Ohio SchoolNet Increases Media Conferencing Classrooms With 250+ Additional VTEL Galaxy Systems
AUSTIN, Texas, Mar 20, 2001 — The State of Ohio’s Interactive Video Distance Learning (IVDL) Program has been so successful that Ohio SchoolNet is increasing the size of its program by funding at least an additional 250 Galaxy™ videoconferencing systems and associated network equipment valued to VTEL at approximately $7 million, announced VTEL(R) Corporation (Nasdaq:VTEL), a worldwide leader in visual communications solutions, products and services for enterprise networks.
Installation will begin immediately in the three-phase project; additional sales and installation will be completed over the summer. Four VTEL Products resellers, SBC DataComm/Ameritech, DataServ, Mnet and Total Systems Integration were selected to provide videoconferencing equipment to participating public high schools. This equipment will complement the existing 125 VTEL videoconferencing systems IVDL had installed in classrooms of grades 9-12 in 1999.
“Our distance learning projects significantly expand the educational resources of Ohio’s public schools,” explained Julie Fox, director of Technical Programs of Ohio SchoolNet.
“As a regional teacher and trainer, I find the VTEL equipment very easy and intuitive to use,” stated Dale White, telecommunications coordinator for Southwestern Ohio Instructional Technology Association. “Our teachers see that with a few mouse clicks, they can interact with teachers and students across town and can bring worldwide resources that were previously too far or too expensive right into their classrooms.”
“It’s an honor for us at VTEL to again be selected by the State of Ohio to provide our products to their teachers and students,” stated Bob Swem, general manager of VTEL Products. “We pledge to continue earning the trust of Ohio SchoolNet. One way we do that is to work hard every day to develop the industry’s most reliable and collaborative videoconferencing products.”
Many of Ohio’s public school districts have chosen VTEL’s Galaxy videoconferencing units with PC-based software and instructor peripherals. The Galaxy is VTEL’s flagship group videoconferencing system based on Intel’s Pentium(R) processor and featuring standard 30 frames-per-second video. It provides the industry’s most natural conference experience with fully integrated, hands-free tools and is the preferred choice for many distance education networks worldwide. Ohio SchoolNet has also selected VTEL’s TurboCast™ streaming software as part of their overall visual solution.
About Ohio SchoolNet
Established as an independent state agency in 1997, the Ohio SchoolNet Commission administers the state’s $896 million investment in Ohio SchoolNet’s companion technology programs. The focus on learning combines the best of traditional education with the rich resources and new opportunities that technology provides.
The Commission continues to be a key partner with Ohio public school districts in providing information services and integrated technologies that will improve the learning performance and capacity of Ohio’s students consistent with state and local standards. Strategic directions include: classroom infrastructure including multimedia computers, video, and networks to utilize technology, professional development to help and support teachers use technology effectively, effective and engaging digital learning resources that align curriculum with instruction and on-going assessment to show the impact of technology on learning.
About VTEL
Based in Austin, Texas, VTEL Corporation is a global leader in designing, deploying and servicing visual communications solutions for enterprise networks. As a pioneer of multimedia-rich PC-based videoconferencing systems, VTEL is applying its quarter-century-long heritage of expertise to develop a common network management platform to drive visual communications compatibility standards for industry-wide interoperability over IP networks. VTEL also offers e-Learning solutions through its wholly owned subsidiary ArticuLearn(TM). Visit VTEL’s website at http://www.vtel.com for more information.
VTEL and its logo are registered trademarks of VTEL Corporation. VTEL also maintains trademarks on the following names: Galaxy, TurboCast, ArticuLearn. (c)2001, VTEL Corporation. All rights reserved. VTEL Corporation, 108 Wild Basin Road, Austin, Texas, 78746. Phone: 512/437-2700, Fax: 512/437-2792.
Contact Information
VTEL Corporation, Austin
Rebecca Allmon
512/437-2734
rebecca allmon@vtel.com
