Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Delivers Live, Interactive Zoo Experience to Remote Schools Using Cisco Wireless Network

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Delivers Live, Interactive Zoo Experience to Remote Schools Using Cisco Wireless Network

April 5, 2007- Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is making a trip to the zoo an entirely new experience for school kids around the country. The zoo is now providing video learning programs from many of its animal exhibits throughout the 168-acre park using Cisco® wireless mesh technology provided by Total Systems Integration, Inc. TSI is a Cisco Premier Certified Partner, Advanced Wireless, and Wireless Mesh Authorized Technology Provider (ATP).

Prior to the implementation of wireless technology, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo would broadcast animal education programs from within the walls of its two media centers. This meant that program presenters had to show animals in their zoo exhibits through the use of pictures and videos. Today, a program about orangutans, for example, can be broadcast from the actual viewing area where the primates reside.

“For those children who may not be able to easily visit a zoo and learn about these wonderful animals, this is really the best possible alternative,” said Cathy Ryan, education specialist and distance-learning coordinator for Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. “When children can see the animals from their exhibits in vivid detail, and interact with the program presenters, the result is a much richer learning experience. Our return on investment is the excitement on the students’ faces.”

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo currently offers more than 30 program titles free of charge, available to any K-12 school across the country throughout the year. The response thus far from participating schools has been very positive. “This program allows the students to learn not just by hearing, but by seeing, doing, and being a part of the activity,” said Dianne Keller, librarian and high school technology coordinator for the Gladewater Independent School District in Texas. “This has been a very effective way for our students to learn about animals.”

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