This edition of the K-12 Newsletter

Table of Contents

1. Filamentality

2. Distance Learning Saves Money

3. Best of Blue Web'n

4. Videoconferencing

5. GEAR UP

6. Grants

7. Keystone Conference

8. Advocates in Action

Keystone Conference
On October 25-26, 2004 in Indianapolis, Indiana , educators, policy makers, and industry representatives from across the nation will convene in person and through live Interactive Video Conferencing (IVC) connections to focus on and share best practice uses of K-12 Interactive Videoconferencing during the first annual Keystone Conference.

The purpose of this unique conference is to create a venue for demonstration and discussion of best practice uses, to convene IVC leaders to identify and address common concerns that, when tackled, can leverage the advancement and use of interactive video technologies; to foster a collaborative group of K-12 videoconferencing advocates; and to establish and promote quality standards both in terms of the technology and the learning experiences via the technology.

David Thornburg, founder and Director of Global Operations for the Thornburg Center, will be the featured keynote speaker. Programs during the conference will be based in one of three strands: classroom, professional development, and content provider. Participating educators will be able to connect to a rapidly expanding group of colleagues and experts who are using interactive video technologies. They also will be able to learn how this emerging technology can be used to motivate and inspire students and educators to reach beyond the limitations of local resources and enable enhanced educational opportunities for all.

For those who cannot travel to Indiana, there are several connection options including IP, streaming, or ISDN. Sites can connect as individual classrooms. Regional sites may combine up to four live sites. Costs for this conference are reasonable. Since travel is limited so often by school districts, explore how to participate via videoconferencing.

SBC Education Advocates Marci Powell, Lora Smith, and Vicki Allen will be attending and presenting at the conference in Indiana. California-based SBC Education Advocate Linda Uhrenholt is on the planning committee.

Program information, schedules, registration prices, and connectivity details can be found at the Keystone Conference website, http://keystoneconference.org