Computers and web connectivity alone do not guarantee that individuals and community based organizations will take advantage of the benefits and opportunities provided by information technology (IT) tools. This workshop introduces tested and proven curricula that address digital divide issues.

Objective: To provide Extension and other professionals at the state, district, area, and county levels with an awareness and overview of programs that help communities move into the information age. Participants will learn about content, delivery techniques and benefits of IT programs designed to move all community stakeholder groups into the information age. The conference cuts across program areas and is designed to encourage and facilitate state planning teams in the IT area. An opportunity is provided for individuals to share their programming activities.

Outline: This conference is a hands-on, in-depth professional development opportunity for those who want to learn how to help small business owners, local government officials, non-profit managers, and community leaders use Information Technology tools effectively. Programs presented include e-business, e-government, e-non-profits and community network projects. A key component is to discuss potential implementation strategies in participants' home states.

Target Audience:
Cooperative Extension Faculty and Staff in the Northeast region. States are encouraged to send a 3-4 member team to the conference. State coordinators are: Carl German (clgerman@udel.edu), DE; Rod Howe (rlh13@cornell.edu), NY; Robert Knight (Bob.Knight@mail.wvu.edu), WVU; James McConnon (jimm@umext.maine.edu), ME; Fred Schmidt (fschmidt@zoo.uvm.edu), VT; Bill Shuffstall (shuffy@psu.edu) or Stephan Goetz (sgoetz@psu.edu), PA. Anyone interested in participating, please contact your state coordinator.

Facilities: The Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon sessions will be held in the Bravo Room, Johnston Commons, on the Penn State Campus. The Wednesday morning concurrent sessions will take place in computer labs located on the Penn State Campus.