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AMERITECH DISTANCE LEARNING PARTNER SCHOOLS
The Ameritech Superschools were established in 1994. The participating partner institutions include: Appleton East High, Appleton West High, Appleton North, Milwaukee Hi Mount Elementary, Milwaukee Allen-Field Elementary, Milwaukee Washington High, Milwaukee John Marshall High, Watertown High, Fort Atkinson High, Waupaca High, and Menasha High.
This network utilizes fiber optic two-way full motion video and audio between partner schools, using Grass Valley J-series codecs. The initial grant which created Superschools ran out in 1996, and the schools have been converted to “Video Badgernet”, a statewide circuit switched network.
BADGERDIAL
Badgerdial provides dial-up Internet access for educational institutions and state and local agencies throughout the State. Users pay a small one-time setup fee, a monthly fixed charge of $10, and a fixed, postalized per-minute usage fee (currently $.08). Users access the system from anywhere in the State via a local call. A federal TIIAP II grant of $224,000 helped fund access to rural, low-income schools; this effort is being overseen by the Department Of Public Instruction (DPI). Also, DOA has contributed $518,000 to help ensure the success of the program. BadgerDial intended to "fill in the gaps" for those areas where private-sector Internet Service Providers cannot service the schools.
BROADCAST NETWORK
The educational broadcast network (Wisconsin Public Television and Wisconsin Public Radio) is managed by the Educational Communications Board. The seven TV and six FM stations licensed by the Board are the outlets for the Public Broadcasting Service, National Public Radio, and the Wisconsin Public Radio and Television programs. The broadcast transmitters are connected to the Technical Operations Center in Madison via a statewide analog microwave system operated by Norlight.
CCEDC NETWORK
The Clark County Economic Development Corporation will interconnect Chippewa valley Technical College, Mid-State Technical College, and Northcentral Technical College, as well as the school districts of Abbotsford, Colby, Granton, Greenwood, Loyal, Neillsville, Owen-Withee and Thorp.
Two-way full-motion video and audio will be used at the Granton and Loyal sites, and future endpoints will implement one-way video and two-way audio via phone return. Contact: Edward Bieno, CCEDC, 715-267-3205
CENTERSNET
Centersnet is a computer data network serving the 13 UW-Centers campuses, and the UWC central administration in Madison.
This network is used for Internet access, administrative functions, e-mail, and library automation. DOA is the provider.
CHIPPEWA VALLEY TECHNICAL COLLEGE NETWORK
The CVTC network, established in 1990, includes as nodes Chippewa Valley Technical College campuses at Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, Menomonie, Neillsville, and River Falls.
The system incorporates point-to-point microwave, full-motion video and two-way audio. Contact: Tim Weishapple, CVTC ITV/Media Manager, 715-833-6283.
CWETN NETWORK
CWETN, (the Central Wisconsin Educational Telecommunications Network) was established in 1992. The participating institutions include the following high schools: Auburndale, D.C. Everest (Schofield), Granton, Loyal, Spencer, and Stratford. They use ITFS two-way full-motion video with continuous audio at all sites except Auburndale which is a receive-only site. Contact: Sam Boynton, Director, 715-720-2033
DADE NETWORK
The Dodge Area Distance Education Network will interconnect the school districts surrounding CESA 6. Participating school districts include Beaver Dam, Horicon, Hustisford, Lomira, and Mayville. Moraine Park Technical College s Beaver Dam and Fond du Lac campuses will also be connected.
DADE uses video Badgernet.
DCAIN NETWORK
The Dane County Area ITFS Network was established in 1990, and includes the following high schools: DeForest, Marshall, McFarland, Monona Grove, Middleton, Mount Horeb, Sun Prairie, Verona and Waunakee. DeForest Middle School is also connected. Other endpoints include the Department of Public Instruction, Madison Area Technical College campuses at Truax and downtown Madison, Madison Metropolitan School District Building, Middleton-Cross Plains Administration Building, UW-Madison Outreach Development, UW Education Sciences, UW Hospital & Clinics, and the Women's Health Center.
DCAIN uses ITFS one-way video, two-way audio (via dial-up phone return). Contact: Connie Gruen, 608-264-9642 or Greg Robinson, 608-264-9678 at WECB.
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS NETWORK
This network was established in 1994. Participating institutions are: Burke Correctional Center, Department of Corrections Training Center at UW-Oshkosh, Dodge Correctional Institute, Fox Lake Correctional Institute, Green Bay Correctional Institute, Kettle Moraine Correctional Institute, Oshkosh Correctional Institute, Sanger Power Correctional Center, Taycheedah Correctional Institute, Waupun Correctional Institute, Winnebago Correction Center, Winnebago Drug Abuse Correctional Center, Wisconsin Resource Center, and Fox Valley Technical College.
