Senate Community Budget Issue Requests - Tracking Id #2300 SeaTrek Distance Learning Program
Requester:	Dr. Kumar Mahadevan		Organization:		Mote Marine Lab
Project Title:	SeaTrek Distance Learning Program		Date Submitted:		01/31/2000 2:16:48 PM
District Member:	John McKay		Service Area:		Statewide
Counties Affected:	Sarasota
Recipient:	Mote Marine Lab		Contact:		Bill Griffin
	1600 Ken Thompson Parkway		Contact Phone:		(941) 727-6349
	Sarasota 34236
Project Description:
SeaTrek, Mote Marine Laboratory's Distance Learning Program, works to increase student interest and achievement in science and technology by connecting students with the Laboratory and Aquarium, where they can interact with real world science and scientists. More scientists and educaors teach students about current topics in marine science research via videoconferencing technology that connects directly with the classroom. Videoconferencing classes enable a highly interactive experience for students that encompasses a career mentoring component as well as shared lab activities. Interactive videoconferences and content units developed by the program cover the broad range of research programs ongoing at Mote.
Services Provided/Benefit to State:
SeaTrek creates opportunities for students to experience science and technology education within the real world context. Students are put in the "drivers seat" to become scientific primary investigators on collaborative inquiry projects on a variety of current research topics. Videoconferencing is supplemented by curriculum units, websites with discussion groups and online technology tutorials for students and teachers. Content units are aligned with National and Sunshine State Science Education Standards and National Math and Technology standards. Technology training classes for teachers cover a variety technologies which the teacher will use to implement the program in the classroom.
Measurable Outcome Anticipated:
N/A
Amount requested from the State for this project this year:				$1,000,000
Total cost of the project:		$1,314,000

Request has been made to fund:			Operations
Is there Local Government or Private match for this request?				Yes
	Cash Amount:	$314,000
Was this project previously funded by the State?				No
Is future-year funding likely to be requested?				No
Was this project included in an Agency's Budget Request?				Yes
	Agency:	Education, Department Of, And Commissioner Of Education
Was this project included in the Governor's Recommended Budget?				Yes
Is there a documented need for this project?				Unknown
Was this project request heard before a publicly noticed meeting of a body of elected officials (municipal, county, or state)?				Yes
	Hearing Body:	Manatee & Sarasota Legislative Delegation
	Meeting Date:	09/30/1999