Distance Education and Technology

One of the five components of the Governor's TEACH Wisconsin initiative is providing telecommunications access subsidies for video services. These services could be delivered by two-way interactive networks, by T1 compressed video equipment, or by other video transport means. Some add the Internet as a growing source of distance learning activities. 

The state has approximately 55 "distance education networks." A distance education network is characterized by educational and nonprofit institutions which have organized for the purpose of sharing educational resources using interactive telecommunications technologies. Networks consist of PK-12 school districts, CESAs, Technical Colleges, UW and private college campuses, prisons or jails, state agencies, local, county and federal government units, hospitals and local health centers, local fire departments, a public library, and several businesses across the state. This number does NOT include the major statewide Technical College Network just coming on board. 

These networks use the following technologies for conduct their learning-at-a- distance activities: 

• JPEG (E and J series codecs) fiber
• MPEG-2 fiber
• analog fiber
• analog coaxial distance learning webpage
• compressed video
• ITFS microwave
• interactive audio
• satellite
• audiographics.

The UW-Extension has created a comprehensive website that covers much of the UW-System distance learning activities and contains a clearinghouse of information covering a wide range of distance learning information. 

WADEN

These networks represent a variety of technologies and can be found throughout the state. To better facilitate communications with each other and to coordinate expansion of these networks due to the TEACH Wisconsin initiative, these networks have formed an organization called the Wisconsin Association of Distance Education Networks (WADEN). 

WADEN was formed in 1997. Previously the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board (ECB) worked with the networks to coordinate their activities and document their creation and growth. Documents such as the Wisconsin Distance Education Networks and Sites (Operating and Planned) were previously created and maintained by the staff of the ECB. This agency also hosted the NETWORK email discussion group. 

When the ECB moved away from their coordinating role, the list was renamed WADEN-list to reflect the new organization and moved to the UW-Extension server. The WADEN web site was launched in October, 1997 and is maintained by UW-Extension with the help and cooperation of the WADEN officers and members. 

The VISION of this organization is:

All residents of the State of Wisconsin will have equitable access to quality K-12, post secondary, and continuing adult education opportunities regardless of their physical location in the state, based upon the needs and expectations of the learner, instructor or citizen being served. Ultimately all distance education systems in the state will be interconnected electronically with the ability to acquire, at an affordable price, the appropriate technology needed for specific audio, video and data applications.

WADEN's MISSION STATEMENT is:

The mission of the Wisconsin Association of Distance Education Networks is to work collaboratively to advance and improve distance education opportunities for all learners in Wisconsin.

For questions about this information, contact Stephen N. Sanders (608) 266-3856

Last updated on 2/25/2008 7:51:49 AM