This is a project intended for the Lifelong Learning and the Arts area of the Technology Opportunities Program. Mote Marine Laboratory's Distance Learning Program, SeaTrek, is an innovative program using the fascinating world of marine science to encourage and model student behavior in the use of technology. The program seeks to increase its community of delivery to two very underserved school districts in southwest Florida. The program primary components are: a threaded discussion site to allow students to communicate with the Mote educator and with each other in a productive, positive manner, activities designed to foster Internet research and scientific inquiry, and planned videoconferencing with the Mote distance learning science educator. The entire focus of the SeaTrek program is to provide underserved students, those qualifying as part of the digital divide, not only the tools of technology but also positive, planned activities to use the technology in a productive manner. SeaTrek is not another fancy video game or unsupervised chat room. SeaTrek introduces students to the world of marine science, to the world of real Internet research, and to the activities of a prominent marine science research laboratory and aquarium. The outcomes of the program will be measured changes in student use and perception of technology.
