National Park Service Launches Resource-Rich Web Site to Educate K-12 Students About America's Natural Treasures

ANCHORAGE, AK (September, 2002) - The Alaska division of the National Park Service (NPS) and General Communications Inc. (GCI) today announced the launch of an engaging new Web site about Alaska's national parks, preservation, culture, wildlife and other topics. The site, called ParkWise, provides educational resources, activities and lessons for teachers and students. ParkWise, located at http://parkwise.schoolaccess.net, is hosted by GCI-SchoolAccess, the education-focused arm of GCI Broadband Services.

ParkWise features extensive, standards-based curriculum units, information, pictures and resources about a wide range of topics pertaining to Alaska's national parks - from people and culture to animals and wildlife. Developed in conjunction with the Anchorage School District and GCI, ParkWise will educate teachers, students and other site visitors about the unparalleled resources of Alaska's national parks and other NPS sites. Although the Alaska division of the NPS currently offer educational opportunities for schools onsite, ParkWise is its first venture into providing Web-based curricula for K-12 and allowing students to learn about the parks' natural wonders without leaving the classroom.

"We know that many students will never have the opportunity to explore the wonders of Denali National Park first-hand," said Jane Tranel, public affairs specialist at the National Park Service's Alaska Division. "Through ParkWise, we hope to provide exciting educational activities that will engage students and increase their knowledge and appreciation of America's treasures."

ParkWise includes activities for students as well as maps, figures and other resources about national parks. The purpose of the site is to educate students about preserving and protecting the nation's natural parks through education and awareness.

"Each day organizations launch new Web sites that educate and inspire our nation's young people," said Martin Cary, vice president of Broadband Services at GCI. "ParkWise is unique because it provides the first online, standards-based curricula specifically focused on Alaska's magnificent national parks, which are among the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the world."

To develop the initial curriculum for the site, the NPS relied on the expertise of the Instructional Technology Group of the Anchorage School District. The first series of lessons features Denali National Park and includes lessons about golden eagles, such as Fly Away! and To Hatch or Not to Hatch, use real eagle migration and nesting data from birds tracked through the research of Denali National Park's lead biologist, a key consultant on the project. The designers and managers of ParkWise will update the site periodically with new lessons, activities and resources, increasing the educational offerings of the site. Interested teachers can contact the Alaska Division of the NPS to receive updates on new materials.

ParkWise is the first public-private partnership between the Alaska Division of the NPS and GCI-SchoolAccess. Both organizations use their respective expertise to help improve educational opportunities for students. GCI-SchoolAccess provides broadband Internet access, education technology support and distance learning services to remote schools. Designed by both experienced technology experts and veteran educators, GCI-SchoolAccess partners with schools to provide personalized, always-available services.

SchoolAccess is a premium Internet service that utilizes the E-rate program to enable rural schools to afford broadband access and high-quality services such as filtering, e-mail, web hosting, and network administration. SchoolAccess works closely with schools to meet their individual technological needs. More information about SchoolAccess can be found at www.schoolaccess.net

GCI (Nasdaq:GNCMA) provides local, wireless, and long distance telephone, cable television, Internet and data communication services in Alaska. More information about the company can be found at www.gci.com.