This ITFS system uses transmitters at Chilton, Green Bay and Green Lake.
The DOC also is conducting a pilot project to evaluate the use of compressed video technology in place of physical inmate transfer (TeleVisit and TeleArraignment). Several of the Dodge County Institutions and the Milwaukee County Courthouse are included in this project. Contact: Gary Grueter, Educational Coordinator, DOC, 608-266-5308.
EAU CLAIRE USER GROUP
The Eau Claire Group was established in 1990. Participating institutions include Altoona High School, Cadott Schools, Chippewa Falls High School, Chippewa Valley Technical College, Eau Claire North High School, Educational Communications Board Regional Office, Elk Mound Schools and UW-Eau Claire.
ITFS one-way video, two-way audio via phone return is utilized. Contact: Jim Hadlock, Chippewa Falls School District, 715-720-3753.
CHILTON ITFS NETWORK
The Chilton ITFS System was established in 1986. Participating institutions include the department of Corrections, UW-Oshkosh, Fox Valley Technical College, Lakeshore Technical College, Moraine Park Technical College, and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College.
The network utilizes ITFS with transmitters at Cato, Chilton, Green Bay, Green Lake, Oconto Falls and Sheboygan. Contact: Marlyn Meinnert, LTC, 920-458-4183
EastWING NETWORK
The East Wisconsin Instructional Network Group boasts a steadily growing membership. Those expressing interest include UW-Green Bay, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Stevens Point, UW-Extension, St. Norbert College, Silver Lake College, Fox Valley Technical College, Moraine Park Technical College, Lakeshore Technical College, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, and the school districts of Appleton, Beaver Dam, Brillion, Chilton, Freedom, Hilbert, Hortonville, Iola/Scandinavia, Kaukauna, Little Chute, Manawa, Menasha, Neenah, New London, Omro, Oshkosh, Rosendale-Brandon, Seymour, Shiochton, Waupaca, Wautoma, Weyauwega-Fremont, Wild Rose, Winneconne, Wrightstown, and Xavier High School, plus the Department of Corrections and the ERVING and NEWTEC consortia. Invitations have been extended to all K-12s, CESAs, UWs, UW Centers, private K-12 schools, private colleges, and technical colleges in eastern Wisconsin.
A mix of technologies is being explored, building upon existing capacity. Contact: Lori Weyers, FVTC, 414-735-5682.
ECADE NETWORK
The East Central Alliance for Distance Education, now a subgroup of KSCADE, began implementing the network in 1995. Participating technical colleges include Fox Valley, Lakeshore, Moraine Park, Northcentral and Northeast Wisconsin. The University of Wisconsin at Green Bay, Oshkosh, and Stevens Point are also members of this subgroup, along with the ERVING and NEWTEC consortia. A WONDER interconnect is also planned.
ECADE is planning two-way video, audio and data telecommunications linkages between its members, the EastWING institutions, and other nearby networks. Contact: Lori Weyers, FVTC, 920-735-5682
ERVING NETWORK
In 1991, the Embarrass River Valley Instructional Network Group created the first fiber-based digital network to begin operating in Wisconsin. It connects seven K-12 school districts in the Embarrass River Valley from the Frontier Telephone switching center in Clintonville: Bonduel, Bowler, Clintonville, Fox Valley Technical College, Marion, Menominee Indian, Tigerton, and Wittenberg/Birnamwood.
The ERVING network originally used three DS-3s to each school in order to provide continuous view full motion video using Grass Valley E-Series codecs and a Grass Valley switch. Since, the network updated to lower-bandwidth J-Series codecs, a two-way full-motion video and switched audio system with a T-1 connecting the ERVING network to Fox Valley Technical College.
Although the original 3-DS-3 model is unlikely to be duplicated elsewhere because of the expense, the ERVING network is significant because it provided the model for the State Public Service Commission to allow discounted educational pricing on a fiber incremental basis. ERVING is now installing a data overlay with Internet access on its network. Contact: Susan Barry, Director, 715-823-7170.
EDUCATIONAL TELECONFERENCE NETWORK
The ETN was established in 1965. ETN is a statewide audio-only teleconferencing system with dial in capacity offered by the UW-Extension's instructional communications system using STS dedicated telephone lines. ETN facilities are available at each of Wisconsin's 72 counties, utilizing 170 sites, including those at county courthouses, UW facilities, public libraries, and hospitals. Contact: Marcia Baird, Director, Instructional Communication Systems at UW-Extension, 608-262-3465.
FACET NETWORK
The Fond du Lac Area Consortium for Educational Telecommunications will include the school districts of Berlin, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Markesan, New Holstein, North Fond du Lac, Oakfield, Princeton, Ripon, and Rosedale/Brandon. Other members include CESA 6, Moraine Park Technical College and Marion College.
