Dedication of new smart classrooms at public universities this Wednesday

For Release January 12

PIERRE, SD—On Wednesday, January 14, Governor William J. Janklow will dedicate the "Governor’s Electronic Classrooms" for the public university system. The event will include comments from the Governor and a demonstration of the new instructional technology. All of the six public universities and the Capitol building in Pierre will be simultaneously linked using the newly operational technology of the smart classrooms.

Board of Regents Executive Director Robert T. Tad Perry said, "An electronic classroom provides the instructor and students with a variety of telecommunications and instructional technology that provides access to resources and expertise anywhere in the world. It also enables interactive instruction or small-group work such as computer-based data manipulation, modeling, simulations, and analysis. In addition, the universities will make more effective use of resources by sharing courses and faculty expertise."

Some of the benefits to students are:

Hands-on use and experience with technology, access to networked resources around the world, participation of guest speakers/instructors from great distances
Experience with group-based collaborative learning that replicates many work-sites. This technology will assist in the shift from faculty lectures to faculty facilitation of students working as small groups to solve problems.
Rather than be cancelled, low demand courses will share instruction.
High school students and K-12 teachers can receive dual-credit and continuing education courses in their schools.
Increased distance education opportunities for rural South Dakota.

Perry said, "The future is now. This is an exciting move into the future for our public universities and the delivery of education in South Dakota. We are most appreciative of Governor Janklow’s leadership in this important journey."

Janklow will speak from Pierre to all public universities followed by a demonstration of the smart classroom technology. Members of the media are invited to visit any one of the public universities or the Capitol on Wednesday, January 14, 1998 at 10 a.m. CST to participate in the event.

For more information see the attached information sheets (2) or contact Carol Stonefield, Director of Information at 605.773.3455 or carols@bor.state.sd.us .

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