The Role of the Internet in Training Today's Workforce: April 10, 2002
Experts Discuss the Role of the Internet in Training Today's Workforce
Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee Host First Panel in a Series of E-Learning Policy Events
Overview | Video | Panelist Biographies
Washington, D.C. April 10, 2002 - Leaders of the Congressional Internet Caucus today kicked off the E-Learning Policy Series with an examination of the Internet's promise in the training and development of America's workforce. The E-Learning series will continue with additional events on E-Learning in K-12 Education and in Higher Education. These three events will raise Congressional awareness and understanding of the enormous potential for Internet-enabled education and training.
Today's "Workforce Training" discussion highlighted the Internet's critical role in creating a more flexible, 21st Century workforce. The expert panel representing innovators such as Accenture, Defense Acquisition University, Indeliq and SmartForce agreed that the Internet can play a critical role in quickly and efficiently training Americans to adapt to new workplace skills requirements.
Senator Conrad Burns kicked off the series noting, "Distance learning was my motivation for becoming involved in communications in the first place. Through distance learning, Americans in Manhattan, Montana have the same opportunities available to them as Americans in Manhattan, New York. I remain committed to the goal of ensuring that all our Nation has access to the tools they need for future success." Congressman Johnny Isakson, who co-chaired the Congressionally appointed Web-Based Education Commission, closed the event remarking, "The power of the Internet to transform the education experience is awe-inspiring. As legislators and community leaders, we have the responsibility to develop policies that will enhance, not frustrate, learning."
The E-Learning program was originally scheduled for September 11, 2001 but postponed due to the tragic events of that morning. The series is hosted by the Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee in conjunction with the Internet Caucus and its Co-Chairs -- Senators Leahy and Burns and Congressmen Goodlatte and Boucher. The E-Learning Task Force of the Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee is chaired by Pat Portway, President of the International Internet Learning Association and Edward An, Deputy Director at AOL Time Warner. Portway explained the event as "a further educational program to expose Members of Congress and their staff to some of the more successful educational programs that are running in the country."
About the Internet Caucus Advisory Committee
www.netcaucus.org
The Advisory Committee to the Internet Caucus is a diverse group of public interest, non-profit and industry groups working to educate the Congress and the public about important Internet-related policy issues. With participation from Members of the Caucus and logistical support from the Internet Education Foundation, the Advisory Committee hosts regular forums to discuss important Internet-related policy issues. Since its founding, the Advisory Committee has built a membership of over 190 organizations from a broad cross-section of the public interest community and the Internet industry. Additional information, including an updated membership list, is available at http://www.netcaucus.org.
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