Alabama

The Alabama Virtual Library (AVL) is recognized as the one technology initiative in Alabama that has helped to integrate technology into the classroom. This was a grassroots initiative that has been funded by the Alabama legislature ($3 million) for the past two years. The AVL brings databases such as EBSCO, Gale ProQuest, and many others to the desktop of every computer in every school in Alabama through IP authentication. Students can go to their public library and receive a free AVL card so they can also use this valuable research tool at home through their personal Internet accounts.

The MarcoPolo Program has been great asset for Alabama educators. With support from this project, the state has been provided "train-the-trainer workshops" throughout the entire state. A goal of this project is to have at least one trained trainer per school. The MarcoPolo program provides no-cost, standards-based Internet content for the K-12 teacher and classroom, developed by the nation's content experts. Online resources include panel-reviewed links to top sites in many disciplines, professionally developed lesson plans, classroom activities, materials to help with daily classroom planning, and powerful search engines. MarcoPolo training agreements are developed at the state and district level, providing much needed on-site workshops for educators. The 4-16 hours workshops are designed to build educators' skills and comfort levels with the Internet and using it in the classrooms. For additional information, see: http://marcopolo.worldcom.com/

Knowing how to use the Alabama Virtual Library and Marco Polo any teacher can quickly incorporate the Internet into her classes (even beginning non-tech savvy teachers).

Contact
Melinda Maddox
Coordinator, Office of Technology Initiative
Alabama State Department of Education
Gordon Persons Building, Room 5351
P.O. Box 302101
Montgomery, AL 36130-2101
334-242-9594 (p)  334-242-5886 (f)
E-mail: lwoodard@sdenet.alsde.edu