The Virtual Classroom Project directly benefits educational and distance learning technologies by providing tools and experience with environments in which students learn through creative participation and research, by adding value to network capabilities that bring multiple parties into direct contact, and by closing the loop between teacher and student.

Broadband real-time, multi-point conferencing provides learners with the opportunity to debate issues and participate in desktop collaborative work. The requirements to develop and sustain a productive virtual workspace have been investigated. Regional, national and international networks are used to connect participants to quality data, people and events. Research into the development, distribution and application of new learning technologies will be conducted by an integrated team of researchers, educators and private sector.