Federal Title II.D Competitive Grants <Reminder>

The Department approved 14 competitive grants for 2007-08: six Year 1 grants and eight new Year 1 grants. Visit the program website to learn more about Missouri’s Title II.D-eMINTS grant program, the districts with approved grants, and how districts are using eMINTS professional development and multimedia technology to enhance instructional strategies and improve student performance. Look for project summaries of the new Year 1 grant projects to be posted to the website by late September or early October. See: http://dese.mo.gov/divimprove/instrtech/federalfunded/TitleIID/index.htm.

 State eMINTS/METS Classrooms Grants – Approved applicants announced

On Monday, September 10, Governor Blunt announced the award of 100 Technology Classroom grants. These grants offer Missouri educators the opportunity to integrate NSF-supported mathematics or science curriculum with multimedia technology and eMINTS instructional strategies. A total of 129 responsive applications were received from 77 Missouri districts and charter schools. The 100 tentatively approved applications represent 63 districts, with over one-third of the mathematics and/or science teachers located in upper elementary/intermediate schools, 40 percent in middle or junior high schools, and one-fourth in high schools. To read the Governor’s press release, visit: http://www.gov.mo.gov/cgi-bin/coranto/viewnews.cgi?id=EElAuVEuAlSUyrwaBh&style=Default+News+Style&tmpl=newsitem; to review the list of schools receiving grants, visit: http://dese.mo.gov/divimprove/instrtech/appr_notice_for_web_and_email.pdf.

 MOREnet – New online resources

Thanks to an additional $250,000 appropriated to the State Library for database licenses to support K-12 education, the following online resources will become available this fall to the all MOREnet members at no charge.

 Gale Discovering Collection will again be available to all MOREnet members as no extra charge beginning September 17, 2007. This online resource consists of essays, reference works, and magazine articles on the subjects of literature, history, biography, science, and socials studies for students K-12. A complete list of the collection’s content can be viewed at: http://gale.cengage.com/DiscoveringCollection/explore_content.htm – or visit the MOREnet online resources website at: http://www.more.net/online/index.html. Schools interested in setting up access to their usage statistics and/or enabling home/off site use through remote access should email MOREnet at techsupp@more.net. [Note that organizations with a current Discovering Collection agreement will be contacted by the Gale Group to arrange a credit.]

 Learning Express, an online, interactive testing database will soon join the list of online resources available to all MOREnet members – the release date and access information will be announced as soon as it is available. Learning Express is designed to help people succeed on the tests they must pass to gain citizenship, improve their testing skills, or to further their education or career. Online test preparation materials include the ACT, ASVAB, Civil Service, Cosmetology, EMS, Firefighter, GED, GMAT, GRE, Law Enforcement, Paramedic, PPST, Real Estate, SAT, United States Citizenship, and more. Learning Express is unique in the depth of its test preparation materials that span ages from elementary through adult. This testing resource also provides instant scoring and customized feedback.

Additional information on Learning Express Library can be found at: http://www.learningexpresslibrary.com. This database is funded through the REAL reserves for a two-year, statewide subscription. The online resource will be available through Sept. 30, 2009. [Institutions with existing contracts and a service end date of Sept. 30, 2007 will continue to receive the service without interruption. Those institutions with contracts that expire after Oct. 1, 2007 will be contacted by LearningExpress, LLC to arrange a credit.]

State Safe School Grants – Competitive Grants <Reminder>

The Department approved 31 competitive grants for 2007-08: five new Year 1 grants, 25 Year 2 grants, and one Year 3 grant. Visit the program website to learn more about districts are using program funds to provide services to students identified with violent, abusive, and chronically disruptive behaviors, to help these students return successfully to their regular classrooms and/or complete their high school education. Look for project summaries of the new Year 1 grant projects to be posted to the website by late September or early October. See: http://dese.mo.gov/divimprove/safeschools/.

