Terry Munther

"While all venues of education have benefited from technology, perhaps none have benefited more than rural schools. Because of technology, educational opportunity and access no longer have to follow time and place. Today, students in Selkirk or Northport can tap the same educational resources as students in urban areas. Looking ahead, I only see the opportunities getting larger, the equipment getting smaller and the costs going lower. Future classrooms will continue to be equipped with technology that hasn't even been invented yet. These technologies will be used in ways that are unimaginable to us today. As technology becomes a seamless part of the future classroom, our goal must remain constant– to enhance and equalize opportunity for all students."

(ESD 101 is one of the nation's largest and most experienced providers of distance learning. The agency operates the STEPStar instructional television network, melding satellite, cable and computer technology to produce live, interactive education for students in six time zones. In its 15th year, STEPStar produces science education, foreign languages, alternative education, literacy programming and professional development from studios in Spokane. The programs travel to more than 2 million homes and schools around the nation.)

Did You Hear Edward James Olmos?

If you didn't see and hear this nationally known Hispanic actor when he came to Eastern, it may be that you didn't know he was coming here at all. One of the greatest benefits of a college campus are the large number of free or inexpensive activities going on! Speakers who would normally charge a hefty fee or only appear at large, arena-sized venues, will come to speak at college campuses.

Now you can more easily take advantage of college campus events like these:

• Hear great speakers like Olmos, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., or Danny Glover in an intimate, informal setting.

• Enjoy a beautiful holiday concert without spending your whole paycheck or fighting traffic.

• Enjoy college sports at their best without huge parking hassles.

You and your family can now enjoy the many low-cost, high-quality educational and entertainment possibilities at EWU.