WVIZ/PBS is uniquely positioned to provide Interactive Distance Learning Coordination to the communities of Northeastern Ohio. Our credentials include:
Years of multiple channel programming
WVIZ/PBS's education and public service mission is pursued by offering opportunities for lifelong learning though cost effective technology based programs. WVIZ/PBS has a rich history and tradition of bringing content to both the schools and community of Northeastern Ohio. As an Instructional Technology Agency, WVIZ/PBS provides quality video, computer, and distance learning services to schools ranging from Ashtabula County to Sandusky Ohio.
WVIZ/PBS is experienced in distance learning. Initially as a county superintendent, WVIZ/PBS's Educational Services Director, Dr. Neil Johnson implemented the state of Ohio's first distance learning network in Gallia County. Then as Superintendent of Brecksville Broadview Heights School District Dr. Johnson was instrumental in the formation of Cuyahoga Counties' distant learning network NOTA and became its first Chairperson. Roy Norris, who helped to make Columbiana County's distance learning network one of Ohio's premier networks now serves as WVIZ/PBS' Chief of Educational Technology.
WVIZ/PBS is a member of the eTech Telecommunity network known as NOTA. As a member of this two-way interactive video network we provide schools with up to two thirds of its programming including live ACT/SAT test preparation courses, a career exploration series, and many satellite download opportunities. Additionally, WVIZ/PBS acts as a patch through from the state SOMAC network to the NOTA network. With this capability many students in the area have been among the first in the state to be able to participate with zoos, museums, and other content providers.
WVIZ has four different video conferencing / distance learning systems. We have conferencing areas with room sizes that facilitate conferences from 4 to 200 attendees.
As a leader in distance learning, WVIZ/PBS is among the first educational agencies in the state to install asynchronous transmission mode (ATM) video conferencing equipment. ATM is an emerging commercial technology, which has been used for years by phone companies to provide long distance high bandwidth communications between cities. Using one circuit these companies could send many different types of information down the same "pipe". Now many schools and business are discovering ATM as a method of integrating voice, video, and data over a single transmission line.
WVIZ/PBS Educational Services has a staff which works directly with schools to provide technology services and the department regularly provides staff development on technology to educators and content providers.
The WVIZ/PBS, NOTA, and CSU has partnered on offering two University courses on distance learning and there is currently discussion to cooperatively offer a masters in distance learning to create a larger pool of qualified employees in the distance learning area.
Demonstrating WVIZ/PBS ability to provide bandwidth for both video and Internet, WVIZ/PBS has a broadband DS3 connection to the state of Ohio multi-agency communications (OMAC) network. We also have four separate T1's with two that have Internet access. A T1 is equivalent to 24 phone lines and a DS3 is equivalent to 28 T1 lines. Thus a DS3 circuit is equivalent to 672 phone lines.
WVIZ/PBS's website has been used for providing free information to schools. It is a site that is rich with educational material and would be a natural reservoir where teachers could come to cross reference both the state models and proficiency test objectives for interactive video content providers.
WVIZ/PBS has a track record of technological entrepreneurialship and has been an ISP providing email, Internet access, and web page hosting to schools for over 5 years.
Television station that can drive teachers and general public to portal where they can take advantage of Interactive Distance Learning (IDL).
WVIZ/PBS has a history of educational collaborative efforts. In cooperation with Cuyahoga Community College, Lakeland Community College, Lorain County Community College, and Cleveland State University, WVIZ/PBS is currently the national leader in courses broadcast for credit with over 4,000 students registered.
