University of Wisconsin - Extension

Wisconsin will be a leader in communications and educational technology

Madison - The University of Wisconsin-Extension today announced steps it is taking to prepare for the convergence of broadcasting and computer technology.

UW-Extension will combine radio and television broadcasting with other units specializing in distance learning and Internet communications. The new structure will position the organization for future changes in technology that may change the way that people use computer and video systems for education.

"You don't have to look very far for signs that technology is converging. Today, you can listen to Wisconsin Public Radio over the Internet, and use WebTV to surf the net from your television set," said Al Beaver, interim chancellor of UW-Extension. "These are only the earliest indicators that technology is changing and merging at a fast pace. While we can't predict exactly how and when this will unfold, we must take steps now to leverage our expertise in these areas."

Effective June 1, Byron Knight will assume the role of interim director of Broadcasting and Media Innovations at UW-Extension. Affiliated with Wisconsin Public Television (WPT) since 1978, Knight became director of WPT in 1990. Knight has been a champion of new technology and the leader of WPT's efforts to bring digital television broadcasts to Wisconsin residents.

In his new role, Knight will oversee the operations of Wisconsin Public Television and Wisconsin Public Radio and will be responsible for developing a new Media Innovations Lab at the Pyle Center in Madison. UW-Extension will use this new lab to demonstrate new media and technology applications.

"For now, these organizational changes will be transparent to the general public," Beaver added. "Later, it will mean that Wisconsin is ready to take a leadership role in the creation and implementation of new communications technology."

Knight will also oversee the work of other Extension units including the Interactive Web Team, Instructional Communications Systems (ICS) and other partnerships established to create new technology applications for education, such as the Wisconsin Advanced Distributed Learning Collaborative Laboratory (Co-Lab).

The Co-Lab was established in January as a partnership between the University of Wisconsin System, the Wisconsin Technical College System and the U.S. Department of Defense. It's purpose is to develop, demonstrate, and evaluate the next generation of learning technologies that enable web-based learning, also called "distributed learning." Based at the Pyle Center in Madison, the Co-Lab is first of its kind established in an academic environment.

The ICS unit, also based at the Pyle Center, serves as a technical service bureau providing audio and video conferencing services. The Pyle Center opened in 1998 as a state-of-the-art wired conference facility. More than 200,000 people benefit from the center's resources each year for a variety of classes and conferences.

"Uniting our media technologies in this way is a natural continuation of our history, and our mission," said Knight. "Back in the early 1900's, we did this by sending county agents into the field, bringing University resources to every county, and experimenting with 'new' technology like AM-radio. Today's technological frontier is the advent of a common digital language for video, audio and computing."

"Courses we offer today over the Internet will eventually be broadcast digitally over the airwaves, without the restrictions of a 56K baud modem" Knight added.

"This will create new opportunities for Wisconsin residents-and people around the world-to tap into the incredible wealth of knowledge and research throughout the University of Wisconsin System," said Mary S. Grant, Associate Dean of Continuing Education at UW-Extension. "In an era of radical changes in technology and social structures, higher education must not only adapt to transformations, but lead the way."

Last year, more than 1.5 million people participated in UW-Extension educational programs throughout Wisconsin. Each week, more than 800,000 people view Wisconsin Public Television programs and over 350,000 people listen to Wisconsin Public Radio.

The University of Wisconsin-Extension provides services that apply University research, knowledge and resources to meet the educational needs of Wisconsin people-wherever they live and work. This includes Cooperative Extension offices in 72 counties, Continuing Education programs through 26 UW campuses, Small Business Development Centers and UW Learning Innovations. In partnership with the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board, UW-Extension also provides educational and cultural programming through Wisconsin Public Radio and Wisconsin Public Television. For more information on the University of Wisconsin-Extension, see http://www.uwex.edu.