ISTE SIGIVC 2007: Transportable, Wireless Internet Service: The Sled

Organizational Overview
GCI – Educational services provider to 85,000 students across districts in Alaska, New Mexico, Montana and Arizona. GCI Managed Broadband Services provides enhanced Internet services, e-mail and distance learning services via videoconferencing to schools and districts.

Bering Strait School District (BSSD) is a leader in the State of Alaska in creating a community of learners using Videoconferencing, Wikis and Moodle. BSSD is located in northwest Alaska, serves fifteen isolated villages on the Seward Peninsula, on the eastern end of Norton Sound and on two islands in the Bering Sea. Current enrollment is approximately 1800 students and is almost 100% Alaska Native Inupiat, Yu’pik or Siberian Yu’pik Eskimo. Although the number of students served is relatively small, the area served covers approximately 80,000 square miles and most of the schools are accessible only by small bush aircraft.

Challenge
The ability to connect students anytime and ANYWHERE

Solution
Designed a transportable, wireless Internet and video conferencing platform specifically suited for the environment (northwest Alaska) for the BSSD.

Results
Allowed the student broadcast team of the BSSD to report on the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race “from the middle of nowhere.” Students were able to be the first on the trail to live-stream interviews with mushers and content to over 8,000 subscribers nationwide.

Innovations
Adapted transportable satellite gear to a snowmachine towable sled. Designed coverings and selected cases to protect electronics and electromechanical equipment. Integrated self acquiring satellite antenna with WiFi access point, switches, analog telephone adapters and video conference codec.

Contact Information
Craig Mollerstuen, GCI, cmollerstuen@gci.com, 907-868-5727
John Concilus, Technology Coordinator, jconcilus@bssd.org
Bill Bryson III, Technology Teacher, bbryson@bssd.org