IDSolutions is pleased to present IDeaS, your source for the best and brightest in distance learning information and content acquisition.

Like you, we've recognized the incredible potential videoconferencing technology has for expanding your resources and providing unique, educational experiences for your students. We've also recognized the frustration teachers and technology coordinators alike face trying to find those ever growing and changing videoconferencing resources and content programs. So… we've done the work for you!

It's All Here… and It's All-Good!
IDeaS is a comprehensive distance learning resource tool. It is a dynamic, user-friendly, interactive instrument that brings together educators and content providers, and shares updated and timely information. IDSolutions realizes the time constraints both educators and content providers face in finding or distributing content information. So we've provided an easy, one-stop distance learning shop.

Search the IDeaS Content Provider Directory for the most comprehensive listing of people and organizations providing distance learning programs. Museums, zoos, performing art centers, health care institutions, civic organizations, education communities, and research centers are just a few of the types of providers you'll find here. And finding them is easy. You can search by name, location, or organization type. Once you find the provider in the directory, you'll find all sorts of information about them including: an organizational summary, a distance learning programming overview, location and contact information, even the technical and logistical requirements needed for connection.

Or…you can go right to the IDeaS Program Directory and start exploring the most exciting K-12 distance learning events in the country. IDeaS can search by event name, content provider, subject area, event format, and grade level. It can even search for programs offered anytime on-demand or by specific dates and times. And of course, we haven't forgotten the importance of making sure these programs align to the competencies you are required to teach to. Therefore, each program is cross-referenced with the national educational standards the content provider feels they best represent.

And the program directory isn't just limited to events for your students. Professional development workshops, seminars, and presentations for teachers, administrators, and technology coordinators are included as well. We want to make sure our education professionals have as much opportunity to learn and grow as the students they serve.

On Your Mark, Get Set, GO!
As a BASIC or GROUP MEMBER, you have complete access to the Content Provider Directory, the Program Directory, "100 Watts"-- the IDeaS newsletter, and all the many other features included on the Member's page. Simply find the information you need listed in the directory, make the contact to the listed event/program coordinator, verify the program availability and you're ready to go. CONTENT COORDINATION MEMBERS have it even easier. Simply find the program you want, hit the "register" button, and we do the rest. We contact the event/program coordinator, verify availability, and schedule the program with the provider. All you do is prepare your students. We'll even take care of any program fees!

And IDeaS members aren't just the educators requesting the content; they're also the folks that create and deliver it. All IDeaS content providers have editing access to the program directory-- allowing for constant updates and additions. Therefore, the information is kept current, fresh, and exciting. In addition, the IDeaS staff is constantly searching for new provider organizations and events. Hence, you'll always find the newest and most inviting content.

Collaboration…Get Your Collaboration Here!
IDeaS expands its resources with each new teacher member who joins. With interactive features such as the Member's Message Center, the Collaboration Team, and the Forum, you can find other school and provider educators to share ideas with, launch collaborations, expand your professional growth, and even initiate your own original distance learning content.

We're Going Where?… And Doing What?
Speaking of original distance learning content, IDSolutions is proud to offer the IDeaS Content Series. Here you will find programs and events available ONLY through the IDeaS site. How do we know you won't find it anywhere else? Because we're developing it! We realize that students and teachers shouldn't be limited to connections to those places with videoconferencing equipment on-site, or to those organizations with the resources to develop and deliver their own programming. We also recognize that anyone with a desired expertise or any place that offers a unique learning experience can and should be a content provider. It's just a matter of logistics. So, we're taking people to the equipment or we're taking the equipment to the locations-and YOU get the benefit. Our education staff is enlisting the efforts of a variety of "experts", non-traditional content providing organizations, and K-12 educators and students to create and deliver original programs that will enrich and enhance your curriculum. Author/Illustrator Chats, Career Explorations, Current Event Debates, even a 2002 Winter Olympics Extravaganza are just a sample of the types of programs that are or will be available. Many of these events even contain a student project element so that your class can collaborate, share, and learn from peers across the nation.

We've Been In The Trenches Too!
Best of all, IDeaS is designed and supported by a team of education professionals just like you. Our staff of former classroom teachers and distance learning educators truly recognizes and value your commitment to teaching and learning. Therefore, you can be assured we will always have you and your students' best interest at hand. We will do our best to ensure all IDeaS programs and events maintain the highest level of academic integrity. We will also listen. So share with us your success stories and your inspirations for distance learning. Tell us what events, innovations, or initiatives you would like to see. We'll do our best to make those thoughts a reality!

So get started! Use our IDeaS to help bring your ideas to life!

Want to find out more about the different features of IDeaS? Go to the Member's Preview. Interested in joining right now? Find out how to subscribe.