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MATC, Discovery World Launch Center for Interactive Learning

MILWAUKEE (June 27, 2005) – Milwaukee Area Technical College and Discovery World are teaming up to develop the state's most progressive center for research and education in multimedia and other emerging interactive technologies. The HIVE (Hybrid Interactive Virtual Education) will be located at Discovery World's new, expanded home on Milwaukee's lakefront, and will feature a cluster of futuristic pods that will provide teaching space for MATC and an attraction for Discovery World visitors.

Adjacent to the HIVE, MATC will utilize 6,000 square feet of new classroom space devoted to training tomorrow's interactive multimedia communicators. MATC also will gain the instructional use of Discovery World digital theaters. In return, the college is purchasing $3 million worth of multimedia and high-definition video equipment, to be used to create science- and technology-based educational programming. Milwaukee Public Television, a viewer-supported service of MATC, is expected to broadcast and distribute some of the programming and provide production support.

Officially launching the partnership after more than a year of talks, leaders of MATC and Discovery World umbrella organization Pier Wisconsin Ltd. today signed a 10-year licensing agreement. "Once parameters were agreed upon, things moved quickly, thanks largely to the vision of Michael Cudahy," said Darnell E. Cole, MATC president. Cudahy co-chairs Discovery World's board of directors along with Frank Steeves, who was also the founder of the not-for-profit organization that constructed the S/V Denis Sullivan and is developing Pier Wisconsin, the new home of Discovery World.

"We are excited about the new learning opportunities for our students and teaching opportunities for our faculty," Cole continued. "Students are guaranteed an amazing experience, because this will be one of the most advanced educational facilities of its kind. We see it as a major enhancement to MATC, Discovery World and the greater Milwaukee community."

"The collaboration is an ideal fit for both partners and a highly creative business model," added Christine Rodriguez, president and CEO of Discovery World. "Interactive and experiential learning derived from the HIVE will be an important part of Discovery World's quest to connect innovation and technology with exploration and the environment. We look forward to offering this initiative at our new home in 2006."

The HIVE will enable visitors to experience a high-touch, 360° learning environment. "Imagine creating a virtual representation of yourself going back to the 1850s to test water to discover the source of typhoid at that time," said Paul Krajniak, executive director of Discovery World. "Or, virtually experimenting with the atmosphere around you to simulate weather patterns in different parts of the globe. The HIVE has the potential to change the way people view the world."

Preliminary plans call for Discovery World to develop youth-oriented science and technology programming for broadcast on Milwaukee Public Television, other public television stations and closed-cable systems such as schools or community centers. These shows would originate from Discovery World, which could eventually be part of a full-time local digital channel with content centered on innovation. Programming also will be developed for use at Discovery World in support of exhibit displays, the HIVE and two digital theaters.

"It will be fascinating to see how all of this unfolds," said Ellis Bromberg, Milwaukee Public Television general manager. "The partnership presents us with some unique and exciting programming opportunities. Discovery World brings incredible creativity to the table. We are eager to begin working together."

About Discovery World
Discovery World Ltd. was formed through a merger with Pier Wisconsin, Ltd. It is a nonprofit 501(C) 3 organization whose mission is to connect innovation, science and technology with exploration, environment and our Great Lakes freshwater resources through interactive exhibits and experiential learning programs. When complete, Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin will house more than 200 exhibits in a 120,000 square-foot facility. For program information, call Kae DonLevy, (414) 276-7700, ext. 37. Or visit www.discoveryworld.org or www.pierwisconsin.org.

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