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Instructional Technology Update Budgets / Grant Programs Technology Network Program (TNP) MOREnet mailed the FY05 K-12 TNP information materials to districts in April. The packets review the services available through the TNP and available fee-based services such as kinetic Web/e-mail hosting and Internet Content Filtering. A copy of the packet and associated forms are available online at http://www.more.net/programs/k12tnp/fy05k12tnp.pdf. Questions regarding the TNP should be directed to Eric Nicklas, Program Manager, eric@more.net or call (800) 509-6673.       Internet content filtering – The FY05 TNP offers Internet content filtering as a new fee-based service. Global filtering is provided by IP address and IP range and allows an organization to customize filtering settings; it runs on the MOREnet network and does not require the purchase of additional hardware or software. Upon activation, an organization's router(s) is configured to direct all Web traffic (port 80) to the Internet content filtering server. Note that related training (classroom and Internet-based) is required prior to using the service. Additional information, including pricing and ordering, is available on the web at http://www.more.net/services/filter/.       Staff development/technical training – Another new fee-based service for FY05 TNP districts is training sessions provided in-district. The TNP covers all in-service sessions except for necessary travel costs (e.g., mileage, food, and lodging). Current topics include NetSmartz Internet Safety Workshop and Using MOREnet’s Online Resources. In addition, several weeklong intensive staff development and technical training sessions are scheduled throughout the summer, addressing Novell and Windows training, Web Authoring and Computer Security. Note that space for the summer sessions is limited. For more information on these staff development and training offerings, visit http://www.more.net/training/. Title IID “Ed Tech” Program While the Department has not yet received final word of its grant amount, the FY05 Title IID programs are moving ahead with estimated figures. At this time, we project having $8,081,028 in flow-through funds to distribute to districts – $4,040,514 distributed via formula grants and $4,040,514 to support competitive eMINTS grants.       Formula grants – Districts apply for the formula grants via the Department’s federal programs consolidated application. Estimated district allocations are posted on the DESE financial management website at http://dese.mo.gov/divimprove/fedprog/financialmanagement/04-05.       Competitive grants -- The competitive funds will support 73 districts participating in the eMINTS (enhancing Missouri’s Instructional Networked Teaching Strategies) professional development programs in 2004-2005. Awarded were 23 New – Year 1, 32 New – Year 2, and 18 Established – Year 1 grants. Applications were due March 31 and reviewed by panels of readers on April 6. Award status calculations were determined and notifications mailed to districts in mid-April.  Safe Schools & Pilot Safe Schools Grant Program The budget passed by the General Assembly included $4,122,368 for the Safe Schools programs. As such, and assuming the Governor’s signing of the budget bill and estimating a reserve, Instructional Technology will be reviewing the continuation grant applications that were submitted in April and mailing copies of the “final approved” applications to districts by mid-June.  Census of Technology / Core Data Screens 30 and 31 The 2004 COT has been running very smoothly, the best to-date. Making few content changes, and having re-formatted screens, enhanced instructions manual, and the new edit button seem to have helped expedite data entry. Almost every district has submitted both district and school information. Instructional Technology administrative assistant Shirley Brumley has been checking district data entry on a weekly basis, and making calls where there are omissions or edits that need correcting. Thus far, she has been able to confirm “completion” for over 400 districts. At this rate, we hope to be able to start the statewide report in late June and have it published/posted by August.   District Technology Plan Approval April 2004 – This year, 67 districts and/or charter schools needed new tech plans approved for FY05 E-rate and Title IID program participation. All the plans were submitted: 50 have received full approval and another 10 received E-rate approval, with only minor enhancements required to get full approval. There are a handful of districts that still require much work to be approved by the June 30 deadline.   April 2005 – Only 16 districts will require new plans to be submitted for state approval in 2005 – however districts with plans approved in 2003 can elect to submit new plans in 2005 rather than wait for 2006. It might be advisable for a district to submit its plan early because of the plan’s low approval score in 2003, because the district completed most of the action plans and implementation strategies, or because the district has experienced significant changes that necessitate a new plan (change in personnel, change in academic performance standings, new/renovated facilities, new or significant increase in technology holdings and/or technical capacity, etc.).  E-rate Program Funding Year 2003 – Wave 30 for E-rate funding for funding year 2003 (July 1, 2003 – June 30, 2004) will be issued Tuesday, June 1, 2004. In this wave, the SLD committed over $14.8 million in 74 letters to school and library applicants. Funding associated with this wave included support for Priority 1 services (telecommunications and Internet access) at all discount levels and for Priority 2 service (internal connections) at the 70% to 90% discount level. With the issuance of this wave of E-rate funding commitment decision letters, the SLD has committed over $2.5 billion in over 33,364 letters for Funding Year 2003. See: http://www.sl.universalservice.org/  Funding Year 2004 – Wave 3 for E-rate funding for funding year 2004 (July 1, 2004 – June 30, 2005) was issued on Wednesday, May 26, 2004. In this wave, the SLD committed over $39.3 million in 3,183 letters to school and library applicants. Funding associated with this wave includes funding for only Priority 1 services (telecommunications services and Internet access). Funding for internal connections will be delayed until such time that it becomes clear how much will be available for internal connections. To date, the SLD has committed over $100.4 million in 9,300 letters for funding year 2004. Additional waves will be issued every other week until the process is complete. See: http://www.sl.universalservice.org/  Program Update – Source: Ed Tech Action Network, May 17, 2004 Thanks to the infusion of over $400 million in unused E-rate funds from earlier funding years, the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) was able to issue E-rate Funding Year 2003 commitments totaling over $2.467 billion, with $1.4 billion of that figure directed to internal connections applications. USAC also announced recently that applicant demand for E-rate funds in Funding Year 2004 fell approximately nine percent over FY03, with demand totaling $4.278 billion or $440 million less than last year. USAC reported that the bulk of FY 2004 funding requests occurred in internal connections, which amounted to $2.678 billion, and that nearly half of internal connections request came from the 90 percent level, $1.061 billion from the 80 percent to 89 percent bracket, and much smaller sums requested in lower brackets.  