Distance Learning Solutions

MAI knows that Distance Learning is not Video Conferencing with a different name; rather, it is a separate skill set with different challenges, product choices and implementations. We recently had the chance to demonstrate our abilities in the state of Arizona, linking several community colleges, universities, K-12 schools and other educational providers together to make a statewide distance learning system. This comprehensive program, with a solution designed, implemented and managed by MAI, allows for virtually any teacher in the state system to instruct, interact and collaborate with the students, in real-time full-motion video and high quality sound, with no regard to the distances that separate them.

As part of a 7 year, $50 million project, MAI blended the expertise of a networking company with the capabilities of our seasoned distance learning group to create this comprehensive network, all to be managed out of the MAI NOC (Network Operations Center) in Virginia. MAI's NOC engineers maintain the connections 24 x 7 x 365, and work with professors, instructors, students and technical staff to ensure that the system is available for use at any time, for virtually any size class from 10 to 200 students.

For this network, MAI implemented many advanced features, such as:

· Automatic scheduling, for "Plug and Play" classes
· 3rd party and out-of-system conferencing capabilities, allowing others outside the system to participate
· Document cameras, providing the high-resolution display of almost any media or object
· Support for DVD/VCR players and PC applications, for external data and video streams
· High-Quality, low visibility microphones, for excellent sound characteristics
· Locator mats, allowing the camera to follow the instructor
· User-controlled touchpanels, giving full control to the instructor

MAI designed the network to run on a high-availability ATM network, with all connections managed for reliabilty and uptime. We chose Tandberg's Educator series for the distance learning equipment, teamed with AudioScience microphones for crystal clear sound. The individual classrooms were professionally installed by MAI’s qualified engineers, specific to room dimensions and acoustics, to ensure a quality installation that would last for years.

Let MAI create a Distance Learning or Video Conferencing solution for you today!