FACET uses video Badgernet. Contact: Patrice Vossekuil, Coordinator, 920-387-1449.
FOUR LAKES DISTANCE EDUCATION NETWORK
The Four Lakes Distance Education Network participants include UW-Extension, plus the school districts of McFarland, Middleton/Cross Plaines, Oregon, Stoughton, Verona, Waunakee, and Monona Grove.
Video Badgernet is used. Contact: Carolyn Stoner, CESA 2, 608-758-6232.
FOX VALLEY TECHNICAL COLLEGE NETWORK
Established in 1985, the FVTC network includes participating institutions at Fox Valley Technical College campuses at Appleton and Oshkosh, regional learning centers at Chilton, Clintonville, Neenah and Waupaca, the Aviation Center at Oshkosh, Calumet County Medical Center, Gold Cross-Neenah, Kaukauna Hospital, New London Medical Center, Oshkosh Correctional Institute, the Oshkosh Fire Department, the Outagamie Justice Center, and St. Elizabeth Hospital.
ITFS two-way video and audio between Appleton and Oshkosh campuses represents the technology used. One-way video and two-way telephone audio is employed to Chilton. This network uses transmitters at Chilton and Green Bay. T-1 compressed video is also employed to Clintonville, Waupaca and Neenah. Contact: Gary Herlache, Media Director, 414-735-2492.
GREEN AND ROCK AREA DISTANCE EDUCATION SYSTEM
GRADES was established in 1992 with the following high schools participating: Beloit, Beloit Turner, Evansville, Janesville Craig and Janesville Parker, and Juda. Other sites include Blackhawk Technical College campuses at Airport, Janesville, Monroe, and North Rock County, as well as the Rock County Jail. UW-Center Rock County is one of the primary program providers.
ITFS one-way video and two-way telephone audio return is employed. The network plans to upgrade to fiber optic connections in the near future. Contact Carolyn Stoner, CESA 2, 608-758-6232.
IDEAL NETWORK
The Indianhead Distance Education and Learning Network, established in 1997, is located between WestWING and WONDER and includes many of the school districts in CESA 11. Participating school districts include Birchwood, Cumberland, Frederic, Grantsburg, Luck, Prairie Farm, Shell Lake, Siren, Spooner, Turtle Lake and Webster, as well as CESA 11and the Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College in Rice Lake.
The IDEAL network is a J-Series digital fiber optic (switched) interactive network utilizing a DS-3 and one NOTS channel. It is also interconnected with CWETN, the Eau Claire Area ITFS Users Group, WIN, and WONDER. Contact: Jane Manske, Distance Learning Coordinator, CESA 11, 715-986-2020.
JEDI NETWORK
The Jefferson-Dane Distance Instruction Network, established in 1996, interconnects K-12 schools and the Madison Area Technical College within Dane and Jefferson Counties. Participating institutions include the school districts of Cambridge, Deerfield, Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Johnson Creek, Lake Mills, Palmyra-Eagle, Sun Prairie, and Whitewater. Madison Area Technical College campuses at Truax, Fort Atkinson and Watertown are also be connected. Future plans include connecting Marshall, Waterloo, and Watertown high schools, as well as Madison Area Technical College in Portage.
This analog fiber optic network features two-way full motion video and audio via cable TV with data/Internet capability. The capacity of the interconnect is sufficient to carry 40 simultaneous full-motion teleconferences or collaborative instructional sessions, along with a full 10 Mbs Ethernet wide area computer network. This same analog-based fiber technology is also being used for the Indianapolis public schools, consisting of 95 separate buildings. JEDI obtained construction loans from the State DOA Land Management Fund.. Contact: Annette Stanley, Coordinator, 920-563-8306.
KSCADE NETWORK
The KSCADE group (K-12 Schools/College Alliance for Distance Education), established in 1998, is another subgroup of EastWING. Participating institutions for this network are Fox Valley Technical College, and the school districts of Appleton, Brillion, Chilton, Freedom, Hortonville, Iola-Scandinavia, Kaukauna, Kiel, Kimberly, Little Chute, Manawa, Menasha, Neenah, New London, Omro, Oshkosh, Shiocton, Stockbridge, Waupaca, Wautoma, Weyauwega-Fremont, Wild Rose, Winneconne, and Wrightstown. Other members include Oshkosh Area Catholic Educational System/Lourdes Academy and Xavier High School in Appleton. Contact: Mary Guyette, FVTC, 920-735-2507.
The KSCADE network implemented MPEG ATM technology, utilizing fiber optic two-way full-motion video, as well as a data connection for internet access at 10 Mbs.
