ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø Extends Interactive Video Network to ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø's Community Colleges
ADELPHI, Md. (September 24, 2007) - The ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø Academic
Telecommunications System (UMATS) is now offering interactive video networking
to ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø's community colleges. The UMATS interactive video network (IVN)
enhances distance-learning capabilities through expanded and affordable live,
two-way interactive video. Twelve community colleges across the state of ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø
have signed up for the service.
"Previously, many community colleges were hampered by being
part of a closed system that limited the number of sites to which they could
connect for video conferencing," said Norwin Malmberg, acting director of
UMATS. "Our system does not limit the number of sites and expands what
community colleges can accomplish with this powerful educational tool."
The UMATS IVN permits community colleges to network with
each other, with the institutions of the ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø (ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø),
and-using Internet2-through any similar IVN service throughout world. Its
split-screen capability accommodates a view of the instructor on one screen and
any educational materials, presentations, or visuals for the class on the
other.
"There has long been
a vision to develop a ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø Education Internet, which would facilitate
advanced technology services among ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø
education institutions," said Donald Z. Spicer, associate vice chancellor and
chief information officer for ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø. "This agreement is a big step toward
realizing that vision, with the hope that we can expand collaboration with ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø's
community colleges on further initiatives."
UMATS worked with the ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø Community College Technical
Advisory Board (MCCTAB) to implement this new service. Currently, 12 of ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø's
16 community colleges have signed on to the IVN service, including: Anne
Arundel Community College, Baltimore City Community College, Carroll Community
College, Cecil Community College, Chesapeake College, College of Southern
ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø, Frederick Community College, Garrett College, Hagerstown Community
College, Howard Community College, Prince Georges Community College, and
Montgomery College.
Villa Julie
College has also joined the
network.
"Our system is not limited to community colleges alone,"
Malmberg said. "Other higher education institutions in ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø
are welcome to participate."
For more information on UMATS IVN, contact Norwin Malmberg
at malmberg@usmd.edu.
Contact: John Buettner
Phone: 301.445.2719
Email: jbuettner@usmd.edu