 ERIP – The Solution for All-Hazards Planning

Missouri’s Office of Homeland Security and the Safe Schools Working Group announce development of the Missouri Emergency Response Information Plan (ERIP) Portal. ERIP is an Internet-based multi-hazard planning tool consistent with the Incident Command system. Made available in August, the tool is free for school districts and private schools, fully funded by Homeland Security. Copies of the Powerpoint presented at the 2007 School Administrators Conference, see: http://www.dese.mo.gov/commissioner/adminconf/. Note that the Missouri School Boards Association created the information DVD, ERIP – The Solution for All-Hazards Planning, which is available at: http://www.msbanet.org/web/2007/08/erip__the_solution_for_allhazz.aspx.

Governor Blunt awards grants for “100 Technology Classrooms in 100 Schools”

Governor Blunt announced the 100 schools and 100 classrooms that will receive a total of $2.9 million through this eMINTS/METS Classroom Grant Program. The funding was included as part of the Governor’s education budget and is over and above the K-12 funding contained in the Governor’s new funding formula. “In addition to sending more than a half a billion dollars in new funding to Missouri schools, we are promoting strategic investments in math and science learning to ensure that students in Nixa and in classrooms across the state have the necessary skills to succeed in the competitive, technology-based economy and careers of the future,” Gov. Blunt said. “Education is my highest priority, and I am committed to ensuring that our children receive a world class education that prepares them for the challenges of the future.”

 The governor announced his plan to provide $2.9 million to 100 classrooms in 100 schools with technology in his State of the State address. The program enhances Missouri’s Instructional Networked Teaching Strategies (eMINTS), which provides teachers with lessons on how to incorporate technology into instruction and learning. The eMINTS/METS Classrooms Grant Program was designed to create a visible set of classrooms that effectively integrate high-quality mathematics and science curriculum and teaching strategies that are powered by technology. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) contributed an additional $250,000 for professional development, bringing the department’s total professional development budget for this program to more than $1.2 million.

 Governor Blunt also expanded quality afterschool programs for students to participate in math and science activities. In addition he secured funding to encourage more students to take advanced placement (AP) courses by paying a portion of the test fee for all students who take AP math and science exams. DESE committed $100,000 in professional development funding to certify additional teachers to teach AP courses.

 Click here to read the full press release: http://www.gov.mo.gov/cgi-bin/coranto/viewnews.cgi?id=EElAuVEuAlSUyrwaBh&style=Default+News+Style&tmpl=newsitem.

 CCSSO Successful Practice Series features Missouri eMINTS program

On August 9, the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) announced release of the Successful Practices Series designed for state education agencies, with the leadership of chiefs and deputies, to share practices that work from their states with their colleagues across the nation. The second report of the series, titled “Changing the Face of Education: Missouri Leads the Way,” explores the eMINTS (enhancing Missouri’s Instructional Networked Teaching Strategies) program, which has thus far been implemented across Missouri and in eight other states. The program blends state-of-the-art technology; instructional strategies focused on inquiry-based teaching, higher order thinking skills, and cooperative learning; and professional development for teachers so that classroom environments may foster a new way of educating students. eMINTS professional development and in-classroom coaching components have emerged as critical elements in reaching students through their teachers. Long before the words “high-quality teaching” dominated the national vocabulary, eMINTS was quietly creating a paradigm to guide best practices across Missouri and in other states. To download the report; visit: http://www.ccsso.org/publications/details.cfm?PublicationID=356.

Missouri Teacher of the Year uses high-tech tools to teach American History

Eric Langhorst, the eighth-grade teacher at South Valley Junior High School in the Liberty School District and Missouri’s Teacher of the Year for 2007-08, uses high-tech tools to teach students about the past. In his American history class, he incorporates 21st-century technology to make learning meaningful and exciting for his students. Mr. Langhorst strives to make the classroom experience fresh and exciting and uses cutting-edge technology to actively engage his students. His students participate in live debates, play computer simulations of presidential elections and invite local elected officials as guest speakers. "Technology has become a tool that I utilize in my classroom to bring the outside world to my students and allow my students to share their experiences with a global community," Mr. Langhorst said.