LA CROSSE ITFS NETWORK
The LaCrosse ITFS Group was established in 1988. Participating institutions include the Hogan Administration Building and the La Crosse elementary schools of Emerson, Franklin, Hamilton, Hintgen, Jefferson, Lincoln, Logan, Longfellow, Roosevelt, Spence, State Road, Summit, and Southern Bluffs. The high schools connected include LaCrosse Central, LaCrosse Logan, Holmen, Onalaska and West Salem.
ITFS with cable TV to Holmen, Onalaska and WestSalem is used. This network employs one-way video and two-way audio via phone return. Contact: Ralph Whiting, La Crosse School District, Media Supervisor, 608-789-7638.
LAC NETWORK
The Lakeland Area Consortium is planned to include Lakeland Union High School and the Elementary schools of Minocqua, Lac du Flambeau, Mincqua/Hazelhurst, Lake Tomahawk, and North Lakeland.
Video Badgernet is used.
LAKESHORE TECHNICAL COLLEGE NETWORK
The Lakeshore network was established in 1985. Participating institutions include Lakeshore Technical College campuses at Cleveland, Manitowoc and Sheboygan, the School districts of Cedar Grove-Belgium, Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah, Howards Grove, Kiel, Manitowoc, Mishicot, Oostburg, Plymouth, Random Lake, Reedsville, Sheboygan, Two Rivers, and Valders. Also included are the Berlin Memorial Hospital, Calumet Medical Center at Chilton, Holy Family Memorial Hospital in Manitowoc, New London Family Medical Center, Rocky Knoll Health Care Center in Plymouth, St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac, St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton, St. Mary's Hospital Medical Center in Green Bay, St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan, Sheboygan Memorial Medical Center, Sunny Ridge Nursing Home in Manitowoc, and Waupun Memorial Hospital. The networks also connects the Fire Departments of Manitowoc, Plymouth, Sheboygan, Two Rivers and Valders. Business partners include Aldrich Chemical Company and Kohler Company.
The ITFS technology uses transmitters at Cato, Chilton, Green Bay, Green Lake, Oconto Falls and Sheboygan. Contact: Jim Malmberg, LTC, Administrator, 920-458-4183.
MARSHFIELD CLINICS NETWORK
The Marshfield Clinic network was established in 1994. Participating institutions include Marshfield Clinics at Eau Claire, Marshfield, and Rice Lake with plans to add others. The clinic is presently exploring an interconnect with WONDER.
Digital fiber optic, E-series full-motion video with switched audio is employed. Contact: Ed Korlesky, Director of Telecommunications, Marshfield Clinics, 715-387-5023.
MORAINE PARK TECHNICAL COLLEGE NETWORK
MPTC, established in 1996, has implemented a 16-channel full-motion analog inter-campus network. The network interconnects Moraine Park Technical College s Fond du Lac campus with the Beaver Dam and West Bend campuses. The network also connects to the Moraine Park Regional Centers located in the Mayville, Ripon and Hartford High Schools.
MPTC utilizes a combination of ITFS and analog fiber optic cable through a partnership with Marcus Cable to provide two-way, full-motion instructional video and audio and 10 Mbs ethernet and Internet. Contact: Marge Jeffers, MPTC, 920-924-3125.
NEWADE NETWORK
The North and East Wisconsin Alliance for Distance Education, also known as the Eastern Shores network, is a loose confederation comprising of Ashwaubenon, Brillion, Cedar Grove/Belgium, Denmark, De Pere, Elkhart Lake/Glenbeaulah, Freedom, Gibralter, Hilbert, Howard/Suamico, Howards Grove, Kewaunee, Kiel, Luxemnurg/Casco, Manitowoc, Mishicot, New Holstein, North Fond du Lac, Oakfield, Plymouth, Pulaski, Random Lake, Reedsville, Ripon, Sevastopol, Sheboygan, Sheboygan Falls, Southern Door, Sturgeon Bay, Two Rivers, Valders and Wrightstown school districts, as well as the Brown County Library, Fallen Timbers Environment Center, Fox Valley Technical College, Lakeshore Technical College, Neville Public Museum, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, UW-Green Bay and UW-Oshkosh.
NEWADE is investigating combining ITFS and microwave technologies. Contact: Roxanne Nys, NEWTEC, 920-492-2678.
NEWTEC NETWORK
The Northeast Wisconsin Telecommunications Education Consortium was established in 1987. Participating institutions include CESA 7, the school districts of Denmark, Freedom, Gibraltar, Green Bay, Kewaunee, Kiel, Luxemburg/Pulaski, Manitowoc, Marinette, Mayville, New Holstein, Oakfield, Random Lake, Reedsville, Ripon, Sheboygan and Wrightstown.
