NEW!! An instructional Quicktime video is available here
To provide access to, and distribute academic programs originating from Minnesota State University, Mankato to remote learning groups located through out the state of Minnesota.
Interactive Television serves an effective and useful function in the educational delivery system. The term "interactive television" means simply two or more (multi point) links between distant (many miles apart) classrooms. This connection takes place using full motion, real time audio and video communication. The obvious educational advantage of a two-way interactive system is that learners can participate in specialized classed offered from higher education facilities without traveling great distances. Interactive television is a viable means of enhancing the curriculum and providing programming that otherwise wouldn't be available to students and teachers. The potential of Interactive Television is limited only to the imagination and vision of those using it. Digital and fiber optic technology has broken down the barrier of distance in education, and has provided a new educational options and opportunities for learners of all ages. Minnesota has been using interactive television since 1980. The first site was a cluster of schools surrounding Eagle Bend, which were funded by a local grant from the Council on Quality Education. Today, fiber optics/digital has been chosen as the mode of transmission systems simply because of expandability and flexibility. Currently, at least one location at each Minnesota K12 school district has interactive facilities, and all higher education campuses are accessible through interactive television technology. The ability to connect world wide also exists though the use of networked providers.
