IBM and Cisco are working together to support distance learning

More effective distance learning and working video and online conferencing from Cisco, help from IBM and T-Systems along with the HTTP Foundation 

Nearly 400 IBM volunteers and T-Systems provide professional support to Hungarian schools to implement the Webex video and online conferencing service offered by Cisco free of charge. The program starts with the involvement of vocational high schools, but is also open to other educational institutions, they want to provide thousands of students and teachers with the conditions for more effective and interactive distance learning.

IBM has launched a global initiative with Cisco to help schools leverage Cisco’s currently free Webex service for distance learning. The number of users is growing day by day, with 2,000 schools in Europe to date with 200,000 students supported by 3,000 IBM volunteers.

In Hungary, T-Systems Hungary and the HTTP Foundation also joined the initiative. IBM and T-Systems staff, who also use this platform to communicate in their day-to-day work, support teachers in learning and using the application on a daily basis. The program has been launched in several European countries during these weeks, including Hungary. You can join the program through the contacts provided on www.suliwebex.hu.

Cloud-based Webex allows you to create virtual classrooms where participants can share documents and applications in addition to video conferencing. Students can join virtual lessons on Webex even without prior registration. This service is suitable for holding daily classes in primary or secondary schools or in higher education classes in smaller groups.

As a committed supporter of digital education, the HTTP Foundation has already maintained a close relationship with educational institutions. Relying on the professional community of the iNFOTÁR Mentor Program, in addition to technical and methodological assistance, it supports the work of teachers in online education with further training and teaching materials.

It is planned that each school will have a teacher admin who can provide access to other colleagues. As a co-administrator, IBM volunteers will support the work of instructors, assist in faculty preparation, and provide technology support as needed. Since launching on April 6 in Hungary, nearly 30 schools have applied to the pilot so far.

“We are delighted that we can support schools, students and parents who are dealing with the extra burden to help kids with school duties. Lessons can be more interesting and interactive with these solutions, teachers’ reach could be scalable. IBM’s digital solutions are delivering more value in this situation and we are happy to help with these”.,  said Peter Rehus, Country Manager of IBM Hungary. 

In its one hundred and nine-year history, IBM has gone through many periods of crisis, from world wars to economic crises. The company is now mobilizing all possible resources to help the world successfully fight the COVID-19 pandemic. From healthcare to the financial world to telecommunications, many critical infrastructures operate using IBM digital solutions. In addition to ensuring their smooth and safe operation, the company will do everything in its power to help people adapt to changed workdays, such as digital work and education.