Karelia Remote Computing Project
Funded by Euregio Karelia Neighbourhood Programme 2001-2006

Objective of the project

The University of Oulu and Oulu region's industry donated a fully equipped computer classroom and distance education equipment to Petrozavodsk University's Kostomuksha distance university. The equipment in the donated computer classroom included 12 computers, a server that functions as the teacher's computer, a network operating system as well as the necessary data communication and printing equipment. The distance education equipment included IP video conferencing equipment and a video projector. The main goal of the project was to ensure the high-quality utilisation of the distance and multi-use equipment purchased using donated funding, to develop new distance and operational cultures, and the networking of suppliers on both sides of the border. The project was to make the opportunities created by high-speed connections known and to offer the related parties the opportunity to learn the skills necessary for the effective use of high-capacity data communication channels. The diversification of the use of information technology on both sides of the border was also seen as requiring data network and equipment use training. The target group of the project included organisations, companies and entities in Kainuu and northern Ostrobothnia that engage in activities related to Russia as well as the entities engaging in co-operation with Finland in the northern part of Russia's Karelia; however, the project was mainly targeting entities in Kostomuksha.

Main activities

• Creation of the training programme • Implementation of training programmes • Organization of educational trips for participants of training

Achievements

The training programme was created and priced by the project and the training materials were placed in a virtual learning environment Optima. The training was provided in exchange for a fee at Kajaani University Centre during 2004. Participation could either be in person in Kajaani, by using remote connections from Kostomuksha, or by visiting Optima at the participant's own convenience. The latter option was the business attendees' favourite. Interest in participating in the training was less than expected in Finland. A total of 64 people participated in the training. The project also completed educational trips to Kostomuksha, (sites visited included Karhakos and the mining industry combine), Oulu (Nokia Oyj), and a seminar was also held at Kostomuksha. During the training in Kostomuksha, participants learned how to use the distance and multi-use equipment, if they had not already done so. Compatibility problems were detected with the communication equipment during the training, and data connection problems caused trouble during the training, but the solutions to the problems were learned during the training. The goal of the project remains with other university projects, for example Russian IT. The Virtuosi in Kuhmo is also continuing co-operation.