Picturetel introduces ipower-based learning
By 5 Sept 2001 | 05 Sep 2001
Mumbai: Picturetel Corp, the world leader in integrated collaboration, today announced the introduction of three iPower-based solutions designed to meet the rapidly escalating
requirement for distance learning technology. The solutions feature the iPower architecture, developed with Intel, that combines videoconferencing, the PC, and the Internet to deliver intuitive, media-rich remote communications.
The solutions include an award-winning PictureTel 600 series or PictureTel 900 Series codec, monitors, white board capabilities, and lockable cart. The solutions are designed to enable educational programs, K-12 classes, secondary education, and corporate training environments to overcome traditional obstacles to distance learning, including mobility and the ability to effectively re-create the in-person classroom experience. Teacher''s lesson materials are delivered more efficiently and student responses are immediate.
PictureTel''s iPower technology enables teachers and students, whether they are in the same room or remote, to collectively and easily share files, applications, work on an electronic white board, and browse the Internet, offering the same resources and interactions as the in-person classroom. Additionally, the technology significantly expands the educator''s ability to harness remote experts for special sessions, contributing to a more diverse and higher-quality learning experience.
In addition to the world''s best audio and video quality, PictureTel''s iPower offers a familiar Windows interface, and simple, yet powerful information sharing capabilities. PC-based, iPower solutions easily incorporate many of the PC applications students must master. Whether it is Microsoft Word or an Internet browser, remotely located students simply access the application during a videoconference call, work hand-in-hand with an instructor, and receive instant, real-time feedback on lessons learned.
"Technology has always had a profound effect on the delivery of education," said Ron Bertanzi, vice president, worldwide enterprise solutions, PictureTel. "But as educational needs have changed and the sometimes overwhelming array of technologies has increased educational institutions often have a difficult time piecing together the technologies needed to maximize classroom effectiveness. The PictureTel Learning Solutions take the guesswork out of buying technology. We have very carefully identified those components that will best meet the needs of the classroom whether a traditional classroom or distance learning environment."
"Educational institutions will seldom dedicate more than one room to a fixed distance learning technology solution. That room becomes a shared space, like a library or dedicated a/v multimedia room," said Dr. Rod Ham, associate director, Center for Distance Learning Research at Texas A&M University. "Teachers and students must pick up and move to this room, taking them out of their normal learning environment and potentially disrupting the learning process. PictureTel''s Learning Solutions are mobile, enabling students to remain in their familiar classroom. Mobility also ensures schools and businesses maximize their investment by leveraging the technology throughout the organization."
Availability and Pricing
PictureTel''s Learning Solutions are available today from PictureTel''s resellers and partners around the world. Pricing starts at less that $16,000 (U.S. list price). Customers also have the choice of selecting additional peripherals including document cameras, projectors, white boards, and video cassette recorders.