 Beginning his 14th year in the profession, Mr. Langhorst is the social studies department chairperson for his school, serves on the district’s technology team, and recently was a mentor for a first-year teacher in the district. He is an adjunct faculty member at Park University, Parkville, teaching graduate courses in instructional technology. He serves on the Clay County Historical Society Board of Directors.

 In 2005, he created a blog and podcast, "Speaking of History." Teachers from across the nation and the world visit the Web site to discuss topics relating to education, history and technology.

He has won numerous awards, including the 2006 Cable’s Leader in Learning Award from the national cable TV industry. He was a finalist for the 2007 Daughters of the American Revolution National History Teacher of the Year and was selected to the 2006 National School Boards’ Association’s "20 to Watch List" for educational technology leadership over the next 20 years.

His articles have been published in several publications, including Educational Leadership magazine, Discovery Education Resource Guide and School Library Journal magazine. Next month, Mr. Langhorst will provide the opening keynote at the 2007 MOREnet Instructional Technology Conference.

 See full press release at: http://dese.mo.gov/news/2007/toy.htm.

 

Gale Discovering Collections available to MOREnet members September 17, 2007 Beginning Sept. 17, 2007, MOREnet will be adding the Gale Discovering Collection to its online resources. Thanks to an additional $150,000 appropriated to the State Library for database licenses to support K-12 education, the Gale Discovering Collection will again be available to all MOREnet members at no extra charge.

 This online K-12 resource consists of essays, reference works and magazine articles on the subjects of

• Literature,

• History,

• Biography,

• Science, and

• Social Studies.

A complete list of content can be viewed a Discovering Collection: Explore the Content at http://www.gale.com/DiscoveringCollection/explore_content.htm Information on accessing the collection will be announced as soon as it is available and posted on MOREnet’s Online Resources website at http://www.more.net/online/

 If you are interested in setting up access to your organization’s usage statistics, enabling home/off site use through remote access or have any other questions, e-mail MOREnet Technical Support at techsupp@more.net. Organizations with a current Discovering Collection agreement will be contacted by the Gale Group to arrange a credit.

 2008 MOREnet Instructional Technology Conference Registration is open for the 2007 MOREnet Instructional Technology Conference (MITC) to be held Oct. 14-16 at Tan-Tar-A in Osage Beach, MO. Register now to reserve seating in the sessions of your choice. Go to http://www.more.net/conferences/mitc/registration.html for registration information.

The Keynote Speaker for this year’s MITC is Eric Langhorst, eighth-grade American history teacher at South Valley Junior High School in the Liberty School District, Eric was just announced Missouri’s Teacher of the Year for 2007-08 on Aug. 30. The news release announcing Eric’s award relates “Mr. Langhorst strives to make the classroom experience fresh and exciting and uses cutting-edge technology to actively engage his students. His students participate in live debates, play computer simulations of presidential elections and invite local elected officials as guest speakers.

"Technology has become a tool that I utilize in my classroom to bring the outside world to my students and allow my students to share their experiences with a global community," Mr. Langhorst said.” To find out more about Eric, visit http://dese.mo.gov/news/2007/toy.htm

His presentations at the conference should have a dynamic message for those in the throes of technology integration. MITC brings together educators interested in maximizing the opportunities for instructional technology in Missouri schools. The high-quality professional development sessions include three and six hour pre-conference workshops, hands-on seminars, roundtable discussions, human networking and collaboration opportunities plus an Exhibitor Fair that boasts the latest technology tools and expertise. Visit http://www.more.net/conferences/mitc/  to register and learn more about MITC 2007.

