Iowa Distance Education Alliance :
Continuation and Expansion of the
Iowa Communications Network
Statewide Fiber Optic Demonstration

Year 12 -- October 1, 2004 to September 30, 2005

Project Abstract

This project demonstrates and supports the use of a statewide telecommunications network for K-12 education. Iowa 's network, called the Iowa Communications Network (ICN), provides full-motion, two-way interactive video, data (Internet), and long distance voice services. Of the ICN's current 773 video classrooms, 401 are at K-12 schools, 16 are at regional K-12 service agencies, and 170 are at higher education institutions.

Project goals:
1). Iowa elementary and middle school educators and students will be supported in distance learning technologies through access to ICN video and data resources,
2). Project management and evaluation will document the impact of, and provide direction to, activities of the project.

Anticipated project outcomes:
1). PK-8 schools will have additional resources to expand and continue access to ICN video and data services.

Contact: Dr. Pamela Pfitzenmaier
Phone: (515) 281-4750
Fax: (515) 281-7700
Email: pam.pfitzenmaier@iowa.gov
Service Area: Iowa

Goal #1: Iowa elementary and middle school educators and students will be supported in distance learning technologies through access to Iowa Communications Network (ICN) video and data resources.

Activity 1.1 Provide resources to public elementary and middle schools to increase telecommunications access for Internet and desktop videoconferencing services through the ICN.

Goal #2: Project management and evaluation will document the impact of, and provide direction to, project activities.

Activity 2.1 Project management staff will provide coordination and facilitation for all grant activities.

Activity 2.2 The evaluation team will collect, analyze and report data to support all aspects of the evaluation plan.