Meanwhile, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is considering new changes to the E-rate’s rules, including lowering the top discount level for internal connections by 10 or 20 percent, streamlining or eliminating the Form 470 posting process, and reducing availability of discounts to support capital costs associated with the build-out of wide area networks. In their comments to the FCC, ISTE and CoSN opposed altering the discount matrix, supported eliminating annual Form 470 posting process for recurring telecommunications and Internet access services (not internal connections), and took no position on wide area network costs. In their most recent comments to the FCC, ISTE and CoSN laid out the following objections to the proposed discount matrix adjustment: (1) the new twice-every-five-year rule, which permits applicants to receive funding only twice every five years for internal connections, should be afforded ample time to operate in order to determine whether it has accomplished the Commission’s goals; (2) additional rules on top of the twice-every five-year-rule may sow confusion in the ranks of applicants and vendors alike, potentially chilling their interest in participating in the program; and (3) some of the neediest applicants would be required to pay larger proportions of eligible service costs, thereby making it impossible for them financially to participate in the program. Sources indicate that the Commission may issue additional orders this summer based on issues raised in this proceeding.  Finally, the House Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations is expected to announce that it is scheduling a hearing in June that will delve into allegations that tens of millions of dollars provided by the E-rate program was misspent by the Puerto Rico Department of Education during the first three years of the E-rate’s existence. Audits have indicated that the Department had inadequate electrical infrastructure to support computers, that it had failed to install computers to make use of E-rate supported in-school wiring, and that some portion of the E-rate money may have been siphoned-off fraudulently. This hearing is expected to be the first in a series aimed at bringing to light program administration weaknesses.  Washington News ED to host "Increasing Options Through e-Learning" conference In July (Reminder) – On July 12-13, in Orlando at the World Center Marriott, the U.S. Department of Education will host its second Secretary’s No Child Left Behind Leadership Summit, “Increasing Options Through e-Learning.”  This conference will ask leaders to explore virtual education – distance learning, virtual schools and other online education courses – as a powerful technology innovation expanding opportunities for learning any time, any place in support of NCLB.       Detailing solutions for NCLB using e-learning strategies for the provisions of: supplemental services, professional development and highly qualified teachers and paraprofessionals, instructional options and more.       Providing states with e-friendly policy frameworks: funding models, quality assurance models, equity, accountability and regulatory models.       Demonstrating best practices for transforming education.       Bringing together public and private entities to explore and develop guidance and regulations for effective operations.       Promoting effective virtual schools as a viable opportunity for students. State policy leaders, including: governors, legislators, state chiefs, board of education members, superintendents, and educational technology directors are invited to attend.  For more information, visit http://www.NCLBTechSummits.org.  ITFS Spectrum Action alert – Source: Ed Tech Action Network, May 25, 2004 The newly established Ed Tech Action Network (ETAN), sponsored by ISTE and CoSN, encourages schools to email the FCC Commissioners opposing the proposed rule changes in the Instructional Television Fixed Service (ITFS) Spectrum, which threatens the educational use of the spectrum. According the ETAN Action Alert, “it is very important for education technology supporters to voice support for maintaining the current structure of ITFS and to oppose efforts to remove this spectrum from educational entities.”  If writing such a letter, remember to include a personal story. To see the ITFS action alert and sample letter, visit ETAN at http://www.congresswed.com/cweb4/index.cfm?orgcode=EDTEC.     Ed Tech Research, Publications, Resources   Education Week releases Technology Counts 2004: Global Links: Lessons from the World On May 6, 2004 Education Week released its seventh annual report on school technology, “Technology Counts”. The 2004 report presents an overview of technology in schools around the world. TC04 includes its annual review of national trends in the use of educational technology and state-by-state snapshots of the steps states have taken to use educational technology more effectively. According to the report, the United States is among the leaders in the world in providing access to school computers, but it lags behind other countries in frequency of school computer use and Internet availability at school. The United States' student-to-computer ratio of 5:1 is tied for first in the world, along with Australia and Latvia. However, some technology-oriented countries have more than twice the percentage of school computers connected to the Internet than the United States does. "These numbers show that our schools need to move beyond the goal of simply putting computers in classrooms," said Virginia B. Edwards, the editor and publisher of Education Week. "And the world outside the United States is rich with lessons about how technology can be used in schools." For the full report see: http://www.edweek.org/sreports/tc04/  CoSN and ISTE launch ETAN grassroots advocacy network The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) have announced the creation of the Ed Tech Action Network (ETAN), a new joint initiative designed to establish a grassroots network of education technology advocates. This network provides users with the necessary tools to advocate for increased federal government support for education technology at a grassroots level, including an interactive Web site, in-person training, sample advocacy letters, legislation updates, and policy backgrounders. See: www.edtechactionnetwork.org  National Coalition for Technology in Education and Training launched The National Coalition for Technology in Education and Training (NCTET) is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that promotes and supports the effective use of technology to improve education and training in America by acting as a convener, catalyst, and resource for relevant and timely information. The NCTET website provides a series of public service announcements to enlist the support of concerned students, parents, educators, businesses and citizens and details five steps to educate candidates and public officials on issues relating to education technology. Participating entities