 Learning Express joins list of MOREnet Online Resources Learning Express, an online, interactive testing database will join the list of online resources available to all MOREnet members. The release date and access information will be announced as soon as it is available. Learning Express is designed to help people succeed on the tests they must pass to gain citizenship, improve their testing skills, or to further their education or career. Online test preparation materials include the ACT, ASVAB, Civil Service, Cosmetology, EMS, Firefighter, GED, GMAT, GRE, Law Enforcement, Paramedic, PPST, Real Estate, SAT, United States Citizenship, and more. Learning Express is unique in the depth of its test preparation materials that span ages from elementary through adult. This testing resource also provides instant scoring and customized feedback. Additional information on Learning Express Library can be found at www.learningexpresslibrary.com. Institutions with existing contracts and a service end date of Sept. 30, 2007 will continue to receive the service without interruption. Those institutions with contracts that expire after Oct. 1, 2007 will be contacted by LearningExpress, LLC to arrange a credit. This database is funded through the REAL reserves for a two-year, statewide subscription. The online resource will be available through Sept. 30, 2009. For questions or comments concerning this announcement, please reply to: Jeanne Sullivan at jeanne@more.net

 Third Internet Safety Night invitation Join MOREnet October 23, 2007, 6:30-8:30 for another exciting event. MOREnet is looking for schools and libraries across the state to host events, and connect online via streaming video, or by interactive videoconferencing. YOU can make Internet Safety Night happen in YOUR town! Check out http://besafe.more.net for help getting started. Hosts connect to MOREnet and MOREnet does the rest! Contact isn@more.net for help or more information. http://www.more.net/security/index.html

 E-rate for Beginners MOREnet is sponsoring E-rate for Beginners sessions at no cost at the MOREnet building in Columbia. For more information or to register, please visit: http://www.more.net/training/trainingform.html

 In late October and early November, MOREnet conducts regional training sessions on the E-rate program. These sessions are intended as an introduction to the program. During this training, participants receive an overview of the E-rate program, including eligible services, the application process and the required forms. Visit http://solutions.more.net/apps/training/schedule/ for the course schedule and http://www.more.net/training/trainingform.html to register.

The dates and locations are

• October 9 - St. Louis Public Library

Central Location, Room 306

1301 Olive Street

St. Louis, Missouri 63103

The Library owns a parking lot at 15th and Olive (the Library is between 14th and 13th on Olive – 1 block down from the parking lot). Attendees can park here for free all day.

• October 10 - Farmington Community Civic Center

2 Black Knight Drive

Farmington, Missouri 63640

• October 23 - Rolla Public Schools

500 A Forum Blvd

Rolla, Missouri 65401

• October 30 - MOREnet – Columbia

3212 LeMone Industrial Blvd

Columbia, Missouri 65201

• October 30 - Maryville R-II (VIDEO CONFERENCE EVENT)

Northwest Technical School , Room #8

1515 South Munn

Maryville, Missouri 64468

• October 30 - LaPlata R-II (VIDEO CONFERENCE EVENT)

201 W Moore

LaPlata, Missouri 63549

Parking will be on the east side of the gym in the church lot and it will be held in the ITV Room.

• November 2 - Southwest Center for Educational Excellent, Webb City

528 Ellis

Webb City, Missouri 64870

• November 7 - Kansas City Public Library

14 W 10^th Street

Kansas City, Missouri 64105

Parking will be validated.

Registration for the fall regional sessions registration is available at the MOREnet site http://www.more.net/, or for more information, contact Rebecca J. Miller, Program Manager, MOREnet 573/884-2146 or millerrj@more.net

 Security Poster Contest As part of MOREnet’s National Cyber Security Awareness Month activities, MOREnet Security is sponsoring a poster contest where aspiring artists can help promote cyber security awareness. K-12 students age 18 and under with an artistic bent (or without – they’re network security people, not art critics) are encouraged to use their imaginations and creative talents to design and submit a poster with an Internet Safety theme.

 Posters should be no larger than 8.5 by 11 inches and may be hand-drawn or computer generated. (Copyrighted material will not be accepted.) Digitally created posters should be sent to security@more.net. (Note: If the poster is hand-drawn, take a digital photograph of it and send the file to security@more.net ) If a digital file isn't available, please send the original artwork to MOREnet Security, 3212 LeMone Industrial Blvd., Columbia, MO 65201. The deadline for entries is Friday, Sept. 28, 2007. Note: Submissions will not be returned.

 A panel of experts (they're staying mum on what they're experts in) will select five finalists. The finalist submissions will be posted online Friday, October 5 at http://www.sam.more.net/poster. Viewers will have the opportunity to cast a vote for their favorite poster until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 19, 2007.

