IN THIS ISSUE:

New at the MiCTA 2006 Spring Conference!

eRate Workshop

George McDonald from eRate Central will be conducting a workshop on Monday, May 8 th from 9:00 am – Noon.

Open Source vs. Commercial: An eLearning Hands On-Session

Dan Tyger & Noah Botimer from Saginaw Valley State University will be conducting this workshop on Monday, May 8 th from 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm

Handheld Devices

The latest on Handheld Devices presented by Learning Point Associates

Disaster Recovery Workshop

Beth Brewer from Telemanage Training, a division of Telecom Solution Center, will be presenting this Workshop on Tuesday, May 9 th from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm

The Future of Dorm Phones HOT TOPIC

A panel consisting of DeWitt Latimer, Notre Dame University; Jan Felker, Grand Valley State University; and Mark Strandskov, Central Michigan University, will be discussing the future of dorm phones on Wednesday, May 10 th from 8:00 am – 9:00 am

New Location!!

This year the conference is being held at the beautiful Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Register before April 16th to receive the MiCTA negotiated rate of $114 – call (269) 343-3333 or (866) 660-0968.

 Election of Officers & Proposed Bylaw Changes

During the Business Meeting on Tuesday, May 9 th there will be an election of officers for 2006 – 2008 and important bylaw changes will be proposed. Make sure your voice is heard – ATTEND!!

Exhibitors

Talk one-on-one with the exhibitors:

Qwest Communications
Desire2Learn
Video Images
HarvestRoad
Ucompass.com
Verizon Business (formerly MCI)
Matsch Systems
Sprint
Angel Learning
Gateway Computers
VSGI
Office Depot
WireOne

and more….

Gateway Laptop Giveaway

2 lucky attendees will win laptops at this year’s conference!

Phantom of the Opera

Attend the Phantom of the Opera at Miller Auditorium for $20!

MiCTA Exhibits at ACUTA's 2006 Spring Seminar

We are pleased to announce that MICTA will be exhibiting at the ACUTA Spring Seminar from April 2 nd through the 5 th in Providence, RI. More information on the ACUTA Spring Seminar is available by clicking this link. If you have questions call the MiCTA offices at 1-888-870-8677. The conference will have two sessions –one of which pertains to VoIP and its applications and the other to network survivability and security. Both sessions will be informative and important for anyone working in IT ortelecom. While you’re there make sure to check out at least one of these sessions-and don’t forget to stop by booth 14 and say hi to Clancy DeLong.

MiCTA to Exhibit at the Michigan School Business Officials Annual Conference

Grand Rapids, MI will host the 2006 Edition of the Michigan School Business Officials Annual Conference. MSBO will feature sessions on topics such as technology training, budget projection software training, securing the campus and cafeteria and school bus management, just to name a few. An online brochure for the conference is available by clicking this link. it’s packed with everything that you will need to make the most of your time at the MSBO conference. The conference will be at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in downtown Grand Rapids and it runs from April 25 th through the 28 th. Stop by and visit Jay VanDuzen at booth 1010 on the 26 th and 27 th.

InterCall Awarded Endorsed Status for Audio and Video Conferencing Solutions

MiCTA and the ATAlliance are pleased to announce that MiCTA members are now eligible to take advantage of services offered by InterCall, Inc. InterCall is a leading provider of audio and video conferencing services and they have been awarded Endorsed Status because their services represent the best value to MiCTA members. Members will be able to take advantage of these great rates through October of 2008. Conferencing rates vary from 3.6 cents to 7.4 cents per minute for audio and 55 cents per minute for video. Members who are interested in taking service can visit InterCall’s website, www.intercall.com/, or call either of the following representatives.