include education associations, non-profit organizations, corporations, and other organizations and individuals with an interest in education technology. Based in Washington, DC, the network organizes policy briefings, conducts seminars, produces background papers, recognizes exemplary technology leadership, creates networking opportunities, and hosts celebratory events. See: http://www.nctet.org/  Microsoft and MCI's MarcoPolo Education Foundation partner to provide teacher resources Microsoft and MCI's MarcoPolo Education Foundation announced they have entered into a unique agreement under which Microsoft will integrate content from the MCI Foundation's MarcoPolo education program into Microsoft's Innovative Teachers program. Microsoft also will provide grant funding to MCI's MarcoPolo Education Foundation to accelerate the development of additional student interactive resources by the MarcoPolo content partners. Embedded within MarcoPolo Content Partner lessons, these Flash-based tools allow students to manipulate, experiment, and interact with MarcoPolo's online educational content in innovative and exciting ways that appeal to technology-savvy students. Examples of interactives that will be built with this funding include flash cards, mapping and vocabulary tools. In addition, Microsoft will link to MarcoPolo content into Microsoft's Innovative Teachers program. See: http://www.marcopolo-education.org/ or http://www.microsoft.com/education/InnovativeTeachers.aspx  Texas model to prepare teachers to integrate ed/tech The state of Texas expects all of its teachers to have competent technology skills as outlined in the Texas Essential Knowledge Skills (TEKS) initiative. The program aims to change the attitudes of teachers toward instructional approaches, improve their level of computer literacy, and use instructional technology skills to ensure that their students develop the skills and knowledge that they will need to succeed in the 21st century. To learn about TEKS see: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/teks. For a copy of the Texas State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) Technology Applications Standards for all beginning teachers, see: http://www.sbec.state.tx.us/SBECOnline/standtest/standards/techapp.pdf/.  Math and science learning improves with tech integration According to a study conducted by ACT Inc, "the use or computers in the classroom, combined with traditional instruction, can increase student learning and achievement, especially among low-achieving and at-risk students." The study found that computers are particularly effective in math and science and students learn more quickly and with greater retention. The report says a lack of teacher training and failure of school districts to set appropriate goals for technology use cause the problems. It recommends schools develop evaluations to determine the effects of technology on teaching and learning. For a copy of the report, see: http://www.act.org/research/policy/index.html.   ICT (information and communications technology) impact on student achievement Last year, Great Britain's research partner in the strategic development and delivery of its information and communications technology (ICT) and e-learning strategy for the schools and the learning and skills sectors, conducted two literature reviews to determine the impact of ICT on student attainment. One study found evidence of positive effects of specific uses of ICT on pupils' attainment in almost all subjects, with the most substantial evidence of these effects in the core subjects of English, mathematics and science. The report suggested a strong relationship between attainment and the ways in which ICT is used and student learning. A second study reported evidence of teachers' uses of ICT and pupil achievement. The investigators said: "When teachers use their knowledge of both the subject and the way pupils understand the subject, their use of ICT has a more direct effect on pupils' attainment." See: http://www.becta.org.uk/research/research.cfm?section=1&id=3119    U.S. slow in transitioning to digital TV Federal decisions to digitize television broadcasting began about decade ago but today about 85% of U.S. households continue to rely on terrestrial, over-the-air broadcasting for their primary television service. The U.S. is now 11th in the world in broadband (digital) deployment. FCC Chairman Michael Powell says, "It seems clear to me that at some point on the horizon, all Americans--perhaps in 10 years-will have pay TV." That statement suggests TV via a broadband Internet line will be available across the nation. Moving the nation the rest of the way from the current 85 percent subscription TV viewership raises the prospect of the government's reclaiming the entire amount of spectrum currently reserved for broadcast TV and auctioning it off for other, higher-valued uses, such as broadband wireless Internet and telephone services.    The spectrum used by television stations could be auctioned off for an estimated $400 billion.  According to the New America Foundation, this nation's "most valuable publicly owned asset might well be the electromagnetic spectrum - or the airwaves." Recent FCC auctions suggest that the spectrum has a market value exceeding $500 billion. All of this suggests that educators need to get more involved in what's happening at the FCC and in Congressional hearings on selling off the spectrum and on DTV. Public television and the E-rate subsidies are among the activities that could be affected and telephone services go to the air and television goes into wires. See: http://www.spectrumpolicy.org.   Home broadband reaches 40 percent  Broadband (high-speed Internet connection that allows for transfers of information at rates up to 50 times faster than dial-up modems) penetration in U.S. homes has reached 40 percent, according to new data released by the Pew Internet and American Life Project. Contrary to predictions a year ago by the Pew project that the number of broadband subscribers had reached a plateau, providers of broadband have found significant numbers of new customers and customers willing to upgrade from dial-up to high-speed service. Many of the new broadband customers are taking advantage of lower prices, especially for DSL compared to high-speed cable service, though relatively few cited cost as the reason for switching. Consumers are pushed toward high-speed connections as they spend more time online, involved in a growing list of online activities. Even if broadband costs more, consumers understand that faster connections will allow them to waste less time and save money in the long run.  See: http://www.siliconvalley.com/mld/siliconvalley/8466355.htm   Free subscription for Edutopia magazine Launching in September, the new Edutopia magazine from The George Lucas Educational Foundation will continue GLEF's coverage of success stories in schools with expanded features, new departments, and rich photography. Milton Chin, GLEF's executive director, announced that he's hoping to transform the foundation's existing and popular newsletter into a magazine that will cover a wide range of educational initiatives and success stories, particularly those involving applications of advanced technologies. The new magazine will include the techniques, tools, and technologies used by educators and schools that are pioneering the development and implementation of new models of 21st century schools. For a subscription, see: http://www.glef.org/mag/fa      Special Offers to Missouri Schools While Newsline regularly shares news and information about a variety of vendor products and services, the following offers are highlighted, as they are specific to Missouri schools.  