Indiana's colleges have a high speed backbone
We've already discussed the terrific potential of high speed Internet to improve K-12 education in the U.S. Now in Indiana, a new high speed network is plugging dozens of colleges and universities into super fast connections that will greatly enhance higher education and research.
The I-Light network -- composed of nearly 1,200 miles of fiber optic cable -- already connects 26 Indiana campuses, and will soon add 13 more to its service area. These colleges and universities will now be able to realize the full potential of the most advanced high speed Internet connections:
Pat Ames, vice chancellor for information technologies at IU's South Bend campus, said the speed is important for researchers because it provides access to massive data networks and makes it possible to work with other institutions on projects.
The network also will vastly improve distance learning programs by enabling high-quality video streaming and high-definition learning tools like telepresence, a videoconferencing technology that gives users the impression of being in the classroom.
Indiana leaders should be commended for making strides to universalize high speed Internet access for their students a top priority -- and for seeing this project through to its completion.
As State Speaker of the House Pat Bauer said,
"Democracy has truly come to higher education. This is about students everywhere, including those in the small towns and out on the farms."
Report: High speed Internet opens educational opportunities (Speed Matters)
New computer network linking Indiana campuses (WNDU.com)
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