Beyond Boundaries conference is set for Oct. 2-3 The seventh annual Beyond Boundaries: Integrating Technology into Teaching and Learning conference is set for Oct. 2-3 at the UND Memorial Union. The conference is designed to promote discussion about innovative practices using technology in teaching and learning in higher education. Early bird registration deadline is Friday, Sept. 19. Visit www.beyondboundaries.info for more information and to register. Save $25 if you register before Sept. 19. WHO SHOULD ATTEND? "Beyond Boundaries" highlights regional faculty and administrators' experiences and successes with technology in various learning environments. Conference sessions apply to those with beginner, intermediate and advanced knowledge about e-learning and are targeted for those involved in higher education, such as: * faculty and administration * undergraduate and graduate level students * distance education professionals * instructional designers * instructional and information technology support specialists * student service representatives * K-12 educators WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND? * LEARN by attending your choice of more than 30 information-packed professional development sessions designed to give you successful strategies for implementing technology into teaching and learning. * ENHANCE your knowledge of e-learning by comparing online and traditional classroom delivery outcomes. * NETWORK with more than 200 peers, colleagues and leaders in higher education from the upper Midwest and Canada. * PROFIT from the brightest minds in the e-learning industry who will share their experiences, successes and challenges in using technology in a higher education environment. * EXAMINE the latest products and services of companies who offer hardware, educational software and web activities that enhance e-learning. * RELAX and enjoy food, fun, friends and artwork at the Beyond Boundaries reception held at the Ina Mae Rude Entrepreneur Center from 5:45 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2. * BENEFIT from the experience of over 30 colleagues who have first-hand knowledge on the issues you face by integrating technology into teaching and learning. * GAIN enough in-depth information to effectively implement new technology into your teaching strategies. * EXPLORE how to use the newest technology in your classroom by attending the product demonstrations provided by leading technology vendors. * RENEW your enthusiasm for the endless possibilities technology can play in higher education by attending the "Technology Tidbits" session. * DEVELOP new working relationships that will assist you in your pursuit to improve the use of technology in your teaching. KEYNOTES: Gerard L. Hanley, executive director of MERLOT (Multimedia Educational Resource for Learning and Online Teaching at www.merlot.org) and senior director for academic technology services for the California State University, Office of the Chancellor. At MERLOT, he directs the development and sustainability of MERLOTs innovative services and consortium of higher education systems and institutions, professional societies, corporations, and other digital libraries. At the CSU, Hanley oversees the development and implementation of system-wide academic technology initiatives and integrated electronic library resources supporting CSUs 23 campuses. He previously held positions in the CSU include professor of psychology, director of faculty development and director of strategic planning. Thomasine Heitkamp currently serves as the chair of the Department of Social Work at the University of North Dakota. As chair, she administers graduate and undergraduate degree-granting distance education programs. Heitkamp has been involved in distance education work for over 20 years and has experienced the advantages, pitfalls and risks when moving curricula outside the boundaries of an on-campus learning environment. Her pioneer efforts in coordinating a distance program from 1989 to 1992 assisted the University of North Dakota/Department of Social Work in offering the first distance social work degree in the United States from an accredited social work program. The program was offered over the North Dakota Interactive Video Network. Her work with distance education programs has provided a variety of memorable experiences, including spending time on icy roads reaching out to students, who resided several miles from campus, to working with the social work accreditation agency to create legitimacy for distance degrees. This work resulted in numerous publications addressing the many lessons learned and numerous national and international presentations. Her research focus is engaged in thoughtful design, delivery and evaluation of distance education programs to assure quality. CONFERENCE FEES: Cost is $125 to attend the two-day conference for participants. Students may register for $50. Your fee includes all materials and instruction, as well as continental breakfasts, lunches, and refreshment breaks. FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER: Visit www.beyondboundaries.info for a detailed schedule, conference fees and to register. Or you may call UND Office of Professional Services at 701-777-2663 or 866-579-2663. You can also e-mail us at conferences@mail.und.nodak.edu. The conference is sponsored and planned by the University of North Dakota. Please forward this information to other interested colleagues. -- UND Office of Professional Services, Skalicky Tech Incubator.