MASS NETDAY AIMS FOR INTERNET ACCESS IN SCHOOLS

On October 26, Lesley is joining schools across the state in a "high tech barn raising" called Mass NetDay. This daylong event will serve as the launching point for achieving the goal of providing computer networks with Internet access to all Massachusetts schools by the end of 1997. Organizers will also help to train teachers and sponsor sessions that introduce educators, parents, and community members to the value of educational technology.

Mass NetDay follows the first NetDay that occurred in California this past March, which President Clinton and Vice President Gore helped to organize. The president and vice president are joined in their support for this fall's event by honorary co-chairs Governor William Weld and Senator Edward Kennedy.

MassNetworks, a statewide partnership among representatives from education, business, labor and local communities, will direct the event. President Margaret McKenna recently joined the board of MassNetworks, to ensure that the invaluable investments made in new facilities and equipment are supported by teacher development, providing educators with the skills to effectively employ these resources on a daily basis to benefit the children in their classrooms.

Lesley College will play a leadership role in the planning for and delivery of professional development to faculty in the participating school districts from across the state. The college will be included in a database of professional development providers that will be distributed to all participating NetDay schools and ongoing professional development sessions will be publicized.

To participate in the Lesley College NetDay working group, please contact Christopher Kelly in the President's Office at 349-8505.