eLearning, conferencing, collaboration and social networking technologies are enabling new global relationships and new models for learning that are dramatically changing the way we educate, communicate and conduct business in the Global Economy. Get engaged in developing policies and strategies to position Arizona as a leader in creating, delivering and adopting these technologies and services!

Workshops
Adoption of eLearning in Arizona K-12 Schools, Community Colleges and Universities
eLearning Enterprise Business Development
Inclusion of eLearning in Arizona Workforce Development strategies
Adoption of eLearning and Collaboration Technologies in the Workplace
eLearning Research in Arizona

Keynotes and Presentations
A dynamic Keynote panel will explore our conference theme, eLearning and Collaboration in the Global Economy.
A Lunch panel will discuss Policy and Strategy Implications for Web 2.0 and Social Networking in Education and the Workplace
Updates on What’s Happening with eLearning in Arizona

Networking and Showcase
Engage in the Tech Expo showcasing the latest technology innovations and services
Experience hands-on demonstrations of the One Laptop Per Child networked XO computers.
Meet Arizona eLearning leaders and innovators throughout the day
Discuss the results of GAZeL’s eLearning Research Survey
Attend the Arizona Technology Council After5 Reception and Networking Event

Register for this important Arizona education, workforce, and economic development event!
Sponsor opportunities are available at http://gazel.us/sponsors.
Visit http://www.gazel.us/summit08 for more information.

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An Affordable, Durable and Portable Laptop? It’s True!
The popular appeal of the OLPC XO and the ASUS Eee PC are making the news. See exciting live demonstrations of the new “little” laptops at the GAZeL summit. The Eee PC’s appearance on one of Amazon's bestseller lists is a critical milestone. The XO’s popularity is equally rising internationally. Open Source applications and Internet connectivity have become good enough that local storage and processing matter less. The new technology is fostering a new generation of popular, highly mobile laptops under $500. There is more to learn about these laptops, including:

• users groups and forums to support the new technology
• efforts to integrate the new technology with child left behind
• professional development activities to help with technology implementation
• resources to teach your school about the new technology

OLPC (One Laptop Per Child):
The OLPC Linux Based Laptop Wins International Design Award.
http://www.linuxelectrons.com/news/mobile/11401/olpc-linux-based-laptop-wins-international-design-award

COPENHAGEN, Denmark – Yesterday, the Linux based One Laptop Per Child was presented an INDEX: AWARD for winning the Community category.

The INDEX: AWARD is presented every other year, and in addition to the glory, each award comes with a €100 000 prize. INDEX: AWARD operates with five categories, which refer to the context for which the designs are intended: body, home, work, play and community. 99 % of children in developing countries leave school without having touched a computer. Without a computer-literate population, developing countries will continue to struggle to compete in a rapidly evolving, global information economy.

The One Laptop per Child (OLPC) foundation aims to provide every child in developing countries with a laptop, but given the resources that developing countries can reasonably allocate to education, the design team behind the XO, also known as the $100 laptop, had to create an affordable, yet technically advanced solution.

The XO Laptop is about the size of a textbook and lighter than a lunchbox, making it easy for children to carry. XO is designed to be used in parts of the world where many classes are taught outside, and therefore it is sunlight-readable as well as shock and moisture resistant. In order for students to interact, a mobile ad-hoc network allows many machines to gain internet access from one connection and a maze-network connects all the laptops within reach. The XO can be hand-powered and comes with at least two of three options: A crank, a pedal, or a pull-cord. Plus, it features enhanced battery management for an extended recharge-cycle lifetime. Click here for information about the OLPC XO.

ASUS
A scrappy, aggressively priced 2-pound notebook with a surprisingly broad set of features, Eee is a no-brainer purchase for tech- knowledgeable travelers who want to downsize their luggage at low cost. It also makes a great gift, at least as practical as Apple Inc.'s iPhone and about the same price. Click here for more information about ASUS.

GAZeL-A-Ganza Gala & Golf!
Gala - May 1st, 2008 - Radisson Fort McDowell Resort
Golf - May 2nd, 2008 - We-Ko-Pa Resort & Casino
More at http://gazel.us/golf

Why is GAZeL Involved?
Because the mission of our organization is to “affect the adoption of eLearning and 21st century education in our Arizona schools and beyond.”
Why Should Your Company be Involved?
Because all proceeds from the GAZeL-a-Ganza Gala and Golf event go directly towards purchasing OLPC (One Laptop per Child ) computers, as well as teacher training and support. They will go to schools and reservations in the Greater Arizona area.

GAZeL-a-Ganza Sponsorship
Our first goal from the net proceeds of this event is to... PURCHASE 100 LAPTOPS!

The Greater Arizona eLearning Association, affiliated with the Global Literacy Foundation, a 501(c)(3), non-profit, charitable organization, is very proud to kick-off this year’s initiative to bring laptops to the schools in the Greater Arizona marketplace.

What Can You Expect?
The GAZeL-a-Ganza Gala and Golf fundraiser brings together the right ingredients to make it a successful event:

• The most prominent business leaders, legislators, company owners, guests, and friends who support literacy in the Greater Arizona area
• A dinner on May 1st, at the award winning Radisson Fort McDowell Resort
• A golf tournament on May 2nd, at the We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, voted one of America’s Top 10 New Public courses by Golf Digest, January, 2008
• A magnificent silent auction, trips, trophies, and other such things
• Inclusion in all outside marketing materials and public relations exposure as well as on-site signage, logo representation, program ads, and much more.
• And of course, the unveiling of the OLPC

How Can You or Your Company Get Involved?

This event is presented by the Greater Arizona eLearning Association, Global Literacy Foundation, Intramedia Solutions, ITT Technical Institute, and The Training Place, Inc.

Thank You!
We “Thank You” for your consideration and support of this event. We know a dinner and golf tournament are not new. And, we also recognize that you are probably asked to participate as a sponsor a lot throughout the year. Our hope is that this opportunity to sponsor the One Laptop per Child initiative will support your mission as a company.

This event supports literacy. It helps children who might not have the opportunity to own or even use a computer have the ability to communicate, create, and inch closer towards becoming a part of the technological culture responsible for producing good citizens for the future of Arizona.

Please contact me for further information or with special requests.
We hope you will join us this year on Thursday, May 1^st and Friday, May 2^nd for the GAZeL-a-Ganza Gala and Golf.

Sincerely,

Alex Devereux
GAZeL-a-Ganza Gala and Golf
President, Chair
Phone: 602-451-3642
Email: devereux7 [at] gmail [dot] com" target="_blank">devereux7 [at] gmail [dot] com

What’s on Your Mind?
Do you have ideas, concerns, interests or needs relating to eLearning? What would you like to see and how can GAZeL fill your eLearning needs? Do you have conference ideas or want to share experiences? Join the discussions in the GAZeL Community Forums at: http://www.gazel.us/forum