GCI SchoolAccess® Served as Tech Backbone for Second Keystone Conference

ANCHORAGE - GCI SchoolAccess served as a Multipoint Control Unit (MCU) aggregation site for the second annual Keystone Conference. Held Oct. 3-5, 2005, the conference used interactive videoconferencing to connect speakers and participants from multiple locations around the globe in a highly successful conference. The primary goal of the Keystone Conference was to demonstrate and discuss best practice uses of technology in education.

Through an elaborate communications grid, GCI SchoolAccess and other MCUs were the backbone of the conference, simultaneously broadcasting three program strands. Conference participants were able to choose programs from the different strands, customizing a conference experience that best served their needs.

In total, more than 1,100 educators, videoconferencing leaders, content providers and industry representatives participated in the 2005 Keystone Conference. More than 125 educators attended the conference on site in Indianapolis. Advanced technology provided by MCUs at organizations such as GCI SchoolAccess enabled the conference to reach more than 1,000 other professionals in 90 locations in 28 states and in six other countries. Remote participants could not only access but also interact with presenters from their local videoconferencing facilities.

"We are proud that we were able to help participants worldwide join the Keystone Conference," said Greg Dutton, Director of GCI SchoolAccess. "As an event partner, we were able to demonstrate our expertise and commitment to education by helping participants utilize videoconferencing technology to improve schools access to content globally."

Conference organizers commended GCI SchoolAccess's role in providing technical support for the conference. "While some speakers and conference attendees participated on site in Indianapolis, many participated in the conference through videoconferencing or streaming technology. Thanks to the support of MCUs from throughout the United States - including GCI SchoolAccess - the conference had impressive impact around the globe," said executive planning committee member Ruth Blankenbaker, executive director of the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration.

GCI is the largest Alaska-based and -operated integrated telecommunication provider. A pioneer in bundled services, GCI provides local, wireless, and long distance telephone, cable television, Internet and data communication services. More information about the company can be found at www.gci.com. SchoolAccess is a suite of services designed to advance the educational opportunities of K-12 students. Designed by both experienced technologists and veteran educators, SchoolAccess provides services and features geared specifically with teachers, administrators and students in mind. More information on GCI SchoolAccess products and services can be found at www.schoolaccess.net.

The Keystone Conference brings together educators, videoconferencing leaders, content providers and industry representatives to learn how interactive videoconferencing technology can motivate students and ignite opportunities for learning, help users reach beyond the limitations of their local and regional resources, and create links with users around the world. For more information, visit the Keystone Conference Web site at www.keystoneconference.org.