During the last two decades, the use of various media and technologies in education has commanded a great deal of attention from parents, educators, government officials and industrial leaders.  Much of this interest has concerned itself with the effectiveness of using individual technologies for individual coursework at local school districts and institutions of higher education.

One element traditionally left out of the discussion has been the needs of the student.  As members of the "Baby Boom" generation mature, there will a continual need for life-long learning programs and opportunities for people to retrain for the new careers and opportunities of the next century.  It is clear that the "traditional student," is a term that becomes less easy to define, as individuals increasingly need to experience learning opportunities at home, school and work.

California State University, Dominguez Hills, (CSUDH) has established what is recognized around the world as a successful distance learning program that uses a variety of instructional technologies to provide educational opportunities for students from high school college-preparatory programs through graduate school.   The University's Center for Mediated Instruction and Distance Learning (MIDL) delivers courses for academic programs at times and in modalities most conducive to the individual learner.  Program delivery methods include live and interactive broadcasting digital video on regional cable networks, satellite transmissions, videoconferencing and the Internet.   Central to MIDL's success is a commitment to interactivity and developing a sense of inclusion for students who are at a distance while meeting the educational objectives of each course.  CSUDH's Center for Mediated Instruction and Distance Learning continues to explore new program delivery opportunities. Beginning in January, 1999, the  University will unveil its first live, interactive broadcasts on the Internet.

Van Bridgeman is Coordinator at the Center for Mediated Instruction and Distance Learning at California State University, Dominguez Hills.  Prior to his work at Dominguez Hills, Van's experience includes program development phases for the introduction of new media technologies for cable television networks, Fortune 500 corporations and educational institutions.

Please note that in order to obtain the special price, a reservation is necessary.  The dinner price without a reservation will be the undiscounted $20.  Students must provide a school identification card.  The $5 rate for the unemployed is NOT for retirees, only for those actively seeking employment. 

* The special rates will not apply at joint meetings with  non-ACM organizations.