State vendor “bulk purchase program” World Wide Technology (WWT) is offering an opportunity for schools to participate in a Bulk Purchasing Program for the procurement of computers, printers, software, and networking equipment. The program will be administered through August 31, 2004. Periodically during the program period, WWT will combine the purchasing needs of multiple schools and state agencies through bulk purchase orders to WWT’s suppliers, thus driving down each school’s individual price. For more information about the program, contact Molly Jones at 573-636-3731.   State vendor and Software Plus offer special pricing on Adobe and Microsoft products WWT has partnered with Software Plus on the State Contract to offer special pricing on Adobe and Microsoft products.  WWT and Software Plus announced statewide programs that significantly reduce the costs for various Adobe and Microsoft software products:  the Adobe CLP and Microsoft Select programs.  Available to all Missouri K-12 schools, even the smallest school can receive the best academic pricing available while also not having to worry about minimum purchases. The attachments below include a flyer on how the programs operate, and another flyer on software covered by the programs. For additional information contact Linda Rice with WWT at 888-234-8898 or Marcy Rodriguez with Software Plus at 888-251-7638, extension 110.   DESE flyer2 and Adobe-Microsoft SW   Technology in the Classroom!  Call for participants. Technology in the Classroom is looking for schools that want an easy, effective and free way to integrate technology into the classroom. “We specialize in the development of online tutorials that complement in-class teaching. JEDlets are effective tools for teachers to use as homework and discussion exercises for their students. These tutorials, which are taken online, provide a pedagogic, interactive and fun resource to teachers in subjects such as writing, language skills and math. There are also other subjects including studying skills and schoolyard bullying. Our online library is found at http://www.jedlet.com under the sections ‘trainers and educators’ and ‘writing skills’. We are in the process of conducting some pilot projects with schools (high school and higher) and would like to have you participate. We offer schools access to the JEDlets of their choice for a period of six months at no expense to them (value of $500). What we seek is school and student feedback. The only work required on your part is the distribution of access codes to students (login and passwords).” Contact: Nicole at nduchastel@jednm.com or at 514-289-1800. Free year of Technology Education curriculum K to the 8th Power will be awarding at least one Missouri K-5 public school a free one-year subscription to the K to 8 Power Technology Curriculum for the 2004-2005 school year. “The curriculum includes 300+ lessons designed to teach computer skills and technology literacy in the context of core academic lessons.  The academic content is based on the common objectives of national achievement tests. The technology objectives meet or exceed national standards. Reading, writing and math skills are reinforced as the students learn word processing, spreadsheet, presentation applications, and other technology applications.  Lessons in every grade are differentiated for English Language Learners. Access to all lessons, lesson plans, the Learning Management System and electronic grade book is via the Internet, making them accessible from school or home. Both Windows PCs and Apple Macs are supported. The subscription includes access to all lessons for all students, teachers, and administrators at the winning school. At least one school-wide and one grade-wide subscription will be awarded in Missouri. See web site for specifics. Go to http://www.kto8.com/se and click the ‘FreeYear’ logo to enter the contest. In the ‘Additional Comments’ box on the entry form put FY/MO-05. This code will enter your school in the separate Missouri contest.” Contact: Robert Ott at Robert@kto8.com.     Assistive Technology FAQ What is assistive technology? – The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) defines an assistive technology device as “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of a child with a disability.”    Are assistive technology devices always high-tech? – While many assistive technology devices are high-tech computer applications, a number of low-tech options are available that may be suitable and less expensive to implement.  What are some basics when considering whether a child needs an assistive device? – As IDEA requires IEP teams to consider whether or not a student with a disability needs assistive technology devices and services, the IEP team should include someone who is knowledgeable about assistive technology. DESE's special education division reviewed some of the basics to consider when making these decisions in an October 2003 memo to schools. See: http://dese.mo.gov/divspeced/FSLS/FSLS10.06.03.html.

Finding Missouri:  Our History & Heritage Video Series “Finding Missouri: Our History & Heritage” Video Series is now available on two DVDs. To purchase your copy, please send your check or money order made payable to The Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, in the amount of $8.20 to: Finding Missouri Attn: Julie Boeckmann Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education PO Box 480 Jefferson City, MO 65102 NO PURCHASE ORDERS, PLEASE.  INCLUDE YOUR NAME AND MAILING ADDRESS WITH YOUR PAYMENT.     MOREnet  Update --Submitted by Eric Nicklas, Program Manager, K-12 Technology Network Program, MOREnet   MOREnet Summer Camps http://www.more.net/training/   MOREnet has several week-long intensive summer camps that provide staff development and technical training sessions scheduled throughout the summer. These sessions include Novell and Windows training, Web Authoring and Computer Security. Please submit your request to attend soon, as space for these sessions is limited.   2004 Missouri Educational Technology Conference http://www.more.net/conferences/fall2004/ The 2004 Missouri Educational Technology Conference--Technology Exploration: Improving Teaching and Learning is scheduled for October 3-5, 2004 at Tan-Tar-A in Osage Beach, MO. This year, the conference will feature enhancements that align with high quality professional development standards. This year's conference will employ a new format that includes a new, standardized strand matrix, a variety of session lengths and sessions that encourage more in-depth and on-going study, practice and discussion. The conference will also feature an exhibitor fair where approximately 100 vendors will be displaying their current products, a showcase of student technology projects, and a conference reception. Online registration for the conference will begin on August 16, 2004 and will close on September 24, 2004. Participants may reserve rooms at the special conference rate of $82.00 until Friday, September 17, 2004. For information or reservations, contact Tan-Tar-A at (800) 826-8272 or visit the Tan-Tar-A website. For additional information visit the conference website.     