The technology used is ITFS (one-way video, two-way audio via telephone), which employs transmitters at Cato, Chilton, Green Bay, Green Lake, Oconto Falls and Fond du Lac. Contact: Roxann Nys, Director, 920-492-2678.
NICOLET AREA TECHNICAL COLLEGE NETWORK
The Nicolet network was established in 1995. The participating institutions include the Nicolet Area Technical College Lake Julia campus in Rhinelander and the Lakeland campus in Minoqua.
ITFS and fiber optic cables are used. Contact: Beth Dailey, NATC, 715-356-6753.
NORTHERN LIGHTS NETWORK
In 1997, Nicolet Area Technical College Network, in cooperation with area K-12s, formed a consortium to establish the Nicolet Distance Education Network (NDEN), (later changed to Northern Lights), with NATC being the lead institution. Participating institutions include CESA 9, Department of Natural Resources, Forest County Potowatomi, and the school districts of Beecher/Dunbar/Pembine, Crandon, Elcho, Goodman/Armstrong, Laona, Niagra, Phelps, Tomahawk and Wabeno.
The NDEN network utilizes full-motion digital fiber optic Grass Valley J-Series video with continuous view. Contact: Virginia Metzdorf, NATC, 715-365-4685.
NWECS NETWORK
The NWECS Network (the Northern Wisconsin Educational Communications System) was established in 1992 and became operational shortly after ERVING. This network serves elementary schools and institutions of higher education in the CESA 11 and CESA 12 areas of northwest Wisconsin. The CESA 12 school districts represented are Ashland, Bayfield, Drummond, South Shore, Superior, Washburn and Winter. Higher education campuses are included at Lac Court Oreilles, UW-Superior, and Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College campuses at Ashland, New Richmond, Rice Lake, Shell Lake and Superior.
To reduce costs, NWECS utilizes single DS-3 full-motion video with switched audio interconnects with a "scanned" control system. This system, which is also Grass Valley based, alternately connects each classroom for approximately 10 seconds, then moves on to the next classroom in the sequence. Wisconsin Indianhead Technical Colleges use the network for voice and data applications. Contact: David Johnson, Director, 715-682-2363 x154.
ORBIT NETWORK
The Oakfield Rosendale-Brandon Interactive Technology network intends to implement a two-way video and audio fiber optic connection. Contact: Paul Dix, Oakfield School District, 920-583-3141
PACKERNET
The PackerNet consortium will consist of the Brown County public and private K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions.
Currently, the network is investigating two-way interactive full-motion video technology. Contact: Roxann Nys, Director, 920-492-2678.
PenNet
The Peninsula Network is planning an alliance of schools that include NWTC, St. Norbert College and the school districts of Algoma, Gibralter, Kewaunee, Pulaski, Sevastopol, Southern Door, Sturgeon Bay, Washington.
Video Badgernet is used.
PROJECT CIRCUIT
The Project Circuit Network was the first of the educational networks in Wisconsin, being established in 1979. It connects eight school districts in Trempealeau and Jackson counties including Arcadia, Blair-Taylor, Eleva-Strum, Galesville/Ettrick/Trempealeau, Independence, Lincoln, Osseo-Fairchild, and Whitehall using a microwave backbone and cable-TV technology provided by Western Wisconsin Communications Cooperative.
The technology used is analog two-way full-motion video and audio with continuous view. Each school has their own dedicated channel on the system. No far end control is provided, and no switching is required. The Project Circuit system has been highly successful in demonstrating that distance education can be utilized in rural areas. Project Circuit is now researching methods to increase capacity and membership Alternatives are being researched for funding an upgrade to the studio equipment, adding a second channel, and migrating to a fiber backbone (replacing the microwave links). Contact: Sam Boynton, CESA 10, 715-720-2033.
SCING NETWORK
The South Central Instructional Network Group was established in 1993. Participating institutions include high schools at Adams-Friendship, Barneveld, Mauston, Necedah, Pardeeville, Portage, Randolph, River Valley (Spring Green), and the CESA 5 office in Portage. Other members include the Madison Area Technical College campuses at Portage, Reedsburg and Truax. Programs for the networks are provided by the Department of Natural Resources, Mid-State Technical College campuses, UW-La Crosse, UW-Stevens Point, Viterbo College, and Western Wisconsin Technical College.
The network uses digital fiber optic, E-series two-way full-motion video and audio and a scanning system with continuous audio. This network expanded in 1996 and added hubs in Mauston and Marshfield. As part of this reconfiguration, the network uses the Marshfield master switch (installed for WONDER) instead of the Portage master switch originally used. New network endpoints included Mid-State campuses in Stevens Point, Wisconsin Rapids, Adams, and Marshfield, as well as K-12 districts in Black River Falls, New Lisbon, and Royall. SCING interconnects with other consortiums such as NWECS, WestWING, NEWTEC and WONDER. The network has implemented a connection with WiscNet for Internet access, which is available to all endpoints (at T-1 data rates) for an additional charge. Contact: Joan Spillner, Director, 608-742-8811 X 283.