Anne Rachuy
InterCall
248-693-4996
arachuy@intercall.com

Clancy DeLong
MiCTA Service Corporation
1-888-870-8677
cdelong@mictaservice.com

HarvestRoad Selected as Endorsed Vendor For eLearning

MiCTA and the ATAlliance are pleased to announce the signing of a new agreement with HarvestRoad. As a result of their response to MiCTA RFP # MSC0010, HarvestRoad has been awarded Endorsed Status meaning they offer the Best Value for our membership. The contract is currently in place and will run through February of 2009. After that three-year period the contract can be renewed for two additional one-year periods. More information is available by clicking this link to the HarvestRoad homepage or by calling the MiCTA offices at 1-888-870-8677.

ANGEL Learning Awarded Endorsed Status for eLearning Solutions

MiCTA / ATAlliance is proud to announce the signing of a new national contract with ANGEL Learning, Inc. The agreement is offered to all MiCTA / ATAlliance members and is slated for two years with the option of two one-year renewals. Through this agreement, members will be able to utilize many of ANGEL’s enterprise e-learning software packages; specifically the ANGEL Learning Management Suite and the ANGEL ePortfolio System. Be sure to visit the ANGEL Learning section of the MiCTA web site. If you have further questions, please contact Clancy DeLong at (888) 870-8677.

MiCTA Incentives to Encourage Membership

MiCTA has recently created a new Member Referral Incentive Policy. The purpose of this policy is to encourage persons affiliated with MiCTA to help recruit eligible member organizations.

Any institution or person who assists in getting eligible organizations to join MiCTA will receive 25% of the fee collected for the first year of membership.

Persons must document their involvement in the action and inform Amiee Garcia at the MSC office of their eligibility. agarcia@mictaservice.com

Make Sure You Receive the MiCTA Program!

Many of MiCTA’s endorsed and approved vendors require a “Master Agreement”. This assures the member of receiving the terms and conditions of the MiCTA program. In the near future, we will be adding samples of the “Master Agreement” to the vendor’s section on the MiCTA website. If the vendor does not require a “Master Agreement”, ask for the program by MiCTA contract number.

Please contact Clancy DeLong at (888) 870-8677 ext 203 or cdelong@mictaservice.com if you have questions.

ACUTA Legislative and Regulatory Update

Welcome to the latest edition of "ACUTA Legislative/Regulatory Update", a monthly electronic newsletter summarizing Federal regulatory and legislative developments of interest to communications technology professionals in higher education. This membership benefit is provided monthly to all named representatives of Institutional, Corporate Affiliate, Associate and Emeritus members.

"ACUTA Legislative/Regulatory Update" is based primarily on information provided to the ACUTA Legislative/Regulatory Affairs Committee by attorneys Jeffrey Linder and Brad Gillen of Wiley Rein and Fielding LLP, a law firm in Washington, DC with extensive telecommunications expertise.

If you are interested in more in-depth information on the topics covered in this publication, a copy of the full text of this Wiley, Rein and Fielding update is available on the ACUTA Web site at http://www.acuta.org/?1444.

Mich. Floats Online Learning Requirement

State could be first to insist on virtual instruction as a condition for graduation

From eSchool News staff and wire service reports

Michigan could become the first state in the nation to require students to experience some kind of online instruction before graduating, if the state legislature approves a proposal now before it. The plan is part of a larger effort to ratchet up high school graduation requirements in the state, and its supporters say it's a bold idea that will help prepare students for the challenges of an increasingly global economy. The article is available by clicking this link to the eSchool News.com homepage.

Wireless Technology About to Get a Boost

Hang on: Here come new standards for high-speed, converged wireless

By Robert Brumfield, Assistant Editor, eSchool News advertisement

Schools stand to benefit from a number of emerging developments in wireless technology--including a new higher-speed standard that is moving closer to approval, as well as other innovations that eventually will allow various wireless devices to communicate with each other, regardless of platform. This article is available by clicking this link to eSchool News.com.