i-SAFE Professional Development in Missouri devrab@isafe.org i-SAFE is working with your Regional Professional Development Centers and the Missouri Center for Safe Schools to coordinate i-SAFE Professional Development Programs (PDPs) and conference workshops across Missouri. It is our goal to help you empower your students to recognize dangerous situations online and provide them with the tools necessary to navigate the web safely.We are gearing up for the summer and the 2004-2005 school year, and will be alerting you to upcoming events in your areas.    If you are not i-SAFE certified, you are invited to attend one of two PDPs on June 16: -St. Louis Cooperating School Districts (St. Louis): to register, please contact either Nancy George (at St. Louis CSD) or Devra Brukman. -South Central Regional Professional Development Center (Rolla): to register, please go to http://campus.umr.edu/rpdc/ For those educators, law enforcement, and community members who have implemented the i-SAFE program, congratulations on your accomplishments!  We are now accepting Implementation Plans for events scheduled through June 2005.  I hope that all of your students and communities have the opportunity to learn how to be safe online.    Keep your eye out for announcements of upcoming i-SAFE events.  If you have any questions or need further assistance, contact Devra Brukman, 760-603-7911 x21     Best of the Web Contest: For State Government and K-12 Education --Submitted by Lainie Martin, Web Development, DESE http://www.centerdigitalgov.com/bestof/?loc=29  The Center for Digital Government, the Center for Digital Education and Government Technology magazine and Converge Online are pleased to announce the call for entries in our ninth annual Best of the Web (BOW) and Digital Government/Education Achievement Awards (DGAA/DEAA).     2004: An Odyssey of Learning The Missouri Distance Learning Association (MoDLA) will host 2004: An Odyssey of Learning, the annual summer distance learning conference, July 15-16, 2004, at the Clarion Hotel, in Springfield, MO.  The conference is designed to provide educators, administrators, technology coordinators and others interested in distance education, information on current trends in instruction, and information on the latest instructional technologies along with a multitude of exemplary presentations of distance learning strategies in action.  Conference Location 2004: An Odyssey of Learning will be held at the Clarion Hotel, Springfield, MO.  Participants may reserve rooms at the special conference rate of $64.95 until July 1.  For information or reservations, contact Clarion Hotel at (417) 883-6550. Conference Features Keynote Speaker Thursday, July 15 - "Educational Evolution: The One-Room School House meets the Virtual Classroom"           Dr. Jim Baker, Assistant to the President, Southwest Missouri State University  Friday, July 16  - "Thriving or Surviving in Difficult Economic Times"             Dr. Ed Gould, Department Chair, Higher Education Leadership, School of Education Capella University President,             Beacon Resource Group, Higher Education Consultants  Breakout Sessions To be determined.  Vendor Fair The vendors will be available from 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 15 and 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. on Friday, July 16 to give attendees the opportunity to view and discuss the latest distance learning technologies. The Vendors will help kick off the conference with a Vendor Reception from 4:30 p.m.- 6:30 p.m., Thursday, July 15. Virtual Field Trips Throughout the day, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of live videoconferences with presenters in different locations around the world.   Silent Auction Visit the Silent Auction and browse through the donations. Take the opportunity to enter a bid on one or more items.  The Auction will continue for the duration of the conference so you will have an opportunity to return often to see if someone has upped the ante.  The Silent Auction will close at 1:00 p.m., July 16. Cyber Cafe The Cyber Cafe will be open for the duration of the conference for attendees to have the opportunity to check email and web sites.   More Information For more information, contact the MoDLA Office at 417-836-6150 or by email through the MoDLA director MichelleNorgren@smsu.edu    Missouri Schools and Programs in the News    Mehlville Congratulations to Jen Ulas, eMINTS teacher at Trautwein Accelerated Elementary School in the Mehlville District for being named as the district’s teacher of the year!  Jen teaches fourth grade and is finishing her second year as an eMINTS teacher.     eMINTS Question of the Month  Q: Why are the eMINTS and eThemes websites and URLs changing? A: On February 24, 2004, the eMINTS program moved to a new level when the eMINTS National Center was approved by the General Officers of the University of Missouri System. Formerly administered by MOREnet, the eMINTS program is now a fully autonomous entity within the University of Missouri in collaboration with DESE. The eMINTS National Center will serve as a resource base for Missouri schools and districts as well as for other states that wish to collaborate with eMINTS staff and with one another to replicate the eMINTS instructional model within their educational systems. The eMINTS National Center is part of the University of Missouri System, Office of Academic Affairs. Your district and all eMINTS teachers will continue to receive the same support and services from the eMINTS program as you have in the past. Our office location, address and phone number will remain the same. The eMINTS and eThemes website URLs will be changing and a redirect will be in place to maintain access. There will also be some nominal changes to email addresses associated with the emintsteachers.more.net domain as well as to the webspace available to eMINTS teachers who have their classroom websites on MOREnet servers. The email addresses and web space will continue to be available - they will just have a slightly different name and address.     Copyright Question of the Month  Q. May an educator (e.g., administrator, classroom teacher, substitute teacher, or student teacher) other district employee, volunteer, or others read and translate a work into a student’s native language and create an audio tape?    A.  No.  Translation of print materials from one language to another or to an audio format creates a derivative work.  This is the exclusive right of the copyright owner.  Note:    Permission to change print materials to audio format must be requested from the copyright owner.     