TUSTIN, Calif., Dec. 02, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- T.H.E. Journal and the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) have announced today a joint annual awards program to honor the late Dr. Sylvia Charp. Dr. Charp was the founding Editor-in-Chief of T.H.E. Journal and was an ardent, lifelong supporter of ISTE and its mission.
The first year of the award, T.H.E. Journal and ISTE will identify and recognize one U.S. school district that exhibits effectiveness and innovation in the application of technology district-wide. In future years, selections will be made from applicants in three categories based on district size. The award will be presented annually at ISTE's National Educational Computing Conference (NECC), to take place next in New Orleans, La., June 20-23, 2004.
Dr. Charp made groundbreaking contributions to the educational technology community during her tenure at T.H.E. Journal. For more than 40 years, Dr. Charp worked tirelessly to bring computers and other technologies into classrooms and to ensure that these tools were used effectively to enhance the learning experience for all students. During her career, she consulted to the U.S. Department of Education as well as to almost two-dozen other governments.
"We are excited to join with ISTE both to honor Sylvia's pioneering spirit and to recognize districts for their innovative application of technology," said Wendy LaDuke, T.H.E. Journal publisher. "The fit with ISTE is perfect in that Sylvia was a strong believer in ISTE's efforts, especially its desire to work internationally. We have asked Dr. Geoffrey H. Fletcher, Sylvia's successor as Editor-in-Chief, to lead T.H.E. Journal's team in evaluating applicants for the award."
Selection criteria include an applicant district's use of ISTE's National Educational Technology Standards, consistent effectiveness, innovative implementation of technology, commitment to the use of technology, and commitment to participate in dissemination and support of other districts.
ISTE CEO, Don Knezek, PhD, stated, "Over the years, we've all come to realize what Sylvia knew and helped to teach us -- that effective use of technology requires both vision and persistence. Through the community she helped establish, Sylvia will continue to lead. She truly was a pioneer for technology in schools." Knezek added, "ISTE is very pleased to join T.H.E. Journal in this opportunity to recognize vision and effectiveness, and continue Sylvia's memory."
By identifying examples of effective and innovative technology practices in small, medium, and large districts in future years, T.H.E. Journal and ISTE hope to provide authentic models that will stimulate systemic efforts in districts across the nation as they pursue technology's potential.
More details and information regarding the awards, the selection criteria, the nomination process and applications can be found at http://www.thejournal.com/istecharpaward. Applications will be available online beginning mid-December 2003.
About T.H.E. Journal
T.H.E. Journal, founded in 1972 as Technological Horizons in Education, is the original and foremost publication dedicated to covering the application of technology to the learning process. Covering the entire education market, from K-12 through higher education, T.H.E. Journal reaches key policy makers and those involved in or influencing the technology decision-making process. The magazine offers in-depth articles and case studies on high-tech applications from leading educators, new product information and special issues highlighting specific technologies. The magazine is published 12 times per year and reaches more than 160,000 educators worldwide (controlled circulation; BPA audited). T.H.E. Journal serves as the foundation of a rapidly expanding suite of information-based products and services offered by the company. For more information, visit www.thejournal.com or phone 714-730-4011.
About the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)
The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), a membership organization, provides leadership and service to improve teaching and learning by advancing the effective use of technology in education. ISTE members include teachers, technology coordinators, library media specialists, teacher educators and administrators as well as representatives from key corporate, governmental, and policy organizations. Home of the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS), the Center for Applied Research in Educational Technology (CARET), and the National Educational Computing Conference (NECC), ISTE meets its mission through knowledge generation, professional development and advocacy.
About ETC Group
ETC Group LLC, based in Tustin, Calif., is the privately held holding company that owns T.H.E. Institute and publishes T.H.E. Journal. Its online properties include thejournal.com, the web home for T.H.E. Journal, with additional features such as the Educators Road Map to the Web and T.H.E. Source. Other ETC Group online properties include TheConferencePlanner.com and TheConferenceCalendar.com plus links to thousands of sites and resources. For more information, visit www.etcgroupllc.com.