NITC.news


Monday, March 15,  2004

Monthly news update from the Nebraska Information Technology Commission


Heineman Appointed to National Council
Lt. Governor Dave Heineman was recently appointed to the national Homeland Security Advisory Council.
- News Release
- News Report


Nebrask@ Online Focuses on Digital Democracy
 Nebraska's official Web site continues to deliver new services that make it easier to interact with state government. Nebrask@ Online now offers automatic notifications of official events as well as the ability to track and provide comments on proposed rules and regulations over the Internet. 
- News Release







 ********************


 
  Communities

Internet users contribute content
A new study by the Pew Internet & American Life Project found that 44% of U.S. Internet users contribute online content.  

Public libraries help bridge digital divide
Toward Equality of Access, a new report from the Gates Foundation, documents the impact of public libraries in bridging the digital divide.   

WebJunction provides online support to libraries
Developed by the Online Computer Library Center with a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, WebJunction provides information and online support on technology-related issues.  Rural Libraries are WebJunction's focus for March.

Ainsworth librarian participates in Gates Foundation workshop
Gail Irwin participated in the “Sustaining Public Access in Rural Libraries” workshop sponsored by the Gates Foundation, identifying challenges and solutions for rural libraries.

Nebraska, Minnesota communities share success stories
The NITC Community Council sponsored a videoconference meeting to allow  Nebraska and Minnesota communities to share information on technology-related development activities.   

Meetings and conferences
 Telehealth Subcommittee, April 1, 10:00 AM, Lincoln
Community Council, May 17, 9:30 AM, Lincoln and videoconferencing sites

  Education

Bellevue High Schools utilize Teens for Tech Support

Governor announces April as Internet Safety Month

NTIA TOP grants program deadline is April 27, 2004

Abilene Internet2 upgrade is now four times faster than before

Some students in K-12 virtual schools not measuring up

EDUCAUSE releases Guide to Effective Security Practices

CoSN & ISTE launch Ed Tech Action Network

Georgia seeks SIS for state's 1.5M K-12 students

Michigan spends $68 million on laptops for K-12 students

The next Education Council Meeting will be held Friday, March 19, 2004 from 9:00 AM-12:00 PM CT in the All-American Room of the Weary Health and Fitness Center, Nebraska Wesleyan Campus, 53rd & Huntington, Lincoln, Nebraska. 

Upcoming Conferences
NETA, Omaha, NE, April 29-30, 2004
NDLA, Lincoln, NE, June 16-18, 2004
NECC, New Orleans, LA, June 20-23, 2004
MII, Lincoln, NE, July 26-27, 2004
CoSN, Washington, D.C., March 22-23, 2005

Other Conference Information: http://www.nitc.state.ne.us/itc/education/IT_conferences.htm

  State Government
nebAnnounce
A new service, called nebAnnounce, allows users to register for automatic e-mail notification of meetings posted to the the Nebraska Public Meeting Calendar. Users can select from a list of agencies to receive notification as meetings are added, updated, or deleted. 
- Memo to Agencies


Rules and Regulations Tracking System
Citizens and businesses now have the ability to track and provide comments on proposed rules and regulations over the Internet, with the Regulation Tracking System.
- News Release


Security Assessment
Beginning this month, the state will be conducting a vulnerability scan of the state’s network. This is a follow-up to the security assessment done last year. If agencies have any questions, contact Steve Schafer at (402) 471-4385 or slschafe@notes.state.ne.us.


Acceptable Use Policy Revised
The NITC has adopted a revised Acceptable Use Policy for the State Data Communications Network.


Nebraska Legislature
Click here to see a list of bills relating to information technology maintained by the NITC
Click here to visit the Nebraska Legislature Online site

 


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