University Times

Bell Atlantic will present Pitt with a grant to support "Teaming Up: Pitt and Pennsylvania Schools," a project to develop strategies to improve education through collaboration.

Grant money will be used to develop academic and support materials for school districts in Armstrong, McKean, Washington and Fayette counties, as well as the Allegheny Intermediate Unit. Diane Davis, director of the Center for Instructional Development and Distance Education, will administer the project.

"This project enables the University to use emerging technological linkages to share academic programs and resources with Pennsylvania schools," Davis said.

With interactive television, for example, schools might use a Pitt biologist, historian or musician to conduct a seminar for a high school class. Interactive television and computer links might enable teachers to participate in a Pitt graduate class.

Needs addressed by the project include:

* Courses, programs and course enhancements for advanced high school students.

* Degree courses, continuing education and in-service opportunities for teachers.

* Programs for residents and organizations within the school district's community.

"Teaming Up" has been designed to develop, implement and evaluate prototype programs in primary need areas. Along with interactive television, the project will promote use of the Internet and World Wide Web.