SRTNC NETWORK
The Southwest Rural Telecommunications Network Consortium, established in 1997, includes most of the school districts in the CESA 3 area of southwest Wisconsin., Participating institutions include CESA 3, UW-Platteville and Southwest Wisconsin Technical College. Participating K-12 school districts include Black Hawk in South Wayne, Cuba City, Darlington, Iowa/Grant in Livingston, Mineral Point, Platteville, Riverdale in Muscoda, Shullsburg, and Southwestern Wisconsin in Hazel Green.
The SRTNC Network uses J-Series digital fiber optic connections. Contact: Clark Jillson, Director, 608-822-3276.
SW WISCONSIN DISTANCE EDUCATION USER GROUP
The Southwest Wisconsin Distance Education User Group was established in 1987. Participating institutions include CESA 3 and high schools at Barneveld, Benton, Cassville, Cuba City, Darlington, Dodgeville, Southwestern Wisconsin in Hazel Green, Highland, Lancaster, Iowa/Grant in Livingston, Mineral Point, Riverdale in Muscoda, Platteville, Potosi, and Prairie du Chien. Other members include Sinsinawa Mound Center, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, Lands End, UW-Extension in Grant County and UW-Platteville.
ITFS technology is used, along with some cable employing one way video and two-way audio via the CESA telephone network. This group has also connected with SRTNC, a two-way video network. Contact: Tom Moffett, SWTC, 608-822-3262; Terri Iverson, CESA 3, 608-822-3276.
STATE TELEPHONE AND CONSOLIDATED DATA NETWORK
STS and CDN are voice and data services provided to educational institutions and State agencies by the Department of Administration. CDN includes such networks as CentersNet, WiscNet, and the State Lottery network.
SWI4NG
The Southeast Wisconsin Instructional Information Internet Interactive Network Group consists of the school districts of Delavan-Darien, East Troy, Elkhorn, Kenosha, Lake Geneva-Genoa, Walworth, Waterford, Williams Bay and Wilmot. Gateway Technical College is also a member, and is planning on connecting its campuses at Elkhorn, Kenosha and Racine. UW-Parkside and UW-Whitewater are also included, along with Carthage College in Kenosha.
Full motion Tektronix technology is used.
TRITON NETWORK
The Three Rivers Instructional Telecommunications Operational Networkwas established in 1996. The network includes Saint Norbert College, CESA 8, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College campuses in Green Bay, Marinette and Sturgeon Bay. Also included are the school districts of Coleman, Crivitz, Gillette, Lena, Oconto, Oconto Falls, Peshtigo, Suring, and Wausaukee.
TRITON uses the network for two-way, full motion video based on Grass Valley J-series codecs, as well as internet access. Contact: Kaye Lietz, CESA 8, 920-855-2114 x229.
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN - MILWAUKEE NETWORK
The UWM network was established in 1972. Features of this network today include Internet access via the Omnifest community network, access to the Milwaukee County Federated Library System and the Milwaukee (city) Public Libraries, and instructional teleconference courses. Participating institutions include Badger Meter, Brookfield Central High School, Briggs & Stratton Corporation, Cedarburg High School, City of Milwaukee Health Department, Civic Center, Cooper Power Systems Division, Eaton Corporation, First Bank Milwaukee, GE Medical, Greendale High School, Johnson Controls, Kohler Company Training Center, Lakeshore Technical College, Marquette University, Metrovision, Milwaukee Courthouse, Milwaukee Metro Sewerage District, Molded Dimensions, Inc., S.C. Johnson Wax, School District of Waukesha/South High School, Shorewood Schools, Sussex Hamilton High School, U.S. Forest Service, UW-Waukesha, Viacom Warner, Warner Cable, Wauwatosa East High School, West Allis School Administration Building, W.H. Brady, and Whitefish Bay High School.
ITFS one-way video, two-way audio via phone return is employed. Contact: Christine Marshall, UWM, Manager, 414-229-5476.
UNIVERSITY/STATE OF WIS. VIDEOCONFERENCE NETWORK
The UW and Wisconsin State Agency teleconferencing sites were initially established in 1993. Participating institutions include the following:
Agency locations include the Department of Administration in Madison, Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Eau Claire, Health & Social Services Department in Madison and Lincoln Hills Juvenile Correction Facility at Irma, Department of Corrections in Waupun, Milwaukee Children's Court, State Capitol, Insurance Commissioner, Governor's Office in Madison, Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection in Madison, and the Department of Public instruction. These sites are not available to the public.
