Heritage distance learning project based in Malta

The Prime Minister yesterday inaugurated the IKONOS information and technology communication control centre at the Malta Centre for Restoration at Bighi.

Maltese students will, through technology set up in the centre, be joined by students from ten universities and institutes from Scotland, the Netherlands, Jordan, Greece, Algeria, Cyprus, Tunisia and Morocco.

The centre offers an introductory course in conservation and Mediterranean cultural heritage which can lead to a Bachelor's degree from the University of Malta.

Thanks to the latest satellite communications technology, a lecture delivered in Malta can be followed from any of the classrooms set up in the partner countries and there can be interaction with students from those countries. A total of 200 students started following the course yesterday.

Dr Joe Cannataci, who runs the restoration centre, said one of the biggest advantages of these systems was that lecturers in highly specific topics could have much wider audiences without having to travel long distances to deliver them.

The project was funded by the EU, which forked out €3 million (Lm1.2 million). These funds were given for this specific project and have nothing to do with funds the EU has offered to give Malta before it joins the EU.

Dr Fenech Adami said he was proud that such a project was based in Malta and that the first lesson on cultural heritage and conservation via distance learning was first being delivered from Malta.