Polar Outreach Catalogue

An extensive virtual survey was conducted among the University of the Arctic member institutions to identify the main user preferences and technical requirements. The results indicated a high interest among Arctic residents to attend virtual education that allows the flexibility of a traditional distance learning, but offer also real-time interactive features making the learning experience closer to a traditional classroom experience. The project indicates that the geographical hindrances that exist in the Arctic in many instances force Arctic residents who intend to seek higher education to relocate if they wish to obtain higher education. Often these individuals do not return, having a negative affect on rural development. This can be overcome and the negative demographic development typical to rural Arctic communities partially mitigated by offering new technological solutions.