 The poster contest winner will be announced during Internet Safety Night on October 23, 2007. The winning artist will receive an MP3 player, and the winning poster will be showcased on our security awareness page, displayed at Internet Safety Night, and used to create Security Awareness promotional materials next year. The organization (school or library) affiliated with the winning artist will also receive one free registration to the 2007 Security Symposium.  

For more information on Security Awareness resources and activities planned for the month of October, please visit http://sam.more.net/  

Regional Security "Lunch And Learn” Workshops In conjunction with Security Awareness Month activities scheduled during October, MOREnet Security is planning five regional security "lunch and learn" workshops focused on Incident Response (what to do about security complaints), Security policy development (why they're important and how to get started), and Security Awareness (things to do to promote security awareness in an organization).

 The sessions run from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and include an informal presentation on Incident Response, an overview on security policy development - with handouts and worksheets, and an overview of some strategies and useful resources to use to promote security awareness. There will also be time for discussion and questions. These workshops will also be a great opportunity to network with tech people from organizations in the area, receive handouts and other materials to take home and will also point out current security trends and threats you need to be aware of.

 The sessions will be held during the last week of September at the following locations.

• Monday, 9/24, Southwest Region, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO

• Tuesday, 9/25, Southeast Region, Southern TeleCenter, Portageville, MO

• Wednesday, 9/26, Northwest Region, Daviess County Library, Gallatin, MO

• Thursday, 9/27, Northeast Region, Bowling Green R-1, Bowling Green, MO

• Friday, 9/28, Central Region, Lincoln University, Jefferson City, MO

 Participants should bring a sack lunch. To register, send an email to security@more.net . Please include your name, organization, email address and specify the workshop you want to attend. For more information on Security Awareness resources and activities planned for the month of October, please visit http://sam.more.net/ .

 

Cooperating School Districts Update
submitted by Rebecca Polityka
 

The Virtual Learning Center (VLC) of Cooperating School Districts (CSD) continues through professional development to increase technology use in the classroom. Over the summer, VLC staff members attended and/or presented at various conferences, including the Missouri Distance Learning Association (MoDLA) Annual Meeting, National Media Education Conference (NMEC), National Educational Computing Conference (NECC) and the Handheld Computer Conference.

 In addition, The Wired Classroom, the VLC’s blog, is updated regularly with news about videoconferences with New Links to New Learning, conferences, and collaborative ideas. Visit http://csdtechpd.wordpress.com/ to read up on the latest VLC news, including an entry on a recent visit from the Ministry of Education for Singapore to St. Louis.

 One focus of the summer was “123 VC! Jazzing Up Your Curriculum with Videoconferencing.” During the summer of 2006, CSD participated in a week-long professional development class with educators in Texas, Michigan and New York. This summer, CSD staff presented information about the Racial Dialog videoconference series to teachers in Texas and Michigan. Rebecca Polityka and Martha Bogart’s presentation at MoDLA focused on the VLC’s participation last year in the course. The VLC is hoping to be an active participant next summer, and is also interested in branching out and perhaps creating a 123 VC! course for Missouri educators. If you are interested in participating in this kind of course, please e-mail Rebecca Polityka at rpolityka@csd.org.

Through New Links to New Learning, Cooperating School Districts has connected thousands of students to virtual field trips, authors and experts all over the world over videoconference. As content provider, New Links to New Learning has many new exciting programs lined up! Also, New Links members look for collaborative partners to videoconference with - do you know of an interested classroom? For information on New Links to New Learning, the VLC’s videoconference subscription service, please contact Rebecca. rpolityka@csd.org

 2007-2008 Mental Health in Children and Adolescents Videoconference Series (for K-12 educators & support staff) In a series of videoconferences, educational staff can learn about various mental health issues in children and adolescents from BJC staff. Participants will learn about the causes and treatment of mental health issues, and how to access mental health professionals if they spot children in their classrooms whom they feel need help. These presentations are interactive, and include question and answers sessions. Meeting time for all sessions is 4:00-5:00 p.m. CT; free to New Links members; $50 for non-members.

