For fifteen years, the Center for Children and Technology (CCT) of the Education Development Center (EDC) has been at the forefront of creating and researching new ways to foster learning and improve teaching through the development and thoughtful implementation of new educational technologies. CCT has extensive knowledge of multiple technologies, including: Inter- and Intranet systems; distance learning applications, large systems in computer labs, and stand-alone software on individual computers. CCT's work is centered in three areas: research, including basic, formative, and program evaluation; design and development of innovative technology prototypes and products; and the study and support of implementation and operation of large-scale technology integration efforts.

CCT is currently in its third year of a three-year evaluation of PTK. Throughout this evaluation, CCT has worked with Passport to Knowledge (PTK) staff and the educators and the learners that use the materials to help guide the project's development, examine the challenges facing it, and document its achievements. We have provided feedback to project staff to encourage an iterative relationship between the project development and our evaluative lens. Concurrently we are looking at PTK as a research opportunity to gather knowledge about new ways to deploy educational technologies to create meaningful learning experiences for students and teachers. Our research perspective is that of a "critical friend" rather than the more traditional lens of the impartial external evaluator.

For more information about CCT/EDC, please visit our website at "http://www.edc.org/CCT"