Goal #1: Instructional materials for improvement of instruction in mathematics, science, foreign languages, and other subjects, such as literacy skills and vocational education, will be developed and made available to educators and students of Iowa.

1.1) Develop and disseminate multimedia instructional products for K-12 ICN-related uses.

The Mississippi River Heritage Project will continue to receive funding under this grant activity.

1.2) Identify and disseminate information about current exemplary educational technology applications.

Goal #2: Iowa educators and students will be supported in distance learning technologies by training and access to ICN video and data resources.

2.1) Provide staff development opportunities for teachers and intermediate agency educators in the use of educational technology and telecommunications for classroom applications.

2.2) Provide resources to support development of K-12 distance learning and Internet-based classes and/or special events.

2.3) Provide staff development support through the use of the ICN interactive video, Internet and other telecommunications services to strengthen and model best practices in the areas of literacy (reading, writing, speaking, listening), mathematics, assessment of student learning, and leadership skills of administrators regarding integration of technology and telecommunications.

Goal #3: Iowa educators and students will have access to information and resources concerning distance education.

3.1) Provide information to Iowa educators about ICN and other distance learning resources and services.

3.2) Implement a marketing plan for IDEA products and projects.

Goal #4: Iowa educators and students will have the opportunity to participate in ICN electronic field trips and demonstration sessions.

4.1) Provide opportunities for students and educators to utilize the ICN video and data services for instructional purposes, especially in targeted curricular areas.

4.2) Investigate, acquire, and demonstrate new telecommunications and educational technology applications.

Goal #5: Support will be provided for distance education research and training needs of pre-service programs in colleges and departments of teacher education in Iowa’s public and independent universities and colleges.

5.1) The Teacher Education Alliance will provide support for telecommunications and technology training needs of pre-service programs in colleges and departments of teacher education in Iowa's public and private universities and colleges.

5.2) The Teacher Education Alliance will support research dealing with basic and applied issues of telecommunications and technology use in Iowa.

Goal #6: Evaluation will document the impact of, and provide direction to, activities of the Iowa Distance Education Alliance partners.

6.1) The evaluation team will assist each of the partners in designing evaluation plans and components.

6.2) The evaluation team will collect, analyze and report data to support all aspects of the evaluation plan.

6.3) Research will be conducted to provide a broad-based understanding of technology, teaching, and learning in Iowa schools.

6.4) Formal external evaluation will be conducted by an evaluator with expertise in educational telecommunications, curriculum and instruction, and program evaluation.

6.5) Where appropriate to the grant goals, data will be collected to report the impact of Star Schools based on National Goals and Objectives.

Goal #7: Integration of new technology and telecommunications incorporating best practices for teaching and learning will be demonstrated in Iowa schools.

7.1) Provide coordination, between all levels of education, in the integration of new technology and telecommunications.

7.2) Provide assistance in planning, preparation, and implementation for distance learning technology at the local level.

Goal #8: Sharing will occur between states regarding development and implementation of state distance education systems.

8.1) Develop a series of related information-sharing activities that will culminate in a live interstate electronic conference.