University of Wisconsin - Extension

Using high-tech videoconferencing and other technologies, the "Governor's Blue-Ribbon Commission on State-Local Partnerships for the 21st Century" will allow people from across the state to participate in its next public meeting.

The Commission will hold a town hall meeting at the University of Wisconsin-Extension's Pyle Center on September 7 at 6pm. Using that facility's distance learning technology, citizens will be able to join the discussion using specially equipped classrooms in their hometowns, their local cable TV service or their home computer. Viewers will be able to offer comments and questions by calling The Pyle Center.

The Pyle Center opened in 1998 following a $15 million renovation and construction project. It features 27 conference rooms with extensive videoconferencing and multimedia capabilities, including 11 specially designed rooms with built-in cameras, hands-free microphones and large video screens. UW-Extension's Instructional Communications Systems (ICS) unit will support the event.

Some sites involved in the September 7 event are part of BadgerNet-a fiber optic broadband educational network connecting public and private schools, UW institutions, Wisconsin Technical College System campuses and others. The meeting will be viewable online at http://www.lafollette.wisc.edu/reform, where additional information about the Commission and the agenda for this event is also available.

UW-Extension applies University research, knowledge and resources to meet the educational needs of Wisconsin people-wherever they live and work. Programs are delivered through offices in 72 counties, and on all on 26 UW campuses. In partnership with the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board, UW-Extension also provides programming through Wisconsin Public Radio and Wisconsin Public Television. See www.uwex.edu for more details.