At a time when governments are being asked to do more with less, Illinois has found a way to increase productivity while saving money.

Home to more than 12 million people, several major universities, and a state government that extends the state's sprawling 400 mile length, Illinois also boasts one of the nation's most advanced video networks. The Illinois Video Network (IVN) connects 39 sites, including state agencies and institutions of higher learning, to enable videoconferencing uses that range from administrative meetings to training police cadets.

"Videoconferencing has become one of the most effective tools in governmental communication. It not only propels the State of Illinois into the next century, but helps reduce travel expenses, enhances training programs, and lets colleges and universities establish distance learning networks," said Illinois Governor Jim Edgar.

In 1991, Illinois started its video network with locations in Springfield and Chicago, where the majority of the state's governmental offices are located. To expand to the current 39 sites that integrate voice, video and data, the state teamed up with Ameritech.

The state and Ameritech, along with the help of VTEL, made sure it had the most up-to-date equipment to meet its needs. Ameritech provided the T'l lines needed for the 384 Kbps connection and also assists with network management and support.

Videoconferencing Spans the State
In addition to the sites in Springfield and Chicago, seven state organizations belong to the network and use videoconferencing in the following ways.
• Western Illinois Consortium (11 sites) uses the network primarily for distance learning to match college curricula with interested students across the region.
• The Illinois Department of Transportation (10 sites) has a sub-network on the IVN, allowing engineering staff to collaborate on everyday projects without having to travel across the state. The videoconferencing rooms are also used for administrative purposes.
• The Illinois State Police Forensics Lab (nine sites) uses the network for training classes on biology, chemistry, DNA, firearms, latent prints, and microscopy. Some of the forensic lab locations also have been used for hearings and depositions.
• Western Illinois University (two sites) saves travel time when it uses the network for observations of student teachers. The system allows professors to evaluate each student teacher without traveling to another school. Locations also are used as expansion sites for undergraduate and graduate courses hosted by the university.
• The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (two sites) has a link between its offices in Deerfield and Springfield. The network is used primarily for administrative purposes and staff training.
• The Illinois State Board of Education (two sites) averages about 15 hours per week using the video network for administrative meetings and training.
• Eastern Illinois University (on site) uses its link to the video network for administrative board meetings and educational committee meetings.

Users Reports Savings Without Sacrifice
Users of the network report saving thousands of dollars in travel expenses. The Illinois State Board of Education saved an estimated $16,000 in travel costs during the first 60 days of use, while the State Police Forensics Lab saved money on lab space it didn't have to build since teaching could be done via videoconferencing. Users say one of the greatest benefits in addition to the savings is that they do not have to sacrifice teaching or meeting conditions.

"The distance learning network uses equipment that allows for the most natural teaching environment. For example, the training center in Carbondale houses a tracker camera that allows the instructor to walk around the room while speaking with the camera automatically following his every move," said Bob Gonsowski, laboratory director for the Southern Illinois Forensic Science Centre.

The Southern Illinois Forensics Science Centre has the capacity to train 40 trainees on site. The centre looked at videoconferencing as an option to not only improve administrative functions, but to make the training that is available to students in Carbondale also accessible to those in Rockford or Peoria.

Major Growth Expected for Illinois Video Network
The Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS), which oversees videoconferencing for the state, expects to see tremendous growth in the network. The department reports the number of sites has doubled each year, and by 1997, the Illinois Video Network is expected to grow to more than 100 sites.

CMS is working with the Illinois Department of Corrections to develop a nine-site video network, which will be used for in-service training, distance learning, administrative conferencing, telemedicine and potentially for court arraignments.

Also, the Illinois State Police Academy is expected to add videoconferencing sites to link academy training sites in Des Plaines and Chicago. •

Page 8 / Illinois Municipal Review / March 1996