PictureTel and Texas A&M Partner in Launch of Center for Distance Learning
Research

CENTER PROVIDES ACCESS TO INNOVATIVE DISTANCE EDUCATION TOOLS

DANVERS, Mass. -- April 3, 1996 -- PictureTel Corporation (NASDAQ: PCTL),
the world leader in videconferencing, has teamed with Texas A&M University
to launch the new Center for Distance Learning Research. Located at the
University's College Station, Texas campus, the center's mission is to
meet the need for knowledge about the growing field of distance education,
through the development of distance education programs in primary and
secondary education, university and corporate settings.

The facility enables educators and others to conduct distance education
research and provides a distance learning certification program through
the use of PictureTel videoconferencing. The Center's services are
available to all public agencies and private businesses as well as public
schools.

PictureTel videoconferencing systems are being used in conjunction with the
statewide Trans-Texas Videoconference Network. Visitors to the Center can
experience PictureTel's Concorde 4500 group system offering the best video
and audio quality on the market at dial-up bandwidths.  Also in use at the
Center are two PictureTel Live' desktop systems, with application sharing
capability and a Socrates' presenter's podium, specifically designed to
address the needs of instructors in a distance learning class.

"As we approach the 21st century, we are aware of the need for advanced
technology to help us provide access to education to more students," said
Dr. Lloyd Korhonen, Ph.D., Center Director. "We are pleased to have
PictureTel videoconferencing as an integral part of our center, allowing
us to teach courses, hold meetings and conduct seminars virtually anywhere
in the world."

"Distance education is the number one customer application for
videoconferencing," said Joan Nevins, vice president of segment marketing
for PictureTel. "Through our association with Texas A&M University, many
new organizations will have the opportunity to experience the value of
videoconferencing by expanding the boundaries of the classroom, while
providing low-cost access to high-quality education."

The Center's activities also include computer communications and multimedia
laboratories. The facilities of KAMU-TV, the university's public
television station, satellite downlinks and uplinks also provide other
technologies for the Center.

The facility is the first public/private partnership involving the
resources of PictureTel, Texas A&M, GTE, which is a PictureTel reseller,
and several other vendors. Its intent is to provide the model for similar
partnerships throughout the United States between a public university and
private telecommunications companies.

PictureTel recently announced a similar partnership with MIT to develop
distance learning models through videoconferencing.  MIT's Sloan School of
Management, along with its School of Engineering, launched an innovative
graduate degree program that allows students to complete their course
requirements at their job sites.

PictureTel Corporation is the world leader in videoconferencing with an
estimated 50 percent worldwide marketshare. With more than 3500 systems
being used for distance education in corporate and educational facilities
around the world, PictureTel customers can access a wide array of
trainers, educators and content providers easily and economically.
Additional PictureTel information is available on the Internet at
http:///www.picturetel.com.
 
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