Agency expansion sites include the State Office Buildings of Hill Farms in Madison, Milwaukee, Eau Claire, Waukesha, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin Rapids, Wausau, La Crosse and Rhinelander, as well as the Department of Transportation in Superior and Rice Lake.
UW locations include: UW Extension at Radio Hall in Madison, UW-Extension Wisconsin Center, UW System Administration, UW Hospitals and Clinics in Madison, Grainger Hall in Madison, UW-Engineering in Madison, UW-La Crosse, UW-Platteville (2 locations), UW-Green Bay, UW-Eau Claire, UW-Superior, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Parkside, UW-Extension in Rhinelander, UW-River Falls, UW-Stevens Point, UW-Stout, UW- Whitewater, UW-Milwaukee, UW-Centers (Madison). Plus delivery to worldwide sites upon application.
The dial-up compressed video supported by this network utilizes ISDN lines at up to 336/384 kbps. Two-way video and audio is available at all sites. Contact: Marcia Baird, UW-Extension, Instructional Communications Systems, 608-262-3465.
WADEN
The members of the Wisconsin Association of Distance Education Networks include directors from over 40 Wisconsin consortia. The Association was created in 1997 to collaborate network efforts regarding distance education course offerings/scheduling, as well as coordinate programs and meetings.
WANUC/NTC NETWORK
Wausau Area Narrowcast User s Consortium And Northcentral Technical College Network was established in 1987. Participating institutions include UW-Stevens Point, Nicolet Area Technical College, all campuses of Northcentral Technical College (Antigo, Medford, Stevens Point, Wausau and Wittenberg), and the school districts of Abbotsford, Antigo, Athens, Edgar, Irma, Marathon, Merrill, Schofield, Spencer, Stratford, Tomahawk, Wausau and Wittenberg/Birnamwood.
CWETN is interconnected with WANUC/NTC. The NTC system works in combination with ITFS transmitters operated by WECB. They have plans to connect to WONDER. ITFS and point-to-point microwave is used to deliver full-motion video. Contact: Barb Cummings, NTC, 715-675-3331 x4056.
WESTERN WISCONSIN TECHNICAL COLLEGE NETWORK
The WWTC inter-campus network was established in 1984. Participating sites include the WWTC campuses at Black River Falls, Independence, La Crosse, Mauston, Tomah, and Viroqua.
Microwave and coaxial cable links between La Crosse and Independence campuses are used. A T-1 circuit has been installed between LaCrosse and the Black River Falls, Mauston, Tomah and Viroqua campuses for use by compressed video and computer data. These links use 22 DS-0 circuits for the compressed video and 2 DS-0s for computer data. VTEL equipment and continuous audio are features of the system. A second T-1 to Tomah is used partially for desktop (PC) video, using 6 DS-0s (384 kbs, or quarter-T-1); the remainder is used for high-speed Internet access. Possible future T-1 sites include Sparta and another line to Independence.
WWTC has a connection to WONDER. Contact: Karen Gleason, WWTC, 608-785-9232.
WestWING NETWORK
The WestWING Network, established in 1994, is located in the west-central portion of the State. WestWING consists of a consortium of thirteen schools including UW-River Falls and Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College in New Richmond, as well as the high schools in Baldwin/Woodville, Barron, Boyceville, Cameron, Clear Lake, Osceola, Plum City, Sommerset, St. Croix Falls, Spring Valley, and Unity.
This network has been subsumed by the IDEAL Network.
WIN NETWORK
The Wisconsin Indianhead Network was established in 1992. Participating institutions include: Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College in Rice Lake, the school districts of Bruce, Ladysmith/Hawkins, Lake Holcombe, Flambeau High School in Tony, and Weyerhaeuser.
ITFS two-way video and audio is used between WITC Rice Lake and Ladysmith school district. One-way video and two-way audio via phone return is utilized between all other sites. Contact: Sam Boynton, Director, 715-720-2033.
WIN BRIGHTNET
WIN Brightnet is a local exchange dial-up and dedicated Internet access network sponsored by 21 independent telephone companies in rural north and west Wisconsin. Contact: http://badger.win.bright.net.
WISLINE
WisLine was established in 1982 by UW-Extension to answer the need for dial-up multi-party audio conference calling. Participating institutions include any location with telephone access.
Telephone conference call service is provided with two-way audio through a central audio bridge in Madison. Contact: Marcia Baird, Director, Instructional Communications Systems, 608-262-3465.
WISCNET
WiscNet is a non-profit association of colleges, universities, public schools, businesses, and other organizations created to gain Internet access and to take full advantage of the net by sharing information and services electronically.
