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Oregon University System: Video Connection in Higher Education
8/22/2003
One of the primary goals of the Oregon state university system is to ensure
that graduates are prepared to meet the demands of today’s global economy.
This enormous task becomes even more complicated when coupled with a student
population spread across a rural area.
To meet the challenge, the Oregon university system, which comprises eight universities,
65,000 students, and 15,000 staff and faculty, is leveraging interactive video
communications technology. While distance learning is the main application of
the university system’s video conferencing network, it is also used extensively
for administrative purposes including meetings, administrative and professor
interviews, and student job interviews.
Video in Action
“Our goal is to provide the most complete educational experience to every
student through the use of video conferencing technology,” explains Lynn
Weingardt, enhanced communications network engineer for the Oregon university
system. “We must be able to meet the unique and diverse needs of each
department. Whether they need to communicate between campuses or half-way around
the world, we must ensure that the connections happen.”
The university system is currently using Polycom’s ViewStation 512 group
video conferencing systems to facilitate its distance learning program and is
in the process of deploying Polycom’s ViaVideo desktop video communications
appliances.
”Our goal is to provide the most complete educational experience to every student through the use of video conferencing technology.“
The Polycom systems are used frequently for conventional distance learning applications
like the Health Science University’s master’s nursing program. The
program is based at the main campus in Portland, but students in outlying areas
are able to take the classes via video.
The equipment is also leveraged to facilitate face-to-face communication in
unique situations. “There have been many cases where the university needed
to interview an applicant or a student needed to interview with a potential
employer and travel was not feasible,” says Weingardt. “Instead
of a telephone call as the only alternative, we were able to facilitate face-to-face
meetings through video.”
Looking to the Future
The university system is committed to leveraging leading-edge technology to
deliver the highest quality education to its student population. It is currently
making plans to expand its distance learning program and is also working to
involve K-12 schools and community colleges in the network.
Lynn Weingardt (lynn.weingardt@oregonstate.edu) is enhanced communications networks
engineer, Oregon University System at Oregon State University.
Lynn Weingardt is enhanced communications networks engineer, Oregon University System at Oregon State University.
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