Mark Your Calendar June 1 Newsline published online   June 10 MO Rural Opportunities Council Telecommunications/Education Committee Meeting (1:15-3:30 p.m.) Governor Office Building, Room 316, Jefferson City, MO   June 25 Newsline articles due   July 1 Newsline published online   July 4 Independence Day— National Holiday      Upcoming 2004-2005 Conferences  June 19-22 SETDA Annual Convocation and ET Forum New Orleans, Louisiana (in conjunction with NECC)   June 21-23 NECC 2004: Jammin’ and Jazzin’ With Technology New Orleans, LA http://www.neccsite.org   July 15-16 2004:  An Odyssey of Learning Missouri Distance Learning (MoDLA) Conference Clarion Hotel, Springfield, MO MichelleNorgren@smsu.edu   September 26-28 EdNET 2004 Chicago, IL http://hellerreports.com/conferences/ednet2004/index.aspx   October 1 Software Plus 3rd Annual Conference (FREE) Junior League of St. Louis 10435 Clayton Rd., St. Louis, MO 63131 888-251-7638 ext 129   October 3-5 Technology Exploration:  Improving Teaching and Learning 2004 Missouri Educational Technology Conference Tan-Tar-A, Osage Beach, MO http://www.more.net/conferences/fall2004/   April 3-5, 2005 Preparing the Next Generation for Technological Literacy ITEA Conference and Exhibition Kansas City, MO http://www.iteawww.org/D2.html.      From the Mailbag  Technology and Networking offers web filtering as low as 34 cents per user http://www.tanonline.com Protect your organization from exposure to inappropriate, offensive, or illegal Internet content that could lead to legal liability, while also ensuring compliance with CIPA. A Missouri-based company, Technology and Networking offers an Internet filtering solution that allows you to control, manage, and understand your students' Internet usage. This solution can help schools reduce legal liability, optimize bandwidth, and increase user productivity. For more information, contact Jean Turnbough at 888-826-6654 or by email at tanonline@tanonline.com. Presidential Freedom Scholarships http://www.nationalservice.org/scholarships/ Two students from every high school in the country are eligible to receive $1,000 Presidential Freedom Scholarships in recognition of their outstanding service to the community. The annual college scholarship program, which will award up to 8,000 scholarships, is administered by the Corporation for National & Community Service's Learn and Serve America program. Nominations are open to high school juniors or seniors during the 2003-2004 academic year. Application deadline: July 16, 2004.  National Geographic Society Teacher Grants http://www.nationalgeographic.com/education/teacher_community/get_grant.html The mission of the National Geographic Society’s Education Foundation is to prepare children to embrace a diverse world, succeed in a global economy, and steward the planet’s resources. Teacher grants are given directly to educators to facilitate their work in the classroom, school, district, and community. Applications are accepted in the spring from any current teacher or administrator in an accredited K-12 school within the United States or Canada. Application deadline: June 10, 2004.  Angels in Action http://angelsoft.com/angelsinaction/ The makers of Angel Soft toilet paper believe that kids who have dedicated themselves to acts of kindness should be rewarded for their efforts. The Angel Soft Angels in Action Program will recognize  children, ages 8-15, for executing exemplary acts of service to benefit their community, a charity or cause. One winner will receive $25,000; 10 finalists will each receive $2,500. Entry deadline: June 19, 2004.  Share Our Strength http://www.greatamericanbakesale.org Share Our Strength, the sponsoring organization of the Bake Sale, will be accepting grant applications for this year's Great American Bake Sale grant making campaign beginning April 4th. Applicants must either be current sponsors of the USDA's summer feeding or after school meal service programs for children, or advocacy organizations that provide technical assistance to these programs. Applications will be accepted from registered nonprofits and schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The final deadline is July 25.  netTrekker, The Search Engine for Schools www.netTrekker.com Missouri educators, try netTrekker, the Search Engine for Schools, absolutely FREE.  Discover how netTrekker, the award-winning search engine for schools can increase teacher and student productively while helping integrate the Show-Me Standards and technology into the daily curricula.  Empower your teachers and students with over 180,000 high quality online resources delivered to every desktop, including  educator-selected lesion plans and learning exercises.  netTrekker delivers results across the K-12 curriculum, and features an interactive timeline, famous person list generator, and easy-to-use collaboration tools.  Recently named Top Winner in Technology & Learning Magazine’s Awards of Excellence competition, along with Apple and Leapfrog. To access your complimentary free trial:  Visit www.netTrekker.com Log on with the following username and password: Username:  modese             Passwprd:   modese This free trial is available for Missouri educators only through July 31, 2004  For more information about netTrekker or learn how to order, please contact Andria Humpert at 877-517-1125 or ahumpert@netTrekker.com New Online Course Helps Schools Develop Emergency Operations Plans The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) unveiled an online, independent study course called: IS 362: Multi-Hazard Emergency Planning for Schools to help educators and first responders develop effective emergency operations plans for the wide array of potential emergencies that schools face. The course takes between six to eight hours to complete; those successfully finishing it receive a certification of completion. Free Online training now available If you’re one of the many educators who have signed up for Apple’s X for Teachers program, we have great news for you. From now until August 31, you can enjoy — free of charge — any of the self-paced training courses available from Apple Professional Development Online. For a $75 annual value, the training provides workshops on Mac OS X, iLife, Microsoft Office, and other applications. You can also participate in the web-based tutorials available from Atomic Learning and other development opportunities described on our website. That’s not all. We’re also opening the X for Teachers program to all full-time K12 educators, including faculty, instructional staff, and administrators. Enroll before June 30, and you can take advantage of our free online training offer.  It’s a brave new digital world In many high schools across the country, students learn digital media production first-hand, honing real-world skills in 3D animation, interactive media production, DVD authoring, documentary filmmaking, and broadcast journalism. Students see this as a great opportunity and most — totally undaunted by the technology — dive headfirst into the experience. Many teachers, on the other hand, approach the brave new world of digital media a bit more warily. If you’re interested in learning more about video production but are intimidated by the technology, we have a great resource for you. “Videography for Educators,” an exhibit on the Apple Learning Interchange, offers an excellent grounding in the art of videography, taking you through each step of the video production. Take a look.  K-6 Science and Math Education Grants  http://www.toshiba.com/about/taf/smallgrants.html Funded by: Toshiba Description: Grant to encourage hands-on teaching of science and math in grades K-6.  