Metropolitan Educational
Telecommunications Network

METNET

The Metropolitan Educational Telecommunications Network (METNET) is a distance learning network consisting of eleven Twin Cities metro area community colleges, technical colleges, Metropolitan State University and the University of Minnesota. METNET is one of the six higher education telecommunications networks that comprise the Learning Network of Minnesota.

The METNET consortium enables each institution to share academic programs and services with each other, as well as providing connectivity opportunities with existing and developing networks of K-12 systems, the private colleges and beyond regional boundaries -- statewide, multi-state and international.

METNET provides a high-speed Wide Area Network (WAN) on a Gigabit backbone  for communication amoung the members of the METNET consortium. Services include:

• Interactive Video (ITV)
  
  METNET provides a video network to its member institutions. This Internet protocol video standard H.323 network allows for two-way, real-time interactive communication over IP networks. Programming includes: credit courses, professional development workshops, customized training, seminars, collaborative planning sessions and administrative meetings.
  
  
• Online Learning
  
  METNET provides online learning using Macromedia Breeze for online presentations and web conferencing.
  
  
• E-mail
  
  METNET's e-mail service is provided to support the educational mission of the METNET institutions. Student-initiated e-mail accounts are made available free of charge to approximately 60,000 students attending metro-area MnSCU institutions.
  
  
• TechMart
  
  METNET's online buying website allows users to purchase the latest technology products at discount prices. Current students, staff, and faculty members of METNET members schools may make purchases through TechMart.