PROGRAM AND EVENTS

We will open the conference with a reception and keynote presentation at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC. At this session, the keynote speaker, Dr. Kent McGuire, will offer perspectives on important policy initiatives that are promoting equity of learning technologies. This special evening will also give you an opportunity to view the Library's new Digital Library. For more information, visit the Library of Congress online at http://lcweb.loc.gov/.

Speaker: Kent McGuire
US Department of Education

Dr. Roberta Katz--CEO of Article III, Inc. and recent TechNet leader--is at once high tech CEO, lawyer, and cultural anthropologist. Dr. Katz will open CILT2000 by helping us to unpack the complex issues of learning technologies, equity, and new economy workplace readiness, and will share current and planned programmatic responses that go far beyond "wiring the schools" to address the deeper needs of schools and communities.

Many recent studies document growing inequities in access to technical resources and the opportunities they represent. In this session, panelists will offer contrasting views of the challenges that underlie these phenomena and—with the help of conference participants—evaluate policy levers that may convert challenge to opportunity.

This dinner event is dedicated to the spirit of Jan Hawkins, who passed away in 1999 after an influential 20-year career in learning technology research and systemic educational change. Our goal is not only to remember but to learn: what lessons do her playful yet sophisticated approaches to learning technologies hold for those of us who continue to strive for creativity and equity in our own work? Through remarks from close colleagues and images of children who continue to benefit from her legacy, we will try to characterize Jan's powerful insights into the worlds of children, technology, and equity.

How are federal and state governments responding to issues of technology and equity? In this discussion of new and emerging legislation and policy initiatives, a panel of representatives from the Hill, public interest groups, and state governments will offer important insights into the dynamics of learning technology policy.