• Sept. 18: Factoring in Forgiveness This presentation will discuss teaching strategies that can encourage students and adults to interact with civility and ways to make discipline more effective.

• Oct. 23: Suicide and Depression This presentation will review depression and other mood disorders; discuss pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions used to manage mood disorders; describe risk factors and protective factors for suicide; discuss warning signs and intervention strategies and identify suicide prevention resources.

• Nov. 20: Teens and Prescription Drug Abuse description coming soon

• Jan. 15: Teaching Emotional Literacy Through Empathy Learn strategies for teaching empathy in your classroom and in handling disciplinary issues. Lessons in empathy can truly have a positive impact for learners of all ages.

• Feb. 19: Recognizing Bullying Behaviors in Adults Learn to communicate in nonviolent ways, no matter what age you are or what grade you teach.

RoundTrips announces free videoconference: Constitution Day 2007: Fact, Fiction, and the 4th and 5th Amendment

Presented by: The Missouri Bar Association, Missouri School Boards Association, and HEC-TV
Date: September 17, 2007
Times: 9 to 9:50 a.m.; 11:00 to 11:50 a.m., or 1:00 to 1:50 p.m.
Grade Levels: 8-12
Cost: FREE

Missouri students and teachers are invited to celebrate Constitution Day 2007 by having an interactive discussion on 4th and 5th amendment issues with Jennifer Joyce, Circuit Attorney for the City of St. Louis, and Shane Farrow, a criminal defense attorney from Jefferson City. Students will take part in an exciting presentation that focuses on the TV programs they are watching. The content in programs such as 24 and CSI regularly touch on constitutional issues. Would the Constitution stop Jack Bauer from his mission? Does the CSI team follow the Constitution? The Missouri Bar’s Constitution Day program will help students see the difference between fact and fiction, when it comes to the Constitution.

 Students will be able to watch in one of three ways: via web stream, via videoconference, and via cable television. Preparatory materials, including a detailed study guide, are available and accessible via The Missouri Bar Association’s website at http://www.mobar.org/.  Details on how to join each program are provided below.

• 9:00 a.m. Program—Students will be able to view this program via Web Stream ONLY. To access the program, go to http://www.mobar.org/ and click on “Constitution Day Sign up Now” for instructions on viewing the program live. Students with questions will be able to email them to the panel of on-screen experts during the program.

• 11:00 a.m. Program—Students will be able to view this program via Web Stream, Videoconference, AND Cable Television in St. Louis County and St. Louis City. To view the program via Web Stream, go to http://www.mobar.org/ and click on “Constitution Day Sign up Now” for instructions on viewing the program live. Students with questions will be able to email them to the panel of on-screen experts during the program.
  To view the program via Videoconference, contact Helen Headrick at Helen@showmecable.org or 314-432-3476. Videoconference participation is limited so sign up early. Students with questions will have face-to-face interaction with the panel of experts during the program.
  To view the program via Cable Television in St. Louis City or County just turn your TV to channel 26, HEC-TV, at the program time. Students with questions will be able to email them to the panel of on-screen experts during the program.  E-mail any questions during the program or questions your students may have developed in advance to live@hectv.org.

• 1:00 p.m. Program—Students will be able to view this program via Web Stream, Videoconference, AND Cable Television in St. Louis County and St. Louis City.
  To view the program via Web Stream, go to http://www.mobar.org/ and click on “Constitution Day Sign up Now” for instructions on viewing the program live. Students with questions will be able to email them to the panel of on-screen experts during the program.
  To view the program via Videoconference, contact Helen Headrick at Helen@showmecable.org or 314-432-3476. Videoconference participation is limited so sign up early. Students with questions will have face-to-face interaction with the panel of experts during the program.
  To view the program via Cable Television in St. Louis City or County just turn your TV to channel 26, HEC-TV, at the program time. Students with questions will be able to email them to the panel of on-screen experts during the program. E-mail any questions during the program or questions your students may have developed in advance to live@hectv.org.

