The SUNDIAL Network
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TOOL
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The SUNDIAL Network teleconference system is operated both 
as an integral part of the Instructional Technology 
Department at Rio Salado Community College and as an 
administrative communications service for the entire 
Maricopa Community Colleges. Although the altemative 
delivery of credit courses is always the first priority, the 
network is often extended to govemment, public services, and 
non-profit agencies throughout the state and across the 
country. Rio has also had a long standing instructional 
relationship with The College of TAFE in Adelaide, South 
Australia, through use of the SUNDIAL Network.

IMPORTANT FEATURES OF TOOL
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The primary technology used by the SUNDIAL Network is the 
telephone; up to 30 separate locations may be "bridged" 
together to form two classes simultaneously or 28 locations 
for a single class. Instructional Technology students may 
participate by calling in to the network from their homes or 
offices, or may travel to the nearest conference room site. 
Each site has a telephone connection and a speaker phone 
device with a set of individual microphones.

The SUNDIAL Network also offers audio teleconferencing 
courses which include a one-way visual component. This 
technology is called audio teleconferencing with IMAGE Net. 
This system requires two telephone lines. The first is used 
for the audio portion of the program; the second is used for 
the video portion. Audio teleconferencing with IMAGE Net is 
similar to a slide presentation. The instructor is able to 
present information orally and through graphics. The use of 
colorful graphics with bulleted headlining have greatly 
improved the instructor's ability to guide students through 
technical subjects such as algebra and accounting.

WHO WOULD USE THIS TOOL?
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Audio teleconferencing has been an important instructional 
component in the distance delivery of credit classes for ten 
years. Students who cannot attend a traditional campus class 
find audio teleconferencing a viable option. Audio 
teleconferencing also enables administrative communications 
in assistance to the District and eliminates the need to 
travel from one site to another.

HOW DOES THE TOOL SUPPORT EFFECTIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING?
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Audio teleconferencing and audio teleconferencing with IMAGE 
Net encourages innovation and creativity. These distance 
delivery methods also assist Rio Salado Community College 
and its faculty to reach students who might otherwise not be 
able to attend college.

CONTACT PERSON
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Betsy Frank, RSCC        223-4301