Projects must be in addition to regular units, occur during the school day, be completed by May 15, 2005 span at least three class sessions, and the teacher must be present during the implementation. Proposal deadline: 10/1/2004 Average amount: $1,000 Telephone: 212-596-0620 Email:  foundation@tai.toshiba.com Availability: All states This information reprinted with permission from: School Funding Newsletter © Copyright 2004, Don Peek, except where indicated otherwise.   Education News Advisory: Best of the Web Call for Entries A call for entries has been issued by the Center for Digital Education and Converge Online for their 2004 Best of the Web contest and Digital Education Achievement Awards program. In its ninth year, the popular Best of the Web is open to all K-12 state education, K-12 local education and Higher Education Web sites in the United States. Web sites will be judged on innovation and use of technology, functionality, efficiency or time saved, and economy.   New this year is the Digital Education Achievement Awards program, which is open to all educational institutions in the United States and internationally. The awards will recognize the outstanding contributions at the application and infrastructure level in the following categories: student-focused, teacher-focused, administrator-focused, parent-focused, and integrated multi-focused applications.  The panel of judges includes representatives from the Center for Digital Education, Converge Online, and the 2003 Best of the Web first-place winners, Fresno Unified School District and University of Miami, which are excluded from entering this year.  “For almost a decade, the Best of the Web has been showcasing some of the most creative, innovative and user-friendly Web portals in the nation,” said Marina Leight, director of the Center for Digital Education and publisher of Converge Online. “We are thrilled to be expanding this program with the Digital Education Achievement Awards. It is truly an honor for us to be spotlighting not only the power portals in education, but also those web-based applications and systems in education that are creating outstanding services and new efficiencies.”  K-12 and Higher Education institutions can enter the contest and awards program online at the Center for Digital Education Web site. The last day all entries will be accepted  is July 1.  For more information on the Best of the Web or Digital Education Achievement Awards, contact Rhonda Wilson at 916/932-1321 or rwilson@centerdigitaled.com. Letter Boxes and Geocaches:   http://www.riverdeep.net/current/2002/04/042202_letterbox.jhtml Geocaches and letterboxes--introduce your students to the growing phenomena of treasure seeking through these unique activities, and then perhaps start a quest of your own as a student project for the summer. Your students will love both planning and executing these searches, while your class or school can keep its own logbook of discovery. Consider pairing up with a penpal class to exchange logs and discoveries.  Digital Kids Club News — new lessons and tips, digital photography kits, a student contest, and more http://www.adobe.com/education/ A new student contest — Technology & Learning Magazine’s “Portraits of Learning” photo contest — sponsored by Adobe — allows K-12 students to create entries by enhancing photographs using image-editing software. New Digital Photography Kits — contact a participating Education Reseller to take advantage of special pricing on new kits that feature Nikon Coolpix cameras, Photoshop Elements 2.0 software, training materials, digital photography accessories, and more. New Photoshop Elements 2.0 Lessons — publishing personification-style poems, visual pun fun, and more New Digital Photo Tips — landscapes, animal photography, photo sharing, and more Visit the Adobe Digital Kids Club for free, fun digital photography and digital imaging resources.  Join the New Acrobat for Educators Community Become part of Acrobat for Educators, an online community providing new ideas for integrating the use of Adobe Acrobat software into teaching, learning, and collaborating in class and throughout the campus. Come back often to a one-stop source for everything Acrobat, including free online training and curriculum, Education success stories, and a free software tryout. Learn about the Acrobat for Education Community.    Internet Sites of Interest  Lewis and Clark In 1804, Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark led a U. S. Army "Corps of Discovery" from St. Louis up the Missouri River into the vast, newly acquired Louisiana Territory. Following instructions from President Thomas Jefferson, their aim was to become the first Americans to traverse North America to the Pacific via an imagined water route.  Discovering Lewis & Clark http://www.lewis-clark.org Conceived in 1993, and online since 1998, is a hyperhistory in progress, focusing on issues, values and visions relating to the Lewis & Clark Expedition, its preludes, and its aftermath up to the present time.   Lewis & Clark @ National Geographic http://www.nationalgeographic.com/west/ Wild rivers. Rugged mountains. An unknown continent to explore. This great American expedition will face them all. And they need your help on this incredible adventure.  Lewis & Clark @ PBS http://www.pbs.org/lewisandclark/ Follow an expedition timeline and maps, or read the journals of the Corps., explore the significance of the expedition using lesson plans and activities, and follow Lewis and Clark on their journey through eleven states, with journal entries, Native American history, and events to celebrate the expedition's bicentennial.  Teach Lewis & Clark http://www.nwrel.org/teachlewisandclark/ Lewis and Clark, with minimal advanced education and training, classified and drew detailed pictures of 300 flora and fauna never before seen by white American citizens living east of the Mississippi River. They practiced anthropology skills by recording details of Indian tribes they met, including basic language structure. They monitored weather patterns, described geological formations and recorded all these data.  eThemes Civil War: Women http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001299.shtml Learn about the role of women during the Civil War. Find out how they served as spies, soldiers, and nurses. Read first-hand accounts from their diaries. Includes information about Harriet Tubman, Clara Barton, Belle Boyd, and other women. There are links to eThemes Resources on the Civil War and the Underground Railroad. Countries: Commonwealth of Independent States http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001292.shtml These sites are about the countries that make up the Commonwealth of Independent States. The following countries are included: Belarus, Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. There is information about the Chernobyl disaster and the problems with Lake Baikal. Includes a link to an eThemes Resource on Russia. Human Body: Support System http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001300.shtml Learn about the three types of muscles in your body. Find out how they work in pairs and learn what happens when they are stretched too far. There is also information about cells, joints, and bones. Includes movies, diagrams, and word searches. There are links to eThemes Resources on the human body and the five senses. Literature Awards: Beehive Award Nominees for Young Adult Books 2003-2004 http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001297.shtml Here is information about the nominees for Utah's Beehive Literature Awards for young adults. There are biographies of the authors, lesson plans, excerpts, and reviews of the books. There is a link to an eThemes resource on Missouri's version of the award, The Gateway Readers Award. Coretta Scott King Awards 2004 http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001289.shtml Learn about the Coretta Scott King Awards, which recognize outstanding African American authors and illustrators of children's literature. Includes biographies about the people who won the awards for 2004, plus information about the books.  