AT&T and the Distance Learning Alliance "Span the Distance" with Training for the Distance Learning Environment

Business Wire, June 12, 1995

BASKING RIDGE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 12, 1995--AT&T's Center for Excellence in Distance Learning (CEDL) and three leading universities today announced a complete curriculum of "how to do it" workshops to broaden distance-learning training skills for AT&T's videoconferencing customers.

AT&T's CEDL and the Distance Learning Alliance members -- Indiana University, Pennsylvania State University and the University of Wisconsin-Extension -- collaboratively produce materials to make distance learning as effective as classroom learning for corporations and schools.

"In today's information age, learning is no longer confined within the four walls of a classroom," said Dr. Gary Miller, assistant vice president for distance education, Pennsylvania State University. "The instructor, armed with a textbook, is no longer the sole source of the education experience. Information resources are everywhere, often separated from the learner by time and space. Distance learning is the process of creating a new learning environment around remote resources."

"These interactive workshops -- from basic to advanced -- will provide the skills and knowledge needed to build successful distance-learning programs and to manage distance learning systems," said Dr. Alan Chute, director of AT&T's Center for Excellence in Distance Learning.

The first workshop concentrates on basic techniques needed for effective design, delivery and implementation of videoconferencing in corporate, university, and elementary through secondary environments. The advanced workshop goes beyond fundamentals and looks at videoconferencing potential in depth. Participants should have some experience presenting programs and conducting meetings over the videoconferencing medium.

The third workshop addresses issues such as staffing, program design, technical applications, internal promotion, budgeting and quality, using a variety of interactive formats to maximize participation.

A 200-page implementation guidebook for distance learning soon will be available separately. This comprehensive tool can assist in planning, implementing, managing and evaluating a distance learning system, AT&T said. It can strengthen the effectiveness of distance-learning managers and those responsible for assessing the need for a distance-learning system in elementary, secondary and post-secondary education, in businesses, and in other organizations. AT&T's CEDL and the University Alliance designed the workshops for AT&T customers who are planning distance learning solutions. Each 16-hour workshop costs $795 and includes all course materials.

"AT&T is committed to making distance-learning solutions readily available for customers who need to increase productivity, reduce costs and enhance the quality of education and training," said Chute. "In the first half of 1995, AT&T's CEDL has conducted more than 80 distance-learning customer visits and presentations, addressing nearly 1,500 customers."

AT&T provides distance-learning support for its customers through its WORLDWORX(TM) Solutions -- from network services and videoconferencing products, to professional services and continuing support. AT&T Visual Solutions(R) sales representatives will be providing customized promotional offers that include the CEDL workshops.

Customers who want more information on AT&T's Center for Excellence in Distance Learning and workshops, can call 1-800-590-CEDL. Customers who want more information on AT&T's Visual Solutions(R) products, can call 1-800-VIDEO-GO.

CONTACT: AT&T, Basking Ridge

Nancy Culton

908-953-7527 (office)

908-234-9416 (home)

or

Jo Johnston

908-953-7525 (office)

908-638-4547 (home)