Former U.S. Department of Education Expert Linda Roberts Appointed To Classroom Connect Board of Directors
Brisbane, Calif. — Dr. Linda Roberts, former director of the Office of Educational Technology for the federal Department of Education, was appointed today to the Board of Directors of Classroom Connect, Inc., a leading provider of Internet-based curriculum and professional development for K-12 education. Roberts will use the unique expertise she gained as the point person for education technology under the Clinton administration to further Classroom Connects mission — developing innovative uses of technology designed to improve the quality of American education.
“I’ve had the great opportunity to meet educators around the country who are using technology in innovative ways. This experience has reinforced the fact that teachers are key to the effective use of technology in education,” said Roberts. “Classroom Connect understands the needs of these teachers and delivers market-leading online curriculum and professional development services that help schools across the country realize the promise of technology in the classroom.”
“Classroom Connect will benefit from Lindas education technology expertise, track record of leadership and first-hand experience as an educator,” added Judith Hamilton, CEO of Classroom Connect. “Linda shares our commitment to helping K-12 students nationwide develop 21st-century skills by harnessing the power of the Internet. Her contributions and expertise in educational technology will further differentiate us as the leader in online professional development and curriculum programs.”
Roberts’ appointment coincides with todays announcement that Joan Fenwick, national director of the AT&T Learning Network, AT&T’s award-winning commitment to improving teaching and learning through the effective use of technology, also is joining Classroom Connect’s Board of Directors. The appointments reflect the company’s commitment to the nations teachers and students as the worlds of technology and education continue to converge.
Dr. Roberts is widely recognized for her work to improve the quality of education nationwide. As the special adviser on technology to the secretary of the Department of Education, Dr. Roberts headed up the Office of Educational Technology from its inception in September 1993 to January 2001. She was responsible for coordinating the departments technology programs, growing the technology budget to more than $900 million annually. During the years 1981 to 1993 Roberts also directed three landmark studies on the use of technology in education for the Congressional Office of Technology Assessment.
Dr. Roberts was named Technology Educator of the Decade by Electronic Learning Magazine and was the recipient of the of the Smithsonian/Computerworld Award for Leadership in Education, the ISTE Pioneer Award, the Federal 100 Award, and the U.S. Distance Learning Association’s Eagle Award for outstanding contributions to public policy. She began her career as an elementary classroom teacher and reading specialist in Ithaca, N.Y. and Brookline, Mass.
About Classroom Connect
Classroom Connect, Inc. (http//:www.classroom.com), is a privately held Internet company that develops and markets original, Web-based curriculum products and teacher professional development programs for the K-12 education community. Its partners include some of the nations most respected organizations, including the American Museum of Natural History, the Library of Congress and NASA. Classroom Connect has more than 175 employees in five offices nationwide, with headquarters in Brisbane, CA. For more information, visit Classroom Connects Web site at www.classroom.com, or call (650) 351-5100.