Software Virtualization: The New “Cat’s Meow” Of The Software World

A new advance in the software market, almost as innovative as the development of multiple operating systems, is now allowing schools to broadcast software over their own networks regardless of computer make and model. A recent ESN article details this process and gives some insight on what to look for in the future. The article is provided courtesy of EschoolNews.com. If you have any questions or comments about this exciting step in the software world you can email Robert Brumfield, Assistant Editor, eSchool News.

Cuts Send Ed-Tech Programs Reeling

Students in poor rural and urban districts are hurt the worst

By Robert Brumfield, Assistant Editor, eSchool News

President Bush's 2007 budget proposal would cut the main source of federal funding for school technology out of the budget entirely--but state and local school leaders already are grappling with a sharp reduction in ed-tech funding this fiscal year. The cuts are likely to affect poor urban and rural districts most acutely, because these are the districts most in need of continued funding to support existing technology initiatives, educators say. To view this article please click the following eSchool News.com link.

MiCTA Alert Subscription Information

The MICTA Alert is an email publication devoted to bringing you up to date news from vendors, the MiCTA Board, and the telecom industry. It is published free of charge by MiCTA Service Corporation and distributed to the entire MiCTA membership. If you wish to be removed from the Alert mailing list please click this link or feel free to call Amiee Garcia at 1-888-870-8677.

Buy Smarter-Check Out This Months Vendor Specials From Gateway and Brodart

Gateway M465-E

System Quote

Part Number: 1008637
Operating System: Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional Edition (SP2)
Operating System Software Backup Media: Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional (SP2) Backup CD
Drivers Backup Media: M465/M685 Drivers and Applications CD
Application Software: Microsoft® Works 8.0
Security Software: Symantec Client Security 90 day introductory offer
Processor:Intel® Core™ Duo Processor T2400 (1.83 GHz, 667MHz FSB, 2MB L2 Cache)
Mobile Technology: Features Intel® Centrino® Duo Mobile Technology
Trusted Platform Module: TPM - Embedded security chip for user authentication and data protection (version 1.2 ready)
Memory:1024MB 533MHz DDR2 SDRAM (2-512MB modules)
Hard Drive: 40GB 5400rpm Serial ATA hard drive
Floppy Drive: 6-in-1 media card reader (Memory Stick®, MemoryStick Pro®, MultiMediaCard™, Secure Digital™, Mini Secure Digital®, RS-Multimedia Card™)
Optical Drive:Modular 8x Multi-Format Double Layer DVD Writer (DVD±R/±RW/CD-RW)
Expansion Slots: One type II PC card slot
External Ports: (4) USB 2.0, VGA, S-Video (TV Out), IEEE 1394 (FireWire)
Recycling Fee: My order is not shipping to California - no recycling fee required
Screen: 15.4" WXGA TFT Active Matrix (1280 x 800 max. resolution)
Video: Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
Keyboard and Mouse: Full-Size Keyboard and EZ Pad® Pointing Device
Multimedia Package: Integrated sound and stereo speakers, headphone/speaker jack, and mic jacks
Speakers: External speakers not selected
Battery: Primary 6-cell Lithium ion battery with AC pack and 1 yr. limited battery warranty
Primary Battery Extended Service Plan:3 Yr. Mobile Primary Battery Replacement Service Plan (requires 3 Yr. or greater warranty)
Modem: Integrated V.92 56K modem
Network Adapter: Integrated Intel® 10/100/1000 Ethernet Adapter
Integrated Wireless Networking Adapter: Integrated Intel® 802.11a/b/g wireless networking card
Extended Service Plan Including Limited Warranty: Notebook Value Service Plan -- 4 year part/labor/no on-site/4 year technical support
Additional Software: Adobe® Acrobat Reader® 7.0
Carrying Case:Targus Platinum Deluxe Carrying Case
Replicator:Not Selected

System Quantity: 1
Discounted Price (including S&H): US $1,529.00
Delivered Price (including S&H): US $1,529.00 AS LOW AS: $45.11/mo On Approved Credit
Based on Fair Market Value 48 Months and 0 Deposit Lease

Comments:

When placing your order, please attach this quote to your purchase order.
A copy of this quote will be held for a period of 90 days after 02/28/2006

Quote subject to terms of current Agreement signed by you and Gateway, or absent Agreement, to Gateway’s Standard Terms of Sale and applicable product and services warranties which are available by visiting gateway.com or calling 1-800-846-2000 for a free copy. Service agreements are issued and performed by third parties. May not be available in all locations. Accidental Damage Protection not available in all states. Phone charges may apply for tech support. If purchased, on-site service technician will be sent if necessary, following phone-based troubleshooting. Availability varies. Other conditions apply. YOU WILL BE CHARGED SHIPPING AND HANDLING OR RESTOCKING FEES TO RETURN PRODUCTS. All offers valid in US only and are subject to change without notice or obligation. Quoted product only available through Gateway.com or by calling 1-800-846-2000. Prices exclude shipping, handling, and taxes unless otherwise stated. FINANCE/LEASE CUSTOMERS: Financing and leasing provided by independent lenders to qualified US residents only. REBATE OFFERS: For more information about rebate offers, log onto http://www.gateway.com/rebate or call 1-800-846-4208. © 2005 Gateway, Inc. All rights reserved. Trademarks used here in are trademarks or registered trademarks of Gateway, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. See important Microsoft activation requirements at http://www.gateway.com/ms-req

Quality Montel Aetnastak Steel Shelving: 20% Off!

Unique design allows quick and easy assembly and installation!

Store and display your books, magazines and all types of media on 16-gauge welded steel Montel Aetnastak Steel Shelving units. Montel’s versatile starter-adder system allows you to add more shelving as your needs change. Montel also makes periodical units, backstop shelving and media shelving. Or, design your own Montel Aetnastak shelving! Simply choose the welded frame height and color, select a base shelf, choose specialty shelves to create your own flexible arrangement, and add the finishing touch with canopies and end panels. You can also add Brodart slatwall, magnetic or wood end panels to complete the look of your Montel Steel shelving. Superior strength that lasts, great flexibility and good looks – that’s Montel Aetnastak Steel Shelving. See our complete selection on pages 438 to 446 in our full line catalog. Or, go online at http://www.shopbrodart.com/catalog/

Library Book Trucks – 20% Off!

Transport and Display Media in Quality Book Trucks from Brodart!

Look to Brodart for a book truck that fits your specific needs. Our selection includes book trucks made of wood, steel book trucks in a variety of colors, book trucks with your choice of flat or sloping shelves, book trucks that come set up or ready to assemble.

Brodart’s own brand of Champion Book Trucks are made of durable, all-welded 16-gauge steel with 20-gauge steel shelves that hold up to 100 lbs. per shelf – all with a superior finish that lasts. Plus, selected Brodart Book Trucks feature our exclusive Sound Dampening System that helps deter vibrations and noise.

For the complete book truck line, see pages 545-557 in our 2006 catalog or go online at www.shopbrodart.com.

For more information on products and services for MiCTA members from Brodart:

Call: 1-800-233-8467 ext. 4338
Click: www.shopbrodart.com/pricing/micta/
Fax: 1-800-578-1064
E-Mail: supplies.quotes@brodart.com

Check out these 2 great specials from Innovative Technologies Group

Switch Special

Security Special

Just For Fun

Badminton originated in the 19th century in what country?

1. India
2. Bangladesh
3. Malaysia
4. Portugal

“Orthodox” was the WWII code-name for what?

1. England
2. Aleutian Islands
3. The Japanese Island Chain
4. Guam

“The Real Deal” is the nickname of what 1990’s sports superstar?

1. Evander Holyfield
2. Michael Jordan
3. Jose Canseco
4. Patrick Roy

Brown University was originally called?

1. Rhode Island State University
2. Brown College
3. Rhode Island College
4. Independence College

PREVIOUS MICTA ALERTS

• February 2006

• January 2006

• December 2005

Alert Index