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January 9, 1998

Purdue Ag Forum looks at the technology of education

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- The widespread availability of technologies such as the World Wide Web and video-computer-conferencing over phone lines means that people will be able to more actively learn almost anywhere, according to Franz Frederick, co-director of Purdue University's Technology Resources Center in the School of Education.

"The future will offer new ways and places to learn. The difference will be emphasized in the where and how people engage in the learning process. School in the year 2020 won't look like school today," said Frederick, who is chairman of the education break-out session at the 1998 Ag Forum, "A 2020 Vision of Rural Indiana," Jan. 21-23.

Advances in education and educational technology are especially promising for rural communities, where distance learning technologies could enhance grade school education in public or home schools and create opportunities for adults who need to upgrade or acquire skills, Frederick said.

The education seminar on Thursday, Jan. 22, "Learning Alternatives of the Future," is intended for school administrators, media directors, school board members and educators who want to know better what to expect from technological advances in educational delivery systems. The session also will discuss the benefits and pitfalls of distance learning.

The day begins at 8:30 a.m. with registration and a general session at 9 a.m. featuring Lt. Gov. Joe Kernan speaking about his perspective of rural Indiana. It concludes with a 3 p.m. general session with Agriculture Dean Victor Lechtenberg. A variety of campus tours will be offered at 3:45 p.m.

The education session is one of four concurrent sessions. Other topics are agriculture, technology and families.

Ag Forum begins Wednesday, Jan. 21, with an introductory program on rural Indiana demographics, economic trends and rural-urban issues. It culminates Friday, Jan. 23, with the Ag Forecast, a discussion of the future of agriculture by national agribusiness and educational leaders, and the Purdue Ag Alumni Fish Fry celebration, "We're Off ... To See The Wizard."

This year's Ag Forum is designed to start a discussion of the forces driving change in rural Indiana and how those can be accommodated in planning for the future, said David Petritz, conference coordinator and assistant director for agriculture and natural resources in Purdue's Cooperative Extension Service.

Daytime sessions for Ag Forum will cost $15 for one day or $25 for two days, and preregistration is encouraged by Jan. 15 through Purdue's Continuing Education Department, (800) 359-2968. The outlook session is free. All seminars will take place at Stewart Center.

Fish Fry tickets are $12 each and are available only through advance sales at all Purdue Cooperative Extension Service county offices in Indiana or through the Ag Alumni Association office, (765) 494-8593. Group discounts are available for parties of 10 or more.

Sources: Franz Frederick, (765) 494-5674; e-mail: franz.j.frederick.1@purdue.edu
David Petritz, (765) 494-8494; e-mail: david.c.petritz.1@purdue.edu
Writer: Tim Hoskins, (765) 494-8402; e-mail, sig@ecn.purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu

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