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Broadband network moves Extension into fast(er) lane Iowa State University Extension is moving into the fast(er) lane. Extension’s county offices across the state are being hooked up to a new T-1 level broadband network service. By the end of May, each county office will be able to tap into this system. “The new network will have a very positive impact on Extension’s ability to collaborate, deliver education and support its organization,” said Floyd Davenport, ISU Extension information technology officer. This isn’t your father’s network. In fact, it’s more like your grandchild’s future. Full T-1 connectivity moves data 1.544 megabits per second, which roughly equals 3,000 pages of text each minute. (A dial-up modem can transfer about two pages per second.) Virgil Schmitt, an ISU Extension crops specialist, is excited about the educational possibilities that the network has to offer. He envisions using video streaming to do real-time programming in the eight counties he serves in eastern Iowa. “I think we’ll have the opportunities to do distance education a little more easily. You can efficiently serve small groups of people in local venues. I think there will be many instances in which we can serve clients where they are at a low cost and give them quality information and education,” Schmitt said. Programming will be able to originate and be received at any of the 100 county offices or on the ISU campus. Video streaming also will allow ISU Extension to collaborate with other extension services across the nation, adding to the resources that will be available to clientele. In addition, staff can use the network for meetings and work groups, saving on travel time and expenses. Jennifer Hoy, ISU Extension education director for Wapello County, sees the broadband network as a means of increasing service to clientele. “It simplifies our job so we can provide answers quickly. With videoconferencing we can contact a specialist in another county and communicate with him or her right there at the time.”
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The Extension Connection is a quarterly publication of Iowa State University Extension. Laura Sternweis, editor, lsternwe@iastate.edu Nondiscrimination statement and information disclosures Last update: April 2004 MORE NEWS * Quick response to BSE issue reaches nationwide audience * Funding boosts entrepreneurism * Universal design kitchen: One kitchen can fit all * 4-H builds leaders for the future * Child care campaign focuses on quality |
Extension
specialist Virgil Schmitt looks forward to the educational possibilities
that Extension’s new broadband network has to offer. 