Feasibility Study for a Statewide Higher Education Information Technology
Network
State of Connecticut, September 18, 1996
Current Situation
- Several technologies are used at the different higher education
institutions throughout the State. For example, Asynchronous Transfer Mode
(ATM), Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), Frame Relay (public and
private), and Microwave are all being used to provide distance learning
capabilities between campuses. However, connectivity is contained within
each institution.
- Each institution has expressed an interest in extending its resources to
other institutions if a private network were in place.
- Today, the Internet is the only means of inter-institution data
communications. The public switched telephone network (PSTN) is the only
mechanism for inter-institution voice connectivity. No formal network is in
place for video services between institutions.
- K-12 and Connecticut's public libraries are currently examining means of
creating their own network infrastructures.
- The approach to higher education is changing throughout the country (and
the world):
- Non-traditional teaching methods are being utilized to maximize
learning potential
- Students are entering higher education institutions with more advanced
technical abilities and increased expectations.
- Government legislation and monetary assistance is encouraging the use
of technology in education
Connecticut recognizes these changes and is working to promote the
educational experience provided in the State.
- Most of the other forty-nine states already have networks in place that
connect higher education institutions. These networks utilize a multitude of
different technologies and connect a variety of different constituents. Most
of the network infrastructures deployed in the other states provide more
advanced services than those offered in Connecticut.
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