requirements identified for the pilot course to be delivered within a distance learning university curriculum. Further, we will illustrate the online platform, focusing both on its technological and educational features and its modularity, that guarantees the integration of synchronous and asynchronous tools. Finally, we will present the hard-ware architecture, designed to manage the distance service delivery over a great variety of access technologies and to guarantee a certain level of Quality of Service to end users.
