Maine Distance Learning Project Overview

About the Maine Distance Learning Project

The Maine Distance Learning Project ATM^* network connects 91 sites located all around the state of Maine. Videoconferencers involved in an ATM session are able to see and hear participants located in the same room and participants who are at remote sites. An event moderator at the originating site can control cameras at all sites in the session. Each ATM room offers the ability to display documents, slides, videos, and computerized files such as PowerPoint presentations.

For further information, contact Anne Perloff at anne.perloff@maine.edu or (207) 561-3584.

The purpose of the Maine Distance Learning Project is to provide Maine students the opportunity to reach the high standards of Maine’s Learning Results, through the use of a fully interactive MPEG2 video classroom network, (also known by the initials ATM^*) that links high school classrooms and other sites across the state.

Increased access to programming is critical to ensure all students have equal opportunity to content regardless of location. All of the State of Maine technology initiatives are based on equity of access and of equity level of state/federal, and other support.

This program is fully interoperable with H.320 (ISDN), H.323 (IP), and I2 technologies, providing access and resources to high schools across the state as well as outside of the state of Maine.

* ATM stands for Asynchronous Transfer Mode, the method by which data is transmitted on the Maine School and Library Network, a broadband fiber-optic communications system that connects public schools, and public libraries across the state.

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The Maine Distance Learning Project is a robust network rich with opportunities for serving Maine learners of all ages.

Secondary school students at the state's high schools and secondary technical schools, other states, and around the world can share and access coursework and resources that might not be available in their local school. Examples of how the program is utilized include advanced placement courses, high-level math such as calculus and statistics, sciences such as physics and anatomy courses, foreign languages such as ASL, Spanish, French and German, and specialized low attendance courses. Programming includes regular coursework and special events such as guest presenters or virtual trips to distance venues.

Teachers and other education professionals use the system for the on-going training and professional development necessary to meet the challenges of serving Maine students now and in the future. Training and conversations for content-area and grade-level and focused resources are easily shared via the system.

Many of Maine's institutes of higher education provide undergraduate and graduate level course work to students who due to distance might not be able to participate in training required for various degree programs, and for practicing teachers and other educators needing re-certification.

Civil service agencies such as firefighters and emergency medical personnel conduct vital training statewide using the state's distance learning facilities.

State and local governments representatives and agencies use the network for public hearings, for continued training and development, and other necessary meetings.

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The Maine Distance Learning Project provides a network for K-12 students courses, in-service work, regional meetings and other forms of distance learning. The network also serves as a high capacity data pipeline.

The ATM network links ninety-one sites across Maine, and provides Maine's citizens with access to an unprecedented instructional and communications system. All high schools in Aroostook County and Washington County, the most rural and isolated parts of the state, are part of the network.

The infrastructure and classroom equipment is provided by proceeds from a $15 million bond issue and funding for ongoing network, support, service maintenance is provided through a combination of general fund appropriation, the Maine Telecommunication Education Access Fund, local school unit expenditures, and Federal E-Rate. Verizon provides and services the data and video switches, Brookside Technologies provides and services the video classroom equipment, and UMS/ITS (the University of Maine System Information Technology Services department) provides the networking and helpdesk services.

The system is interoperable with other standards-based videoconferencing formats, such as Polycom and ITV. This feature results in access for and connections between hundreds of other sites/classrooms across the state and countless more across the nation and around the world. School systems and regions can connect all of their schools using different kinds of appropriate and affordable technology. Other sites are not limited to the technology hardware or transport that is used in the MDLP.

The ATM network is fully integrated with each of the other technology projects established in the state of Maine. One such project is Maine's Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) - also commonly know as the Maine Laptop Initiative - which is a nationally recognized program with the goal of equipping all 7th and 8th grade students and teachers in Maine with 1:1 access to portable high quality, high capacity computing tools. Another technology initiative is the Bill and Melinda Gates Leading to Change Grant, also know as the Gates Leadership Grant.

The ATM network is also becoming a vital tool for providing quality governmental services to all Maine's citizens. Many agencies of state government use the system for training and communication on an on-going basis.

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The Distance Learning Network will continue with deployment to all proposed sites.

A variety of training and professional development opportunities in the use of the system will continue to be developed, enhanced and provided for educators and other citizens.

Course development in the area of advanced placement and high-level courses will be explored by the Department of Education in conjunction with the Regional Educational Services team members.

Technical assistance will be provided to public schools regarding data collection, management, and program evaluation.

Collaboration and coordination will be increased with other post secondary institutions and adult education offerings.

Other instructional content will be coordinated throughout the Distance Learning Stakeholder's Group and other entities in state and out-of-state.

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