Literature: "The Wanderer" by Sharon Creech http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001295.shtml These sites are about the book "The Wanderer" and author Sharon Creech. Includes excerpts, reviews, and lesson plans for the book. There is also information about the Atlantic Ocean, sailing, and journal writing. There are links to eThemes Resources on oceans and the Mark Twain Award Nominees 2002-2003.   Newbery Book Awards 2004 http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001285.shtml These sites are about the Newbery Award, which is the world's oldest children's book award. Learn about the winning books for 2004. Includes author biographies, reviews, excerpts, and lesson plans.  Civil War: African American Soldiers http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001303.shtml These sites are about the African American men who fought for the Union Army and Navy during the Civil War. Read letters from the soldiers and view several photographs. There are recruitment posters and other primary documents from the Civil War era. Includes links to eThemes Resources on the Emancipation Proclamation and other Civil War topics.  Literature Awards: Michael L. Printz Award 2004 http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001306.shtml These sites are about the Michael L. Printz Awards, which honors outstanding young adult novels. Learn about the books that were honored and their authors. Includes reviews, excerpts, and discussion questions. There are links to eThemes Resources on other literature awards.    Literature Awards: Pura Belpre Medal 2004 http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001305.shtml These links are about the Pura Belpre Medal and Honor Books for 2004. The Pura Belpre Medal is awarded to books written and illustrated by Latino/Latina authors and illustrators. The websites have reviews, excerpts, lesson plans, and activities for the books, as well as interviews and biographies of the authors and illustrators. There are links to eThemes resources for other major literature awards.  Updated eThemes Animals: Vertebrates and Invertebrates http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001121.shtml These sites explain how vertebrates and invertebrates are classified in the animal kingdom. There is information about the five groups of vertebrates (fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals) and the seven phylums of invertebrates (sponges, coelenterates, echinoderms, worms, mollusks, and arthropods). Includes games that have students guess a type of animal based upon clues about its characteristics. For more information about specific animal species, browse our alphabetical listing of eThemes animal topics.   Solar System: Comets http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00000631.shtml These sites are about the composition, orbits, and characteristics of comets. Includes photographs, videos, and hands-on activities. There is a link to an eThemes Resource on famous comets.   Holiday: Mother's Day http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001033.shtml Find out how this holiday began and the founders who established it as a yearly celebration in May. There are reading comprehension and math activities that have a Mother's Day theme. Also includes quizzes, e-cards, certificates, and games.  Natural Disasters: Earthquakes http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00000003.shtml These sites are about earthquakes and how they are measured. Topics include plate tectonics, the Richter scale, epicenters, earthquake survival instructions, and more. Read about some of the largest earthquakes in history. There are quizzes, videos, and simulations. Includes a link to an eThemes Resource on the New Madrid Fault.   Revolutionary War: Biographies http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00000272.shtml This is a collection of biographies on the men and women involved in the Revolutionary War. Learn about George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, King George III, Samuel Adams, Benedict Arnold, Crispus Attucks, Nathan Hale, Ethan Allen, and more. Includes portraits, some videos, and letters from spies. There are links to eThemes Resources on Paul Revere and the Revolutionary War.  Revolutionary War: Causes http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00000025.shtml These sites, for elementary students, focus on the major events leading up to the American Revolution. Learn about the Boston Tea Party, the Boston Massacre, the Proclamation of 1763, and more. Includes timelines, videos, and games. There are links to other eThemes Resources about the Revolutionary War and the U.S. Constitution.  Vikings http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00000780.shtml These sites are about Vikings and their history, voyages, and ships. Take an interactive tour of a Viking village, participate in an online Viking voyage, and learn how to write your name using Viking symbols. Includes lesson plans and activity ideas. There is a link to an eThemes Resource on barbarian invasions. Civil War: Causes and Battles http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00000635.shtml Learn the reasons why the Civil War began. Read about several battles and military leaders. Includes timelines of major events and maps of the battle areas. View photographs of the war and the men and women involved. There are links to several eThemes Resources on the Civil War. Civil War: Drummer Boys http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00000789.shtml These sites discuss the role of drummer boys during the Civil War. Includes photographs and letters from drummer boys. Learn what their daily life was like by reading letters they wrote to their families. There are links to other eThemes Resources on the Civil War. Civil War: Slavery http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00000087.shtml These sites have information about slavery in America in the 1800s. See Confederacy currency with pictures of slaves. Read narratives from slaves and learn about their lives from their own words. There are links to other eThemes Resources about the Civil War, the Underground Railroad, Dred Scott, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the Missouri Compromise. Missouri: Civil War http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00000275.shtml Learn about the Civil War battles that took place in Missouri. Watch Missouri Heritage videos about the divided feelings within the state and about the battle of Wilson's Creek. View maps highlighting the location of battle sites. There are links to eThemes Resources on the Missouri Compromise and various Civil War topics. Holiday: Memorial Day