Educators Share Successes Against All Odds at the Digital Equity Summit

WASHINGTON, June 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Educators from across the country shared
inspirational stories at the Digital Equity Summit, a part of the 30th annual
National Educational Computing Conference (NECC). Attendees participated in
an interactive exploration of successful education models that thrived against
all odds.

The Summit opened with a keynote address from Jenelle Leonard of the U.S.
Department of Education who brought greetings from Secretary Arne Duncan. She
said, "I want to share with you the work that you're doing is aligned with the
administration's mission and goals. The goal for us as federal employees is to
get back on track to being #1 in the world in education."

Following Leonard's address, Summit organizer Bonnie Bracey introduced Milton
Chen, executive director of the George Lucas Educational Foundation. Chen
discussed the recently-launched Digital Generation Project, which profiles
students from diverse backgrounds who use technology as part of their everyday
learning experience. Technology frames their world view, noted Chen. "It's an
essential component of every day life. Learning can happen any time, anywhere,
everyday, every hour," said Chen.

To illustrate, Chen shared a video profile of Luis Chavez, an 18-year-old high
school senior from Cornelius, Ore. The son of two Mexican immigrants, Chavez
participates in a robotics program at school and at home he helps the family
with online banking and bill paying. Chavez has also created his own online
learning community using social media tools like Facebook and YouTube. Chavez
tells his parents he stays late after school working with technology because,
"I'm trying to help other people. I'm trying to help the community."

The summit ended with educators from states with other successful digital
equity projects sharing their achievements at a roundtable discussion.

About ISTE
The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is the premier
membership association for educators and education leaders engaged in
improving teaching and learning by advancing the effective use of technology
in PK-12 and teacher education.

SOURCE International Society for Technology in Education

Marlene Nesary, ISTE, +1-541-731-9540 (cell); +1-541-302-3789, or Pat Walsh,
The Ulum Group, +1-541-513-1236