INFORMATIONAL

  The Six-Year Educational Technology Plan for Virginia
  contains recommendations and language to support the
  installation of compatible, reliable, and cost-efficient
  network systems in schools and the identification of the
  best practices for these networks.  The Division of
  Technology began a series of forums in April 1996 to bring
  to school technology coordinators and decision makers a
  panel of service providers from the business community to
  debate issues such as appropriate applications of copper,
  coax, and fiber for retrofitting or selection of Appletalk,
  Novell Netware, or Microsoft Windows NT operating systems.
  
  A second one-day forum (10 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.) is being
  developed for the last week in August 1996.  The content of
  this forum will center around choices of fiber, twisted
  pair, coaxial, and hybrid cabling backbones in new and old
  school buildings.  In addition, network topology issues as
  they relate to choice of medium will be covered.  The second
  forum, unlike the first, will include afternoon sessions for
  small groups and individuals to discuss pertinent problems. 
  Panelists will be available to provide assistance in these
  sessions.  Panelists will include representatives from
  businesses such as AMP, Computer Cabling and Telephone, and
  Bell Atlantic - all recommended by school divisions
  knowledgeable about the quality of their services.
  
  The date of the forum and a registration form will be sent
  later.  A broadcast video-recording is being planned for the
  panel discussion for those who are unable to participate.
  
  Questions should be directed to Ida J. Hill, Division Chief,
  Technology Division at (804) 225-2757 or E-Mail
  ihill@pen.k12.va.us.
  
  WCBJr./psw