IITS began in 1991 as an effort to use emerging technology to share Alabama's instructional resources. Starting as a University of Alabama System initiative, locations now include other universities, community colleges, high schools and agencies such as the Alabama State Department of Education. Because it has dial-up capabilities, it is not limited to those sites. Compressed video is a form of synchronous technology that brings people at different places together in real time.
Courses can originate from or be delivered to any of the sites.
At the far sites, another codec decompresses the signal so it can be viewed. Two or more sites can interact simultaneously. Video quality improves as more bandwidth is used. Tabletop microphones let students speak to other sites. Additionally, through a connection with UAB Medical Television, a satellite feed can be broadcast to any or all IITS sites.