Walden University, an accredited online distance-learning institution, recently teamed up with Newsweek magazine to host a panel discussion about the emerging trends of technology in the classroom. The panel discussion, titled "Wireless and Well Prepared: The E-mergence of Technology in the Classroom," was held in the Holeman Lounge of the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 5. The event concluded with a brief reception and discussion with panelists.

"As a leader in online higher education, Walden University understands how important the role of technology is to students in the learning process," said Jonathan A. Kaplan, J.D., the president of Walden University, who also gave opening remarks at the forum. "This was an excellent opportunity to highlight how technology in the classroom has helped administrators, teachers, and all educators better teach today's students."

Newsweek senior editor and "The Technologist" columnist Steven Levy moderated the discussion with the following panelists:

Amy Klobuchar
U.S. Senator, D-Minn.
Member, Subcommittee on Science, Technology and Innovation
Elected in November 2006, Sen. Amy Klobuchar has participated in several legislative initiatives, such as strengthening the ethics rules in Congress, expanding opportunities for the middle class, protecting American consumers, and promoting energy independence. She serves on four committees: Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry; Environment and Public Works; Commerce, Science and Transportation; and Joint Economic. Prior to her Senate election, Klobuchar served eight years as chief prosecutor for Minnesota's largest county.

Dr. David Thornburg
Founder and director, Global Operations, the Thornburg Center
Faculty, Walden University
An award-winning futurist, author and consultant, Dr. David Thornburg is a senior fellow of the Congressional Institute for the Future, where he conducts research and provides staff development in education, multimedia and communications. He is the author of Campfires in Cyberspace, which explores the true nature of the World Wide Web as a tool for learning.

Walter Bender
President, Software and Content, One Laptop Per Child Foundation
In his work with the One Laptop Per Child Foundation, Walter Bender is helping to develop and deploy technologies that will revolutionize how the world's children engage in learning. He previously served as the executive director of the MIT Media Laboratory, which he also helped to found. While at MIT, Bender was a senior research scientist and director of the Electronic Publishing Group and engaged in the study of new information technologies and the field of personalized interactive media.

Mary Cullinane
Director, U.S. Partners in Learning, Microsoft Corp.
Mary Cullinane was a teacher for 10 years prior to helping establish EdGate.com, an Internet startup that developed online distance-learning communities for schools. While at EdGate.com, she managed the user experience and helped to build strategic business initiatives. She joined Microsoft in 2000 to manage the Anytime, Anywhere Learning program. Three years later, she oversaw the creation of the School of the Future in West Philadelphia. She is currently responsible for Microsoft's U.S. Partners in Learning initiative, which focuses on expanding the digital presence in the United States.

Steven Levy
Senior Editor, Newsweek
Steven Levy joined Newsweek in 1995 as a contributing editor and columnist, and was promoted a year later to a senior editor and chief technology writer. He covers industry strategies, policy issues, and trends and products. In 2004, he started a weekly column called "The Technologist," in which he focuses on trends, news, personalities and oddities. His Newsweek columns have won numerous awards over the years, and his articles and opinion pieces have appeared in such publications as The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, Harper's and Premiere.

A webcast of the forum is archived and available for future reference from the online university at www.WaldenU.edu/c/About/OnlineForm_NewsweekForum.aspx

About Walden University

Since 1970, Walden University has offered working professionals the opportunity to earn advanced degrees online through distance learning. This comprehensive, accredited online university now offers master's and doctoral degrees in education, psychology, management, public policy and administration, and health and human services, as well as master's programs in engineering and IT and bachelor's completion programs in business. Walden University is a member of the Laureate International Universities network, the largest global network of accredited campus-based and online universities.

For more information, visit www.WaldenU.edu

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org ; 312-263-0456.

Contact:

Ana Sanchez
410-843-8083
Walden University
www.WaldenU.edu