WiscNet is also the name of the network created to deliver these services. WiscNet offers full Internet access, enabling the use of electronic mail, Usenet news, gopher servers, the World Wide Web, and much more.
WiscNet serves only the state of Wisconsin and nearby communities. Access is available through membership in the WiscNet association, through an associate membership sponsored by a WiscNet member, or via subscription to the WiscNet Dial service. Currently, WiscNet has about 65 members, 12 associate members, and more than 600 dial subscribers, and is growing rapidly.
The WiscNet Association seeks membership from any Wisconsin organization, including business and industry. WiscNet's mission is to make quality access to the Internet available throughout the state. Contact: Shaun Abshere, UW-Extension 608-262-4877.
WISSAT NETWORK
WisSat was established in 1990. Participating institutions have installed satellite downlinks at 75 sites throughout the State, including all UW-Extension county offices and the UW-Extension in Madison.
Satellite one-way video and two-way audio via phone or dedicated STS line is utilized. Contact: Terry Gibson, UW-Extension, Cooperative Extension: 608-262-4877.
WISVIEW NETWORK
WisView was established in 1970. Participating institutions include 28 dedicated sites at each of the UW institutions throughout the State, plus delivery to business partners and worldwide sites.
The technology employed uses AudioGraphics, two-way graphics and interactive audio on POTS voice-grade lines. AudioGraphics is a work-place educational delivery system pioneered by UW-Extension's ICS division to provide multi-media connectivity to locations which do not have digital service or dedicated wideband access. This technology is focused on a collaborative "white board" activated by multiple voice-grade lines. This system is gradually being phased out in favor of ISDN connectivity which is envisioned to be used at the computer desktop. Contact: Marcia Baird, UW-Extension, Instructional Communications Systems, 608-262-3465.
WITS TELECONFERENCING NETWORK
Wisconsin s Independent Telephone companies, through their trade organization Wisconsin Independent Telecommunications Systems, offer occasional-use teleconferencing services to businesses and educational users at several locations throughout the State, including Madison, Green Bay, Wausau and Portage. Customers may utilize completely equipped teleconference rooms on a reserved basis. Contact: Todd Howard, WITS Inc. 608-244-4600
WONDER NETWORK
The Wisconsin Overlay Distance Education Resources Network began planning in 1992 and was fully operational in 1995. Members of the consortium include UW-Eau Claire, UW-La Crosse, UW-River Falls, UW-Stevens Point, UW-Stout in Menomonie, Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire, Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton, Northcentral Technical College in Wausau and Western Wisconsin Technical College in La Crosse.
WONDER uses digital fiber optic Grass Valley E-series full-motion video codecs, modified for quad-split, continuous audio, and T-1 overhead usage. Special modifications to the control system and the scheduling software as made by WONDER have since been incorporated into Grass Valley s standard product offering. The network is the most geographically extensive in the state, extending from LaCrosse to Eau Claire to Wausau to Appleton. WONDER utilizes an advanced AMX control system to provide increased functionality for the instructor. Utilizing the tandem switch in Eau Claire, WONDER frequently conducts video conferences at many of the UW compressed sites such as Madison, Milwaukee and Superior via the NWECS network, and is interconnected with SCING and WestWING. WONDER has plans to upgrade to J-series codecs, which will provide a 3-to-1 capacity improvement. Contact: Bob Hannu, Director, NTC, 715-675-3331 x4051.
WWLEARN NETWORK
Schools in the CESA 4/La Crosse area established the Western Wisconsin Linked Education and Resource Network in 1998. Participating institutions include CESA 4, Western Wisconsin Technical College, and the school districts of Bangor, Cashton, DeSoto, Hillsboro, Holmen, La Crosse, Norwalk, Onalaska, Ontario, Sparta, Viroqua, West Salem and Westby.
WWLEARN implemented a fiber optic two-way full-motion video with data capabilities. Contact: Carol Popelka, CESA 4, 608-789-4659.
WTCN NETWORK
The Wisconsin Technical Colleges Network plans to interconnect all of the Wisconsin Technical Colleges: Blackhawk, Chippewa Valley, Fox Valley, Gateway, Lakeshore, Madison Area, Mid-State, Milwaukee Area, Moraine Park, Nicolet, Northcentral, Northeast Wisconsin, Southwest Wisconsin, Waukesha County, Western Wisconsin and Wisconsin Indianhead.
The technology used will be a digital fiber optic J-Series two-way full-motion video and continuous audio. Most technical colleges in Wisconsin already have networks interconnecting their own campuses employing full-motion video. Future plans would implement an upgrade to compressed video and data to link all the technical college networks statewide.
For more information please contact:
Evans Associates
210 South Main Street
Thiensville, Wisconsin 53092
(262)242-6000
fax: (262)242-6045
http://www.evansassoc.com
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