The goal is to research advanced educational technology models that have potential to impact student achievement. NITPR will design the methodology, collect the data, and analyze the results as part of the alliance.

This technology-focused strategic educational partnership will provide services for over 75,000 K-12 students and lifelong learners in 22 rural school districts and seven colleges and universities throughout Southside and Southwest Virginia.

With the aid of instructional technology, educators will now have access to NASA science, technology, engineering, and mathematics materials as well as assistance in professional and curriculum development.

NASA Langley Research Center's Office of Education is making its five award-winning distance learning programs ¿ NASA's Kids Science News Network, NASA SCIence Files, NASA CONNECT, NASA LIVE, and NASA's Destination Tomorrow ¿ available as part of the alliance. These research-, inquiry-, and standards-based programs are developed in collaboration with Christopher Newport University, Newport News, Va.

"These programs span the educational horizon from "ready to learn" through adult (lifelong) learners and offer educators, students, parents, and adult learners a unique opportunity to learn about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics," says Dr. Thom Pinelli, Educational Technology and Distance Learning Officer at NASA Langley.

NITPR and NASA hope to bring the power of the Internet and NASA resources together in an integrated way by using the regional education video conferencing network recently completed by NITPR and the Southside Virginia Regional Technology Consortium (SVRTC). SVRTC, managed by the NITPR, is a state-sponsored program consisting of 22 public school divisions in the Southside and South Central regions of Virginia.

"We want to bring quality content to the classroom, not only through professional development for teachers, but also through student access to video and Internet resources, as well as live interaction with NASA experts," says Linda Townsend, Instructional Technology Design Specialist, NITPR.

Dr. Carole Cameron Inge, Executive Director of NITPR, is also enthusiastic about the alliance. "The goal is to make learning authentic and fun using real-world scenarios that challenge students to think and learn using higher order brain-based skills," says Inge.

"The NASA LIVE videoconferencing program is one of several NASA programs planned for the coming year. The partnership hopes this will bring educational opportunities to rural Southside that are presently available in more affluent communities."

NITPR has been researching and developing innovative teaching methods, models, and practices for the region and state. Working with local public school divisions, state agencies and the federal government, the project identifies voids in educational knowledge or skills and then researches the best way to fill those voids.

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