Polycom’s ViewStation Enables Distance Learning in Central Texas Schools Covering 15 Counties
Polycom(R), Inc. (Nasdaq: PLCM), a worldwide leader in broadband communication solutions, today announced that the Texas Education Service Center, Region XIII, is using Polycom’s ViewStation(TM) video communications equipment for its wide-spread distance learning project. Currently, more than half the school districts in Region XIII are covered by the network of Polycom ViewStations, and the Texas Education Service Center hopes to link every district in the near future.
Region XIII of the Texas Education Service Center is deploying video communications to ensure equal opportunities for access to content for every participating district regardless of size or location. Although there are several large districts in the region, most of the districts are remote and very small, the smallest comprised of only 26 students. Region XIII administrators believe interactive video communications will improve the quality of education for students in Texas, especially those who are advanced or have special needs. In addition, teachers, administrators and staff members now have greater and more convenient access to professional development opportunities that some currently must travel hours to attend.
Region XIII developed a strict set of criteria to evaluate interactive video communications systems and chose Polycom’s ViewStation for its smooth, full-motion images at up to 30 frames per second, exceptionally clear voice quality, ease of use and affordability.
“Interactive video communications helps us deliver cutting-edge programs to enhance the education of students throughout central Texas,” said Bob Avant, distance-learning specialist for the Texas Education Service Center, Region XIII. “The high quality and ease of use of the Polycom ViewStations we’ve deployed allows our teachers and students to focus on learning, rather than on the technology that enables the learning.”
“Polycom’s goal is to offer its customers high-quality video communications solutions at an affordable price,” said Craig Malloy, senior vice president and general manager for Polycom enterprise visual communications. “We are pleased to be a partner with the Texas Education Service Center, Region XIII, in offering improved learning opportunities to the students, faculty and communities in central Texas.”
In addition to students and teachers, the larger community is also benefiting from Region XIII’s plans to offer adult education courses. After normal working hours, adults will be able to attend remote classes and workshops at their nearby high school via interactive video communications.
About Polycom
Located in Milpitas, Calif., in the heart of Silicon Valley, Polycom, Inc. develops, manufactures and markets a full range of premium-quality, media-rich communication tools and network access solutions. Polycom’s integrated communication solutions enable business users to immediately realize the benefits of video, voice and data over rapidly growing converged networks. For additional information, call 800-POLYCOM (765-9266) or 408-526-9000, or visit the Polycom web site at www.polycom.com.
NOTE: Polycom and the Polycom logo are registered trademarks and ViewStation is a trademark of Polycom in the U.S. and various countries.
Disclaimer: The preceding is an account of the experience of the Texas Education Service Center, Region XIII (ESC-XIII), with Polycom, and it is not intended as an endorsement of Polycom’s products. No compensation in any form has been realized by the ESC-XIII or any of its staff as a result of the sharing of these experiences.
Contact Information:
Mike Flanagan of Polycom, Inc.,
408-474-2661
mflanagan@polycom.com
Troy Petersen of Phase Two Strategies
415-772-8452
troy–petersen@p2pr.com, for Polycom, Inc.
