NEW YORK, NY -- Nov. 11, 2002 -- LearningTimes today announced the public opening of its free online community for education professionals at http://www.learningtimes.org. The online venue for peer-based professional development and interaction kicks off its inaugural season with a series of live interactive webcasts from Long Beach, CA, on November 18, 2002.

Members of the LearningTimes community experience a full spectrum of real-time and on-demand communications tools, including its hallmark "voice debates", asynchronous voice-based discussion boards on timely learning-related topics. Other features include traditional discussion boards moderated by industry thought leaders; instant messaging; group calendars and event listings; team working areas; surveys; and places to upload, annotate, collaborate on and publish documents, images and applications.

"The best learning does not happen when people merely connect with interesting content," said Jonathan Finkelstein, founder and Executive Producer of the online community. "The best learning moments happen when people connect with other people. That's what LearningTimes is all about. Virtual classroom and interactive webcast environments will play a key role, providing resources for live and recorded special events, seminars, meetings, and real-time group discussion."

LearningTimes' first live interactive webcasts will originate from the League for Innovation in the Community College Conference on Information Technology, on November 18-19, 2002. Industry thought leaders will respond to public questions and comments from around the globe, and address current issues in integrating technology into instruction. A full calendar of events is available at http://www.learningtimes.org.

The LearningTimes community is made possible completely through industry sponsorship, including support from the League for Innovation in the Community College, Macromedia, the World Education Market, ULiveandLearn.com, Wimba and Public Television Station WHYY.

Editorial direction for the community is provided by an accomplished Editorial Board, including: Farimah Schuerman of KnowledgeQuest Education Group, Amanda Antico of HEKATE, Paul Stacey of Simon Fraser University, and John Ittelson of CSU Monterey Bay. Advisory Board members, who provide invaluable guidance to LearningTimes, include: Matthew Pittinsky of Blackboard Inc., Marina Leight of Converge magazine, Dick Parsons of Columbia Teachers College, Denise Easton of ULiveandLearn.com, and Ted Kahn of DesignWorlds for Learning.

About LearningTimes

The LearningTimes community (http://www.learningtimes.org) is produced by LearningTimes, LLC, an organization that designs and produces online learning communities, programs, and events, for cultural and educational institutions, non-profit organizations, associations, and membership groups. LearningTimes, LLC also provides the platforms, applications and promotional expertise that ensure success. Clients and partners include: The New York City Board of Education, The League for Innovation in the Community College, New Visions for Public Schools, the New York Transit Museum, the Academy of American Poets, Philadelphia's PBS/NPR affiliate WHYY, The 92nd Street Y, and Columbia University Teachers College. For more information about joining, or building a LearningTimes community, contact LearningTimes at 212-420-6052, or visit http://www.learningtimes.net.

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