Megaconference Jr., now in its 9th year, is an international program designed to give students in elementary through secondary schools around the world the opportunity to communicate, collaborate and contribute to each other's learning in real time, using advanced multi-point video conferencing technology. Video Jockey (VJ) teams and their interactive partners will develop and share activities focused on both academic and cultural issues. The teams will collaborate with geographically diverse peers on authentic learning activities, thus building international cultural awareness. Participants viewing the days events will be able to address questions to the presenters through a special Megaconference Jr. social networking site.

Megaconference Jr. addresses local and national curriculum standards in multiple subject areas. It will also help students and teachers develop the capacity to effectively utilize high-speed networks, videoconferencing and other emerging technologies to enhance learning experiences.

Megaconference Jr. is open to K-20 classrooms all around the world. It is designed to be "student-driven" thus we encourage students to do the planning and presenting on their own, with support from their teachers, coach and/or experts in the field to help them through the process.

Classes can participate in different ways:

1. Sign-up to be a VJ team (Contact Kim Owen at Kim.Owen@ndsu.edu)
2. Register to be an interactive participating site with one of the VJ teams
3. Watch the event via the live stream and interact with the presenters using the MegaJr social networking site. If you can't make it on May 3, there will also be an archive of the event posted on this website.

VJ's and interactives will need to have access to the Internet2 High Speed Research and Education Network in the US (or equivalent high-speed networks in countries outside the US that link to Internet2) at their schools or at a local university where they can participate. They will also need appropriate IP based (H.323) video conferencing capabilities and equipment.

Internet2 University members, RONs, SEGPs, international MoU partners and appropriate governmental and educational agencies will be involved in providing high speed connectivity, videoconferencing facilities, technical support and other services to the K-12 participants.

This year's event will run from 7 am until 7 pm EST (UTC-5). The 12-hour duration will make it possible for schools from many time zones to participate.