VTEL Installing 32 Site Education Network in Northern Ohio.

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 22, 1999--

Lake Erie Academic Research Network and Partners Serve 18 Communities

With Virtual Field Trips and Continuing Education for Teachers

Videoconferencing technology from VTEL Corporation (NASDAQ:VTEL) will bring the wonders of science and technology from Cleveland's NASA Lewis Research Center, the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Toledo and other interactive programs into classrooms across north central Ohio.

In a $763,000 contract, VTEL is installing 32 videoconferencing systems for Lake Erie Academic Research Network (LEARN), a consortium of 41 schools and community partners in northern Ohio. VTEL reseller GTE secured the contract.

"LEARN is a great example of Ohio's statewide commitment to applying new media technology in its public schools," said Stephen Von Rump, VTEL chief operating officer. "VTEL is proud to participate in this program, providing a videoconferencing solution that delivers new resources into isolated classrooms and expands continuing education opportunities for northern Ohio communities. And the personal computer functionality of VTEL videoconferencing lets students and teachers there take full advantage of interactive, multimedia programs from NASA and local universities."

The distance learning network is a partnership among three "telecommunities" -- learning communities funded by public/private partnerships to serve local schools -- in northern Ohio.

Together the Lake Erie Academic Research Network (LEARN), North Coast Telecommunity and the Telecommunity Network and its state agency partner, the Northern Ohio Educational Computer Association (NOECA), designed a network serving 18 communities including three island sites on Lake Erie: Put-in-Bay, Kelleys Island and North Bass Island.

"One of our sites on North Bass Island is the only one-room schoolhouse in Ohio," says Bart Anderson, director of staff and student services for Port Clinton City Schools. "With videoconferencing we provide them with three different foreign languages and virtual field trip opportunities that would not be available otherwise."

VTEL systems featured in the Ohio network include the premier dual-monitor LC5000(tm), the flagship VTEL room system which provides the industry's most natural conference experience with fully integrated, hands-free tools. A VTEL SmartLink(tm) multipoint control unit, enabling simultaneous videoconferencing, will serve the network from NOECA's headquarters in Sandusky, Ohio.

"Videoconferencing is key to our goal of placing as much information into our teachers' hands as possible," explains Pat Adkins, director of technology for Port Clinton City Schools near Lake Erie. "By establishing relationships with COSI, Ashland University, Toledo Public Schools and other partners, we are bringing the outside world in for our students."

VTEL Corporation is a leading developer and manufacturer of Digital Visual Communications(SM) technology. The company is committed to expanding its leadership position by providing the world's most innovative video networking software, service and systems. VTEL's cutting-edge products bring visual communications from the desktop to the boardroom, incorporating data networks and the Internet. With headquarters in the United States, Europe and Asia, the company distributes products through value-added resellers and partners in 61 countries.

VTEL is a registered trademark of VTEL Corporation. LC5000 and SmartLink are trademarks of VTEL Corporation. Digital Visual Communications is a servicemark of VTEL Corporation. VTEL Corporation, 108 Wild Basin Road, Austin, TX 78746. 512/437-2700, Fax: [phone]. VTEL Web site: http://www.vtel.com