Study guides for the program will be posted on The Missouri Bar website http://www.mobar.org/. A CD of clips from 24 and CSI that will be used during the program is available in advance to help prepare your students. To request the CD, contact Millie Aulbur of the Missouri Bar Association at milliea@mobar.org. To find out more about RoundTrips Interactive Video E-Learning, visit http://www.roundtrips.org

 RoundTrips announces free videoconference: Rethinking the Digital: New Media Art and the Active Viewer

Date: October 16, 2007
Times: 10-11:00 a.m. or 1-2:00 p.m.
Grade Levels: 9-12
Cost: FREE

As we spend more time with computers, websites, cell phones, television screens, and handheld devices, it is important to consider how the rise of technology impacts our place in the world—and how it can offer new possibilities for the creation and experience of art. Designed to stimulate critical thinking about such issues, the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum at Washington University is excited to offer its first distance-learning program this fall—Rethinking the Digital: New Media Art and the Active Viewer. Linked to the new media art exhibition Window | Interface currently showing at the Museum and tied to Missouri Grade level Expectations (GLEs) and National Standards in Visual Arts and Technology, this program challenges schools to rethink ideas of art and learning in the digital age.

Join RoundTrips live from the exhibition as students interact with Museum professionals through interactive videoconference (as well as web streaming and television viewing).The student-centered project developed by teachers Jim Sturm and Tim Gore for use by teachers, schools and arts organizations, can expand the learning experience beyond their walls with innovative technology. Engaging not only with artworks that use new technologies, but with the computer-based interface involved in distance learning itself, students will be challenged to consider the world of iPhones, Nintendo Wii, virtual reality, and computers in a very different way. By including a more in-depth look at artworks in the Window | Interface exhibition, this program provides students an opportunity to make connections with new media art and significance of technology.

 Videoconference space for the program is limited. Students will have face-to-face interaction with the Mildred Lane Kemper Museum. To enroll in the videoconference, contact Rebecca Polityka at rpolityka@csd.org. Once enrolled, teachers will receive the program's preparatory and evaluation materials from RoundTrips. For information on cable TV and web viewing, contact RoundTrips. After its live presentation, the program will be archived at http://www.roundtrips.org for on-demand viewing. You can also obtain a DVD of the program by contacting RoundTrips.

 Find more details about the Kemper Art Museum and the exhibition, including curriculum resources, at http://kemperartmuseum.wustl.edu. To learn more about RoundTrips Interactive Video E-Learning, surf to http://www.roundtrips.org.

 Show-Me a Movie Digital Storytelling Contest for Missouri Students

 Time to start production for the Show-Me a Movie Contest! This is a digital storytelling contest for Missouri students to demonstrate their creativity and digital moviemaking skills. Based on curriculum, and with a content focus, these 2-minute videos will showcase what students know, care about, and are able to do. Winners will be showcased at the Midwest Education Conference in St. Louis on Feb.4-6, 2008. For more information, application form, and scoring guide, go to: http://www.csd.org/showmemovie/index.htm NO FEE TO ENTER.

 Cash prizes will be awarded to the different divisions of each category (12 in all), and winners and their families and friends will be invited to a winners' reception on Feb. 5, 2008 at the METC at the St. Charles Convention Center.

Entries must be received no later than 5 p.m., December 17, 2007. Entries received after this deadline will not be considered. Mail entries to: Show-Me a Movie, Cooperating School Districts, 1460 Craig Rd., St. Louis, MO 63146 or email entries to: mbogart@csd.org.

Divisions

• Elementary: Grades 3 - 5

• Middle: Grades 6 - 8

• High: Grades 9 - 12

Categories

• Show Me Something New: Make an instructional or how-to movie.

• Show Me a Story: Tell a story about someone special, your school, your community.

• Show Me a Challenge: Share local environmental concerns and social issues, which promote awareness and public action.

• Show Me Your Community: Recount an aspect of your community/ethnic culture that is unique, significant, promotes a message, and advances a better understanding of it.